Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana Governor Mike Braun has ceremonially signed two new laws that state leaders say will strengthen public safety, improve military readiness, expand cybersecurity support, and help Indiana increase its influence in the nation’s growing defense economy.
The legislation, House Enrolled Act 1343 and House Enrolled Act 1268, was highlighted by the governor as part of a broader effort to prepare Indiana for future emergencies while also supporting military families and defense-related industries across the state.
“Public safety is our highest responsibility, and the laws strengthen Indiana’s ability to respond when Hoosiers need us most. By supporting the Indiana National Guard, strengthening emergency preparedness, enhancing cybersecurity readiness, and growing Indiana’s role in America’s defense economy, we are making our state safer, stronger and better prepared for the future,” Braun said.
Both bills were authored by State Representative Steve Bartels and focus heavily on expanding coordination between state agencies, military operations, and defense development efforts.
New Law Expands National Guard Emergency Role
House Enrolled Act 1343 creates new standards for how Indiana National Guard members may assist law enforcement during emergencies inside the state.
Under the law, Guardsmen called upon to support police operations must first complete military police training along with Indiana-specific law enforcement instruction approved by the Adjutant General. Officials said the goal is to ensure Guard members are properly prepared before taking part in law enforcement-related duties.
The legislation allows qualified Guard members to assist with responsibilities such as traffic management, crowd control, arrest procedures, and evidence collection during emergency situations. However, the law specifies that police powers may only be exercised when National Guard personnel are activated under state active duty orders.
State leaders say the measure is designed to improve emergency response readiness while also creating clearer guidelines for how military support can be used during crises affecting public safety.
The law also includes additional measures aimed at helping veterans and military families. Changes involving the Military Family Relief Fund update reporting standards and eligibility requirements while removing the previous eight-year restriction tied to National Guard tuition supplement grants.
Another major part of the legislation establishes the Indiana Civilian Cyber Corps, a new program that will allow trained civilian volunteers with cybersecurity expertise to assist the state during cyber incidents and digital security emergencies.
Indiana Pushes for Larger Defense Industry Role
House Enrolled Act 1268 focuses more heavily on defense development and economic growth connected to military and advanced technology industries.
The law expands coordination between the Indiana Defense Task Force, the Indiana National Guard, state lawmakers, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s Office of Defense Development.
Under the new structure, legislative appointees will now serve on the Indiana Defense Task Force, while the Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard, or a designee, will participate as a nonvoting member.
Officials said the law also requires the task force to identify annual defense-spending priorities. The Office of Defense Development must then provide reports detailing expenditures connected to those priorities.
In another move aimed at boosting Indiana’s role in national defense technology, the legislation assigns responsibility for administering Indiana’s federal Unmanned Aircraft System Test Site program to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and an operating partner.
State officials believe the program could help Indiana compete more aggressively in industries involving unmanned aircraft systems, aviation technology, cybersecurity, and defense innovation. Together, the two laws represent a broader strategy by Braun’s administration to tie public safety, military readiness, economic development, and cybersecurity preparedness into a unified long-term vision for Indiana’s future.
