Legislative Update:
Indiana HB 1003 and the DDARS Advisory Council

Overview

Indiana House Bill 1003 proposes broad and sweeping changes to the state’s boards, commissions, and advisory bodies. While much of the bill addresses administrative restructuring, one provision has significant implications for disability services and stakeholder oversight.

What HB 1003 Does

Under current law, the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDARS) Advisory Council does not have a sunset date. It has functioned as an ongoing advisory body that brings together families, providers, advocates, and other stakeholders to offer input and oversight related to:

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

• Disability-related supports and services

• Policy implementation and system accountability

HB 1003 would introduce a new sunset date of December 31, 2026 for the DDARS Advisory Council. This means that, unless the legislature takes future action to preserve it, the council would automatically expire at that time.

Why This Matters

Adding a sunset date where none previously existed represents a meaningful policy shift. Advisory councils like DDARS provide a formal and consistent mechanism for stakeholder voices to be heard in state decision-making. Eliminating the council would remove a key avenue for:

• Ongoing feedback from individuals and families directly impacted by services

• Provider and advocate input on system strengths, gaps, and unintended consequences

• Transparency and accountability in how disability services are shaped and delivered

Current Status

HB 1003 is still under review. This means there is time to learn more, ask questions, and engage before the bill is finalized. Legislative decisions of this scale benefit from careful consideration and informed public input.

View the Bill

You can review the full text of HB 1003 here:

👉 Indiana House Bill 1003 (Boards and Commissions)
https://legiscan.com/IN/bill/HB1003/2026

Stay Informed and Engaged

If you want to better understand this bill and its potential impact:

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Staying informed is one of the most effective ways to participate in the policy process and ensure that decisions reflect the needs of the people most affected.