Indiana HB 1503: Adoption incentive programs.

Bill Text

Introduced Version
HOUSE BILL No. 1503
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DIGEST OF INTRODUCED BILL
Citations Affected: IC 5-35.5; IC 6-3-3-12; IC 6-3.1-41.6;
IC 31-19-26.5-13.
Synopsis: Adoption incentive programs. Creates the Indiana adoption
services authority (authority) and establishes the board of directors of
the authority. Sets forth the duties and powers of the authority and the
board. Establishes the zero cost adoption fund (fund) to provide
financial assistance, benefits, services, or other assistance for specified
purposes pertaining to foster care, adoption, and postadoption
assistance, including assistance with college savings and arrangements
for reduced college tuition for an adopted child. Provides that money
in the fund may not be used to pay the general operating,
administrative, and capital expenses and establishes a separate, general
operating fund for the authority to pay those expenses. Specifies that
assistance provided from the fund is supplemental to adoption
assistance payments or an adoption subsidy. Provides a tax credit for
contributions made to the fund in an amount equal to 50% of the
contribution. Specifies that the total amount of tax credits allowed may
not exceed $18,500,000 for each state fiscal year. Makes conforming
changes. Makes an appropriation.
Effective: July 1, 2025.
McGuire, DeVon, Wesco, Rowray
January 21, 2025, read first time and referred to Committee on Family, Children and
Human Affairs.
2025 IN 1503—LS 7551/DI 129

Introduced
First Regular Session of the 124th General Assembly (2025)
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between statutes enacted by the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly.
HOUSE BILL No. 1503
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning state
offices and administration and to make an appropriation.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
1 SECTION 1. IC 5-35.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS
2 A NEW ARTICLE TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1,
3 2025]:
4 ARTICLE 35.5. ADOPTION SERVICES
5 Chapter 1. Definitions
6 Sec. 1. The definitions in this chapter apply throughout this
7 article.
8 Sec. 2. "Authority" means the Indiana adoption services
9 authority created by IC 5-35.5-2-1.
10 Sec. 3. "Board" means the board of directors of the authority
11 established by IC 5-35.5-3-1.
12 Sec. 4. "Fund" means the zero cost adoption fund established by
13 IC 5-35.5-4-1.
14 Sec. 5. "General operating fund" means the general operating
15 fund established under IC 5-35.5-5 from which general operating,
16 administrative, and capital expenses may be paid.
17 Chapter 2. Indiana Adoption Services Authority
2025 IN 1503—LS 7551/DI 129

2
1 Sec. 1. The Indiana adoption services authority is created.
2 Sec. 2. (a) The authority is a body corporate and politic.
3 (b) The authority:
4 (1) is not an agency of the state; and
5 (2) is an instrumentality of the state performing essential
6 governmental functions.
7 Sec. 3. Because the management, operation, and administration
8 of the fund for the purposes set forth in IC 5-35.5-4-1 and any
9 other programs, funds, and accounts established under this article
10 constitute the performance of an essential public function, the
11 following are exempt from taxation by the state and by any
12 political subdivision of the state:
13 (1) The authority's management and operations.
14 (2) The authority's property and assets.
15 (3) All property and assets held by or for the authority.
16 (4) The investment income and earnings (whether interest,
17 gains, or dividends) on:
18 (A) the authority's property and assets; and
19 (B) all property, assets, and funds and accounts held by or
20 for the authority.
21 Sec. 4. The authority may contract with public or private
22 entities or persons for the provision of all or any portion of the
23 services the board considers necessary for the management and
24 operations of the authority, including the fund.
25 Sec. 5. The authority is a public agency for purposes of
26 IC 5-14-1.5 and IC 5-14-3.
27 Chapter 3. Authority Board of Directors and Officers
28 Sec. 1. (a) The board of directors of the authority is established.
29 The board consists of the following:
30 (1) The following four (4) members or directors who serve by
31 virtue of office:
32 (A) The treasurer of state.
33 (B) The director of the department of c