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2026 General Election · Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Indiana Senate, District 27

Indiana Senate. 4-year term.

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What this office does

Members of the Indiana Senate write and vote on state laws as part of the Indiana General Assembly. The Senate has 50 members, each representing one district for a four-year term; about half the seats are elected every two years [1].

The job in full — the duties the Indiana Code puts in it, the term, what it pays and who sets that, and what to ask a candidate.

Term
4 years [1]
Term limit
None [1]
Seats
50 [1]
On the 2026 ballot
25 districts [2]
What the law puts in this job (2)
  • Introduces and votes on state legislation as one of the two chambers of the Indiana General Assembly [1].
  • Must be at least 25 years old when taking office and have lived in the district for at least a year, under Article 4 of the Indiana Constitution [1].

About this race

  • Senate District 27 includes Henry, Union and Wayne counties and part of Franklin County [3, 4].
  • Raatz has held the seat since 2014 and defeated Democrat Ron Itnyre in 2022 with 71% of the vote [4].
  • In the May 5, 2026 Republican primary, Raatz won 9,329 votes (69.3%) to Anthony Lee Jones's 4,128 (30.7%), according to Wikipedia's results table; Itnyre is listed as the Democratic nominee without a primary opponent [7].
  • On April 29, 2026, Raatz and Itnyre took part in a forum at Earlham College in Richmond hosted by the NAACP Richmond branch, the Wayne County League of Women Voters, Wayne County Indivisible and Earlham College departments; topics included taxes, education funding, economic revitalization and transparency [13].
  • At the forum, the candidates differed on education funding, state tax policy and how legislative districts are drawn [13].
  • No general-election debate or forum since the primary was found in available coverage as of October 10, 2026.

Candidates on the ballot

Ronald Itnyre

Democratic

Work
Senior lecturer in biology and director of the Office of Sustainability, Indiana University East [4]

Ronald (Ron) Itnyre, the Democratic nominee from Richmond, is a senior lecturer in biology and director of the Office of Sustainability at Indiana University East; he lost to Raatz in 2022 [4].

Itnyre's background

  • Is a senior lecturer in biology and director of the Office of Sustainability at Indiana University East [4].
  • Grew up on a 300-acre corn and beef farm, earned a doctorate in plant pathology and worked 13 years as a corn breeder, according to Western Wayne News [4].
  • Lives in Richmond [4].

Itnyre's positions

Property taxes

  • Opposes recent state tax legislation, which he says has hurt local communities [16, 4].
  • At the April 2026 forum, called for a "smart taxes" approach to funding challenges [13].

Education

  • Said at the forum that he supports strong public schools [13].
  • Opposes state government interfering in local ordinances, economies and schools [4].

Agriculture

  • At the forum, expressed concern about how state tax and education legislation affects communities, especially farmers [13].

Elections & redistricting

  • At the forum, said legislative districts were drawn to ensure Republican control, according to Western Wayne News's summary [13].

How Itnyre would run the office

  • His announcement said he supports fair, sustainable policies, economic growth and a stronger voice for residents in the legislature [16].

Itnyre on the current officeholder

  • Said the district's senator is "heavily influenced by major lobby groups and think tanks," which he argues produces policies favoring special interests [4, 16].

How Itnyre got on the ballot

  • Filed on February 2, 2026 [4].
  • Is listed as the Democratic nominee with no primary opponent on Wikipedia's race page [7].
  • Was the Democratic nominee for this seat in 2022 and lost to Raatz, who received 71% [4].

What we could not find about Itnyre

  • No endorsements or campaign finance totals were found.
  • No campaign website was found; iVoterGuide lists a Facebook page (facebook.com/ItnyreforIndiana), which could not be reviewed for this profile.
  • Little coverage beyond his filing announcement and the April 2026 forum was found; detailed positions on health care, energy and data centers were not found.
  • His local board and commission service could not be confirmed from freely available sources.

Sources for Itnyre

Jeff Raatz

RepublicanIncumbent

Work
Owner of Raatz LLC, a business-coaching firm; assistant director, Eastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission [3]

Jeff Raatz, the Republican incumbent from Richmond, chairs the Senate education committee and wrote the 2026 law barring student cellphone use during the school day [3, 11].

