Gov. Braun strengthens public safety and Indiana's defense economy

Governor Mike Braun Tuesday ceremonially signed House Enrolled Act 1343 and House Enrolled Act 1268, two new laws that strengthen Indiana’s public safety readiness, support the Indiana National Guard, and position Indiana to grow its role in America’s defense economy.
 

“Public safety is our highest responsibility, and the laws strengthen Indiana's ability to respond when Hoosiers need us most. By supporting the Indiana National Guard, strengthening emergency preparedness, enhancing cybersecurity readiness, and growing Indiana's role in America's defense economy, we are making our state safer, stronger and better prepared for the future.” - Governor Mike Braun

HEA 1343, authored by State Rep. Steve Bartels, strengthens public safety by ensuring the Indiana National Guard will be ready to assist Indiana police when called upon in a crisis to protect Hoosiers.

HEA 1343 ensures that National Guard members called upon to assist Indiana police in times of emergency are trained military police who can assist in police duties like arrest procedures, traffic and crowd control, and the collection of evidence. Guardsmen may exercise police powers only when called to state active duty and only after completing Army or Air military police occupational training and Indiana-specific law enforcement instruction prescribed by the Adjutant General.

HEA 1343 also supports veterans and military families by updating the Military Family Relief Fund, improving reporting and eligibility standards, and removing the eight-year limit for use of the National Guard tuition supplement grant. The law also establishes the Indiana Civilian Cyber Corps, allowing trained civilian cybersecurity volunteers to assist the state during cybersecurity incidents.

HEA 1268, also authored by State Rep. Steve Bartels, strengthens Indiana’s defense sector by improving coordination between the Indiana Defense Task Force, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s Office of Defense Development, the Indiana National Guard, and state lawmakers.

The new law adds legislative appointees to the Indiana Defense Task Force and adds the Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard, or the Adjutant General’s designee, as a nonvoting member. It also requires the task force to identify defense-spending priorities each year and requires the Office of Defense Development to report on expenditures tied to those priorities.

HEA 1268 also provides that the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and an operating partner will administer Indiana’s federal Unmanned Aircraft System Test Site program, helping Indiana compete in advanced defense, aviation, and technology sectors.

Together, HEA 1343 and HEA 1268 reflect Governor Braun’s commitment to public safety, military readiness, cybersecurity, and growing Indiana’s defense economy.