Indiana bills · 2026 Regular Session
Indiana SB 251
OWI penalties.
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became law
Sponsors
- Chris Jeter (Republican)
- Cyndi Carrasco (Republican)
- Aaron Freeman (Republican)
Cosponsors (2)
- Julie Olthoff (Republican)
- Ed Charbonneau (Republican)
Summary
Official abstract published by the Indiana legislature· Digest
Provides that if a person has one prior OWI conviction, the court shall order that the person be imprisoned for at least 10 days or perform community service, and if a person has two prior OWI convictions, the court shall order that the person be imprisoned for at least 20 days or perform community service. Provides that a person receives good time credit while serving a sentence imposed under this statute (under current law, a person does not receive good time credit).Provides that this statute does not increase the maximum sentence for the offense as provided by either IC 35-50-2 or IC 35-50-3. Specifies that "vehicle", for purposes of the crime of operating while intoxicated, includes a watercraft, and repeals the separate crime of operating a motorboat while intoxicated. Provides that an initial hearing may be waived and allows a person to apply for a specialized driving privilege after an initial hearing. Adds operating while intoxicated due to use of a controlled substance to the habitual traffic violator statute. Authorizes the use of a roadside chemical test under certain circumstances. Specifies that ignition interlock devices may only be used when the underlying offense is operating while intoxicated resulting from the use of alcohol. Makes certain provisions concerning pretrial administrative suspension of driving privileges discretionary with the court.Provides that the budget director shall review and determine before December 31, 2026, whether federal highway administration funding to the state will or will not be reduced due to the amendment of provisions concerning administrative suspension of driving privileges. Requires the budget director to notify the budget committee of the determination and those provisions may not be implemented until after budget committee review. Makes conforming amendments.
Text versions
Roll-call votes
State vote data last updated Oct 14, 2026, 12:15 PM.
| Date | Vote | Result | Your legislators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 28, 2026 Senate | SB 251 - Freeman - 3rd Reading | pass | Set your home in Indiana to see |
Actions
- Feb 12, 2026 · House
Recommitted to Committee on Ways and Means pursuant to House Rule 126.3 - Feb 12, 2026 · House
Committee report: amend do pass, adopted - Feb 3, 2026 · House
Representative Olthoff added as cosponsor - Feb 2, 2026 · House
First reading: referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code - Jan 29, 2026 · Senate
Referred to the House - Jan 28, 2026 · Senate
Third reading: passed; Roll Call 124: yeas 47, nays 1 - Jan 28, 2026 · Senate
House sponsor: Representative Jeter - Jan 26, 2026 · Senate
Second reading: ordered engrossed - Jan 22, 2026 · Senate
Committee report: amend do pass, adopted - Jan 22, 2026 · Senate
Senator Charbonneau added as coauthor - Jan 13, 2026 · Senate
Committee report: amend do pass adopted; reassigned to Committee on Appropriations - Jan 8, 2026 · Senate
First reading: referred to Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law - Jan 8, 2026 · Senate
Authored by Senators Freeman, Carrasco