Raatz's background

  • Served in the U.S. Army and owns Raatz LLC; the caucus also lists him as assistant director of the Eastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission [3].
  • Has taught as an adjunct college instructor and worked in K-12 education, and his business-coaching firm consults on business practices, finances and IT, according to Western Wayne News [4].
  • Lives in Richmond, where his family moved in 1998, according to his campaign [14].

Raatz's positions

Education

  • His campaign credits him with record school funding and reforms it links to five straight years of literacy gains [14].
  • At the April 2026 forum, he defended education policies he has advanced, including some that direct state money to charter and private schools, according to Western Wayne News [13].
  • On school cellphone limits, he said, "In the perfect world, no cellphone will get past the front door of the school" [11].

Property taxes

  • At the forum, he said he did not like parts of the recent property-tax legislation and supported raising taxes for services as "close to the taxpayer" as possible [13].
  • His campaign says he voted to cut state taxes, including eliminating state taxes on tips and overtime [14].

Economy & jobs

  • At the forum, described Indiana's finances as strong, calling it "about as good a state as you can be with the economy" [13].

Agriculture

  • His campaign says he stands with Hoosier farmers and rural Indiana [14].

Public safety

  • His campaign says he is focused on reducing crime and illegal immigration [14].

Elections & redistricting

  • At the forum, said legislative districts are drawn to represent Hoosier voters' preferences, according to Western Wayne News's summary [13].

How Raatz would run the office

  • In January 2026, said he looked forward to working with Gov. Braun on education as chair of the Senate education committee [15].
  • Is vice chair of the 2026 Interim Study Committee on Education ahead of the 2027 session [3].

Raatz on the current officeholder

  • Is the current officeholder.
  • When Itnyre filed in February 2026, Raatz had not issued a statement about the challenge, according to Western Wayne News [4]. No later statements by Raatz about Itnyre were found.

How Raatz got on the ballot

  • Won the May 5, 2026 Republican primary over Anthony Lee Jones, 69.3% to 30.7%, according to Wikipedia's results table [7].

Raatz's endorsements and funding

  • His campaign says he earned the endorsement of the Indiana Farm Bureau [14].
  • Wikipedia's race page also lists primary endorsements from President Donald Trump, Gov. Mike Braun, the NFIB Indiana PAC and the NRA Political Victory Fund [7].

What we could not find about Raatz

  • No campaign finance totals were found for either candidate.
  • His recorded votes on the 2025 property-tax law (SEA 1) and the 2025 state budget could not be verified; Indiana General Assembly roll calls were not reviewed for this profile.
  • His December 11, 2025 floor vote on redistricting is sourced to Wikipedia; contemporaneous reporting found only his stated plan to vote yes.
  • Sources differ on who authored HEA 1408: the caucus describes Raatz as sponsor, while news coverage credits Rep. Jake Teshka as the House author, with Raatz's SB 199 as the origin of the social media language.

Raatz's record in office

Indiana Senate record, District 27 (2023-2026) · compiled from the official record, Oct. 12-13, 2026

Authored
53
34 became law
Co-authored
47
29 became law
Sponsored
44
33 became law
Co-sponsored
11
11 became law

Committees, 2026 session

  • Education and Career Development (Chair)
  • Education, Interim Study Committee on (Senate Vice-Chair)
  • Appropriations
  • School Funding Subcommittee
  • Financial Institutions and Insurance, Interim Study Committee on (Senate Majority Member)
  • Legislative Council, Technology Oversight Subcommittee (Senate Majority Member)

Floor votes

  • 2023: Yes 400, No 89
  • 2024: Yes 232, No 47, Not voting 29
  • 2025: Yes 372, No 100, Not voting 15
  • 2026: Yes 252, No 46, Not voting 2
How Raatz voted on 35 selected bills
The 155 bills Raatz carried

  • SB 100: Education matters.

    2023 · Authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that a: (1) school that seeks state accreditation; and (2) national or regional accreditation agency that seeks to be recognized by the state board of education (state board); must complete and submit the applicable application form established by the state board.

  • SB 242: Floodplain mapping.

    2023 · Authored (listed 3rd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Repeals the requirement that local floodplain administrators use the "best floodplain mapping data" as provided by the department of natural resources (department) and located on the Indiana Floodplain Information Portal when reviewing an application for a permit to authorize construction in or near a floodplain.

  • SB 340: Imagination library.

