Governor ceremonially signs new laws co-authored & sponsored by Rep. Lopez to expand childcare, strengthen public safety

Submitted by Office of State Rep. Danny Lopez

Two new laws co-authored and sponsored by State Rep. Danny Lopez (R-Carmel) were recently ceremonially signed by Gov. Mike Braun. These laws focus on expanding childcare in Indiana and keeping communities safe through strengthening public safety.

House Enrolled Act 1177, which Lopez co-authored, seeks to expand access to high quality childcare for Hoosier families by incentivizing a larger number of employers to provide these services for their workers. Businesses are eligible for the credit if they offer an employer-run childcare facility for their employees or if they contract with a facility or provider to offer care. Under this law, the credit can be used to help pay for related costs such as operating a childcare facility, employee training and higher wages for staff.

“Expanding access to affordable, high-quality childcare is critical to supporting working families and strengthening Indiana’s economy,” Lopez said. “This new law will help ensure more Hoosier parents can find reliable care, giving their children a strong start while allowing them to stay in the workforce.”

Lopez also supported the State Budget Committee’s recent approval of $200 million in additional investment to expand access to childcare for low-income families. Legislation to allow for this additional investment was passed during the 2026 legislative session.

Additionally, Lopez carried Senate Enrolled Act 160 in the House, a bill to address growing local antisemitism concerns and combat the spread of targeted hate propaganda in Hamilton County and across Indiana. It gives judges the ability to consider wearing a mask while committing a crime an aggravator in sentencing, and it makes malicious littering in our communities a crime.

“Sadly, the number of acts of antisemitism seems to be on the rise in Hamilton County and across the state, it is critical that law enforcement and judges have every tool they need to crack down on this horrific behavior,” Lopez said.

Ceremonial bill signings showcase legislation passed during the 2026 session and are a way for lawmakers, stakeholders and those directly impacted to come together and reflect on how these new laws will benefit Hoosiers.