Indiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Indiana HB1318: Physical examinations in CHINS investigations.
Status: In committee, January 22, 2026
Provides that if the department of child services (department) receives a report of known or suspected abuse of a child who is less than five years of age, a department caseworker: (1) shall physically examine the child's head, face, arms, legs, chest, and back for bruises or contusions; and (2) if the caseworker finds evidence of abuse, shall: (A) immediately take the child into custody; (B) cause color photographs to be taken of the areas of trauma visible on the child, unless a law enforcement agency is obligated to do so; (C) cause a medical examination of the child to be performed; and (D) if medically indicated, cause a radiological examination of the child to be performed. Provides that if the department receives a report of known or suspected abuse of a child who is not less than five years of age, the department may have a: (1) health screening; or (2) medical examination; of the child conducted. Provides that the department is responsible for the cost of the health screening or medical examination.
What the bill says
A bill FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning family law and juvenile law.
From the introduced text:
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning family law and juvenile law. SECTION 1. IC 31-33-8-3, AS AMENDED BY P.L.131-2009, SECTION 44, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 3. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), If a child who is the subject of a report under this chapter is less than five (5) years of age, a department caseworker: (1) shall physically examine the child's head, face, arms, legs, chest, and back for bruises or contusions; and (2) if the caseworker finds evidence of abuse under subdivision (1), shall: (A) immediately take the child into custody under IC 31-34-2-3; (B) except as provided in subsection (c), cause color photographs to be taken of the areas of trauma visible on the child; (C) cause a medical examination of the child to be performed; and (D) if medically indicated, cause a radiological examination 2026 IN 1318--LS 7037/DI of the child to be performed. (b) If a child who is the subject of a report under this chapter is not less than five (5) years of age, the department: (1) shall, (1) except as provided in subsection (c), cause color photographs to be taken of the areas of trauma visible on a the child; who is subject to a report; (2) may cause …
Sponsors
- Carolyn Jackson (D, HD-001) · primary sponsor
- Julie McGuire (R, HD-093)
- Vanessa Summers (D, HD-099)
- Lindsay Patterson (R, HD-055)
Latest actions
- : Representative Patterson added as coauthor
- : Representatives McGuire, Summers added as coauthors
- : Authored by Representative Jackson C
- : First reading: referred to Committee on Family, Children and Human Affairs
Subjects: CHILDREN AND MINORS; Children in Need of Services (CHINS), CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE; Abuse and Domestic Violence (Excluding Animals), MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LAW; Child Support, Custody, and Visitation, AGENCIES; Department of Child Services (DCS)
Common questions
- What is HB1318?
- HB1318 is a bill in the Indiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Physical examinations in CHINS investigations.
- What does HB1318 do?
- In its own words: A bill FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning family law and juvenile law.
- What is the status of HB1318?
- In committee as of January 22, 2026. Latest action: Representative Patterson added as coauthor (January 22, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1318?
- Carolyn Jackson (D, HD-001), with 3 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB1318?
- On the Indiana Legislature website: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1318
Source: official Indiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.