    2023 · Authored (listed 2nd) · passed the Senate only; did not pass the House

    Establishes the Indiana imagination library.

  • SB 346: Heritage commerce district.

    2023 · Authored (listed 2nd) · not reported from Senate committee

    Establishes the Indiana heritage commerce district program.

  • SB 35: Financial literacy.

    2023 · Authored (listed 2nd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that, beginning with the cohort of students who are expected to graduate from a public school, a charter school, or a state accredited nonpublic school in 2028, an individual must successfully complete a personal financial responsibility course (course) before the individual may graduate.

  • SB 350: Professional licensing.

    2023 · Authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that a unit may not regulate behavioral health and human services that are: (1) licensed or certified; or (2) exempted from licensure or certification; by the behavioral health and human services licensing board.

  • SB 354: Education matters.

    2023 · Authored · not reported from Senate committee

    Provides that a: (1) school that seeks state accreditation; and (2) national or regional accreditation agency that seeks to be recognized by the state board of education (state board); must complete and submit the applicable application form established by the state board.

  • SB 380: Various education matters.

    2023 · Authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires each school corporation to publish on the school corporation's website the graduation rate for each high school in the school corporation.

  • SB 385: Floodplain disclosures.

    2023 · Authored · not reported from Senate committee

    Requires an owner of residential real estate to disclose on the sales disclosure form if any portion of the real estate is located in a floodplain.

  • SB 386: Dignity and nondiscrimination in education.

    2023 · Authored · not reported from Senate committee

    Provides that a school corporation or qualified school shall not promote certain concepts as part of a course of instruction or in a curriculum or instructional program, or allow teachers or other employees to use supplemental learning materials to promote certain concepts regarding age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physic

  • SB 391: Charter schools.

    2023 · Authored (listed 2nd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that, for a resolution to adopt a school operating referendum tax levy or school safety referendum tax levy adopted after May 10, 2023, a county auditor must distribute a portion of revenue received from the school operating referendum tax levy or school safety referendum tax levy to each charter school in which students who receive not more than 50% virtual instruction and who have legal

  • SB 443: Various education matters.

    2023 · Authored (listed 2nd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires the department of education to, not later than November 1, 2023, do the following: (1) Create a list of personal liability insurers that offer personal liability insurance policies for teachers.

  • SB 479: Disaster emergency duration.

    2023 · Authored · not reported from Senate committee

    Provides that a state of disaster emergency declared by the governor expires after 60 days unless the general assembly adopts a concurrent resolution authorizing the governor to extend the state of disaster emergency.

  • SB 486: Education matters.

    2023 · Authored (listed 2nd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Repeals teacher training requirements regarding: (1) criminal gang organizations awareness; (2) certain information concerning homeless students; and (3) recognizing the signs and symptoms of seizures and the appropriate steps to be taken to respond to the symptoms; and requires that information concerning these subjects be included within the curriculum of teacher preparation programs.

  • SB 114: Receivership for past due utility bills.

    2023 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Amends the Indiana Code provision that sets forth the cases in which a receiver may be appointed by a court to include the appointment of a receiver upon the request of a utility if the owner of a multifamily residential property with more than four units has incurred utility bills that are at least: (1) 90 days past due; or (2) 60 days past due if a payment plan has been entered into.

  • SB 136: Conviction data.

    2023 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Defines "prohibited person" as a person prohibited from possessing a firearm or carrying a handgun.

  • SB 176: Small modular nuclear reactors.

    2023 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Changes the rated electric generating capacity from 350 megawatts to 470 megawatts for purposes of the definition of "small modular nuclear reactor" as used in the statutes concerning: (1) certificates of public convenience and necessity issued by the Indiana utility regulatory commission for the construction, lease, or purchase of electric generation facilities; and (2) financial incentives for e

  • SB 268: Prohibited pension system investments.

    2023 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Prohibits the Indiana public retirement system from investing in certain restricted entities or restricted investment products, including particular investments publicly confirmed to be controlled by the People's Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party.

  • SB 284: Prosecuting attorneys.

    2023 · Co-authored · passed the Senate only; did not pass the House

    Removes the attorney general's concurrent criminal jurisdiction in certain cases.

  • SB 286: Credit time.

