Indiana Senate Wraps Up 2025 Session with Major Successes: Property Tax Relief, Health Care Reforms, and More!

As the 2025 legislative session draws to a close, Indiana lawmakers are reflecting on the successful passage of a series of critical measures aimed at strengthening the state’s economy, improving government efficiency, and reducing the financial burdens on residents. This year’s session brought some tough challenges, but lawmakers have worked diligently to deliver meaningful reforms that will have a lasting impact.

One of the most significant accomplishments this session was the passage of $1.3 billion in property tax relief. For many homeowners across Indiana, rising property taxes have been a source of frustration, and lawmakers have taken decisive action to address this issue. Senate Enrolled Act 1, authored by State Senator Travis Holdman, will provide substantial relief for homeowners over the next three years, while also delivering $116 million in savings for farmers. This law strikes a delicate balance between offering tax relief and ensuring local governments and schools maintain necessary funding. It’s a win for both homeowners and public services, demonstrating that tax reform can be achieved without sacrificing vital community resources.

In addition to property tax relief, lawmakers took steps to address the growing strain of Medicaid costs on the state budget. Over the past four years, Medicaid spending has increased by a staggering $5 billion, forcing policymakers to make tough decisions about where to allocate funds. Senate Enrolled Act 2, authored by State Senator Ryan Mishler, introduces reforms to the Healthy Indiana Plan and implements better controls on Medicaid eligibility. These measures are designed to encourage personal responsibility and reduce unnecessary spending, helping ensure that Indiana can continue to invest in key areas such as education while getting Medicaid spending under control.

Health care costs have long been a concern for residents, and this year, the legislature took action to lower those costs. Senate Enrolled Act 3, authored by State Senator Justin Busch, focuses on third-party administrators (TPAs) and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), requiring them to act in the best financial interest of the health plan sponsors they work with. The law ensures that employers providing health insurance to their employees can trust these companies to secure the most affordable coverage possible—ultimately lowering costs for businesses and employees alike. By bringing more transparency and accountability to the health care system, this legislation has the potential to provide relief to families and employers across Indiana.

Another notable achievement of the session was the passage of Senate Enrolled Act 4, authored by State Senator Eric Koch, which focuses on the responsible management of Indiana’s water resources. As the state continues to attract new investment, it’s critical that Indiana’s abundant water resources are carefully managed to ensure continued access for households and businesses. This law creates a framework to allow major water-transfer projects while protecting existing water access, ensuring that growth in Indiana doesn’t come at the expense of vital resources.

Fiscal integrity has long been a priority for the state, and this session saw the passage of Senate Enrolled Act 5, authored by State Senator Scott Baldwin, which increases transparency and accountability in state government. This law improves oversight of government contracts, encourages efficient staffing practices, and ensures that new federal funds that increase state spending are reviewed before being accepted. By making government more efficient and accountable, this legislation reinforces Indiana’s reputation as one of the most fiscally responsible states in the nation.

Perhaps the most crucial achievement of the session was the successful passage of a balanced, fiscally responsible state budget. After a year of difficult decisions, lawmakers crafted a budget that funds essential government services for the next two years while protecting K-12 education and preserving the Medicaid program. Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray praised the passage of the budget, acknowledging the tough choices lawmakers faced. “There’s no question passing a balanced state budget this year was a tremendous challenge, but we were able to do so by exercising serious fiscal discipline and making difficult decisions,” Bray said. “This budget will meet the needs of Hoosiers while protecting our taxpayers.”

As the legislative session wraps up, State Senator Brian Buchanan also shared his thoughts on the accomplishments of the past few months. Buchanan expressed his pride in supporting a budget that prioritizes education and public safety while remaining fiscally responsible. “Like Hoosiers across Indiana, our state must work hard to tighten our belts when money is tight,” Buchanan said. “This budget will meet the needs of Hoosiers while protecting our taxpayers. My work as a legislator continues, and I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues and constituents to make Indiana an even better place to live.”

The successful passage of these measures marks a pivotal moment in Indiana’s legislative history, as lawmakers continue to focus on issues that matter most to Hoosiers—property taxes, health care costs, responsible government, and fiscal integrity. With a balanced budget in place and critical reforms passed, Indiana is poised for continued growth and success in the years ahead.