Novak introduces 2026 legislation, Working Hoosiers Agenda
Today, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) introduced his 2026 legislative priorities aimed at growing Indiana’s workforce, supporting first responders and putting money back into the pockets of Hoosiers.
A full list of Novak’s authored legislation:
HB 1048: Increases the clothing and vehicle allowance for an active member of a volunteer fire department to ensure correct, safe clothing and upkeep on wear and tear on cars for safe, reliable travel.
HB 1162: Ensures Medicaid dollars meant for home- and community-based care are actually used to pay the caregivers providing those services. The bill requires providers to meet clear standards for how state Medicaid funds are spent on direct care staff and to file an annual cost report to show they are complying. This is critical for safeguarding against fraud and abuse while ensuring recipients get quality care.
HB 1189: Requires that agreements for major data center and advanced computing projects supported by the state include strong labor standards, requiring construction bids to go to labor unions or employers operating under project labor agreements to support skilled workers and good-paying Hoosier jobs.
HB 1190: Recognizes certain PFAS-related health conditions as job-related for firefighters, creating a presumption that those illnesses were caused in the line of duty under specific circumstances and ensuring firefighters can more easily access disability benefits.
HB 1244: Requires that 10% of excess property tax revenue collected in a redevelopment area be shared with local schools, libraries and public safety agencies, including police, fire, EMS and other emergency services that serve the area.
Novak released the following statement on his legislation:
“The rising cost of living is hitting Hoosiers from every direction. We have seven weeks to pass legislation that lowers utility costs, makes housing and child care more affordable, protects our first responders and reduces property taxes while still supporting local governments and public safety.
“The bills I introduced this session are common sense and put Hoosiers first. Our workforce drives Indiana’s economy, and if we don’t invest in it now, we’ll feel the consequences later. That means keeping jobs and labor here in Indiana and making sure first responders have the protections, equipment and health support they need after putting their lives on the line.
“I’m advancing my Working Hoosiers Agenda to make sure that if you live and work hard in Indiana, you can afford to live here. Families should have access to safe child care, a quality education for their kids and health care without having to choose between paying the bills or putting food on the table.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve and ready to get to work building relationships and delivering results for District 9.”
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