    2023 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Permits a person placed on pretrial home detention to earn accrued time and good time credit in the same manner as other persons on home detention, but provides that specified misconduct will result in the deprivation of all credit time earned on pretrial home detention.

  • SB 292: INPRS investments.

    2023 · Co-authored · passed the Senate only; did not pass the House (not reported from House committee)

    Requires the board of trustees of the Indiana public retirement system (board) to make investment decisions with the primary purpose of maximizing the target rate of return on the board's investments.

  • SB 300: Residential tax increment financing.

    2023 · Co-authored · passed the Senate only; did not pass the House (not reported from House committee)

    Removes the threshold conditions for establishing a residential housing development program and a tax increment allocation area for the program, including the condition that the governing body of each school corporation affected by the program pass a resolution approving the program before the program may go into effect.

  • SB 307: Early learning.

    2023 · Co-authored · not reported from Senate committee

    Raises the annual income eligibility for an eligible child to 138% of the federal poverty level.

  • SB 345: Termination of parental rights.

    2023 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Defines "safe haven infant".

  • SB 392: University housing for single mothers.

    2023 · Co-authored · passed the Senate only; did not pass the House (not reported from House committee)

    Provides that the commission for higher education may administer a program to support JobSource, Inc., for the management of the Heartland/Anderson Scholar House.

  • SB 4: Public health commission.

    2023 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Defines "core public health services" for purposes of public health laws.

  • SB 435: Twenty-first century scholars program enrollment.

    2023 · Co-authored · reported from Senate committee; no Senate third-reading vote

    Amends the twenty-first century scholars program (program) eligibility requirements for certain students.

  • SB 480: Gender transition procedures for minors.

    2023 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Prohibits a physician or other practitioner from: (1) knowingly providing gender transition procedures to an individual who is less than 18 years of age (minor); and (2) aiding or abetting another physician or practitioner in the provision of gender transition procedures to a minor.

  • SJR 16: Article V convention on congressional term limits.

    2023 · Co-authored · not reported from Senate committee

    Applies to Congress for a convention for proposing amendments under Article V of the Constitution of the United States to provide limits to the number of terms that an individual may serve in the United States House of Representatives and in the United States Senate.

  • HB 1002: Education and workforce development.

    2023 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Establishes the: (1) career scholarship account program (CSA program); (2) career scholarship account program fund; (3) career scholarship account administration fund; (4) career scholarship account donation fund; (5) connecting students with careers fund; (6) teacher higher education and industry collaboration grant program and fund; (7) career coaching grant fund; and (8) intermediary capacity b

  • HB 1005: Housing.

    2023 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Establishes the residential housing infrastructure assistance program (program) and residential housing infrastructure assistance revolving fund (fund).

  • HB 1037: Enforcement of equal educational opportunity.

    2023 · Sponsored · passed the House only; did not pass the Senate (not reported from Senate committee)

    Defines "antisemitism", specifies that the public policy of the state is to provide educational opportunities free of religious discrimination, and provides that antisemitism is discrimination on the basis of religion.

  • HB 1156: Motor vehicle matters.

    2023 · Sponsored · passed the House only; did not pass the Senate

    Provides for the process for suspending the Indiana driving privileges of a minor who is an Indiana resident for failing to appear or answer a traffic summons.

  • HB 1407: Parental rights.

    2023 · Sponsored · passed the House only; did not pass the Senate (not reported from Senate committee)

    Provides that the state of Indiana, a political subdivision or other governmental entity of the state of Indiana, a government official, or any other person acting under the color of law shall not infringe on the fundamental right of a parent to direct the upbringing, education, health care, and mental health of the parent's child without demonstrating that the infringement: (1) is required by a c

  • HB 1410: Multiple employer welfare arrangements.

    2023 · Sponsored · passed the House only; did not pass the Senate (not reported from Senate committee)

    Requires a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) providing benefits for employers that are public entities to provide each public entity that has 51 or more employees covered under the arrangement access to claims data specific to that public entity.

  • HB 1447: Education matters.

    2023 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that, if a school corporation or qualified school uses a third party vendor in providing certain personal analyses, evaluations, or surveys, the third party vendor and the school corporation or qualified school may not record, collect, or maintain the responses to or results of the analysis, evaluation, or survey in a manner that would identify the responses or results of an individual st

  • HB 1449: Twenty-first century scholars program.

