Recapping Workforce and Education Issues From the Recent Legislative Session

The 2026 Indiana legislative session delivered several meaningful wins for workforce development and education. Central to this effort was HEA 1098 (Work-Based Learning Liability), a top-priority bill for the Indiana Chamber that passed with strong bipartisan support. This legislation addresses the long-standing legal uncertainty that limits employer participation in work-based learning and youth apprenticeship programs. HEA 1098 establishes clear agreements between employers and intermediaries, updating outdated statutory references and ensuring that insurance decisions are based on objective risk criteria rather than a student's age. The result is a stronger pathway for students to gain hands-on experience while maintaining appropriate protections [...]