SNAP benefit restrictions, consumer data protections among new Indiana laws in 2026

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A new year means new laws are taking effect.

In Indiana, new laws include property tax reform, consumer data protection, health care reforms, SNAP benefits and new requirements for residents who paint their vehicles.

Property tax credits

Hoosiers will see a 10% property tax credit of up to $300 on all homestead property tax bills this year.

Additional property tax credits will also be available for fixed-income seniors and disabled veterans.

Meanwhile, the Supplemental Homestead Deduction increased to 40%. The goal is to gradually phase out the standard reduction by 2031.

The Indiana Department of Government Finance also launched an online property tax transparency portal for homeowners to compare current and proposed property tax rates. Homeowners can also give feedback to state and local officials.

SNAP benefit restrictions

Some of the biggest changes in the new year are related to SNAP benefits. Hoosiers can no longer purchase certain foods deemed unhealthy with their EBT cards.

According to the Family and Social Services Administration, they're still allowed to buy chips, ice cream, and fruit with their EBT cards. However, candy, chocolate chips, marshmallows, fruit strips, gum and kettle and caramel popcorn aren't an option anymore.

Sweet iced tea, sports drinks, soda, water mixed with sweeteners, and energy drinks are also off the table. Instead, they can choose from unsweetened tea, milk, fruit juice, water and pediatric electrolyte drinks, according to the FSSA.

The restrictions are part of statewide initiative Smart SNAP to promote healthier eating.

The ban will remain in effect for at least five years. These changes will impact more than 570,000 Hoosiers who rely on SNAP benefits to feed their families.

Consumer data protections

The Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act is now in effect. Then-Gov. Eric Holcomb signed the law in 2023, giving Hoosiers more control over how certain companies collect and use their online personal data.

The act also allows people to ask companies to delete or restrict the use of their data.

The law excludes government agencies, financial institutions and companies that store health information.

Health care reforms

New laws related to health care are also taking effect. Among them is a new law restricting pharmacy benefit managers, which are middlemen that manage prescription drug coverage.

They are now required to have adequate and accessible pharmacy networks. Additionally, PMBs and insurance companies can no longer make patients pay more for certain medications if they use a coupon or financial assistance to pay for them.

The goal is to protect more Hoosiers from higher out-of-pocket costs.

Another new law makes health care ownership more transparent, so the state knows who owns the facilities and who is changing the prices.