    2023 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that the commission for higher education shall do the following: (1) In cooperation with the department of education, identify students who meet the requirements to participate in the twenty-first century scholars program (program).

  • HB 1483: Discipline rules regarding bullying.

    2023 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that discipline rules adopted by the governing body of a school corporation must include timetables for reporting bullying incidents to parents of both the targeted student and the alleged perpetrator in an expedited manner that is not later than five business days after the incident is reported.

  • HB 1528: Next generation Hoosier educators scholarship program.

    2023 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that an individual enrolled in a transition to teaching program may apply for a one time scholarship under the next generation Hoosier educators scholarship program.

  • HB 1558: Science of reading.

    2023 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Defines "science of reading".

  • HB 1590: Various education matters.

    2023 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Makes various changes to the education law concerning the following: (1) The science of reading and licensing requirements.

  • HB 1591: Various education matters.

    2023 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires the Indiana archives and records administration to: (1) establish procedures to retain an original record, document, plat, paper, or instrument-in-writing in an electronic format; (2) establish a period of time after which an original record, document, plat, paper, or instrument-in-writing may be destroyed; and (3) prepare and submit, not later than November 1, 2023, a report to the gener

  • HB 1608: Education matters.

    2023 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that a school, an employee or staff member of a school, or a third party vendor used by a school to provide instruction may not provide any instruction to a student in prekindergarten through grade 3 on human sexuality.

  • HB 1609: Workforce development matters.

    2023 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Repeals provisions concerning the work Indiana program.

  • HB 1635: Various education matters.

    2023 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires each school corporation to publish on the school corporation's website the graduation rate for each high school in the school corporation.

  • HB 1638: Education matters.

    2023 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires the department of education (department) to report to the legislative council findings and recommendations for reducing the amount of redundant data that schools are required to submit to state agencies.

  • HJR 1: Gubernatorial line of succession.

    2023 · Sponsored · enacted: became law (no signature action listed)

    Removes the superintendent of public instruction from the list of officeholders who shall discharge the powers and duties of the governor if the office of the governor and lieutenant governor are both vacant.

  • HB 1034: Income tax exemption for military pay.

    2023 · Co-sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Exempts military pay for members of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States or the national guard from the individual income tax.

  • HB 1334: Absentee voting.

    2023 · Co-sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that an agency of the state or a political subdivision may not provide an individual with an application for an absentee ballot unless requested by the individual or a member of the individual's family.

  • HB 1382: Robotics programs.

    2023 · Co-sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Establishes the robotics competition program to provide grants to eligible robotics competition teams (eligible teams) in order to expand opportunities to increase interest and improve skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through participation in competitive robotics programs.

  • SB 1: Reading skills.

    2024 · Authored (listed 2nd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that the department of education (department) may grant certain individuals a waiver that provides an exception to the literacy endorsement requirements if the department submits a report to the legislative council by a specified date.

  • SB 128: Human sexuality instruction.

    2024 · Authored (listed 2nd) · passed the Senate only; did not pass the House (not reported from House committee)

    Defines "governing authority" of a school.

  • SB 140: Natural resources.

    2024 · Authored (listed 2nd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that a person may perform certain activities without obtaining a permit from the department of natural resources (department).

  • SB 183: County option property tax exemption.

    2024 · Authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that a county fiscal body may adopt an ordinance to exempt mobile homes and manufactured homes located in the county from property taxation (exemption ordinance).

  • SB 184: Removal of debris from streams.

    2024 · Authored · reported from Senate committee; no Senate third-reading vote

    Authorizes a person to remove debris from a stream under certain conditions without the need to obtain a permit from the department of natural resources.

  • SB 185: Student use of wireless communication device.

    2024 · Authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires each school corporation and charter school to: (1) adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that governs student use of a wireless communication device; and (2) publish the policy on the school corporation's or charter school's website.

  • SB 193: Child welfare provider protections.

    2024 · Authored (listed 2nd) · not reported from Senate committee

    Prohibits the state from discriminating against adoption agencies, foster parents, or adoptive parents on the basis of religious beliefs.

  • SB 202: State educational institution matters.

    2024 · Authored (listed 2nd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Amends the duties of state educational institutions' diversity committees.

  • SB 211: Excellence in civic engagement designation and school meetings.

    2024 · Authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires the department of education (department), in collaboration with the commission for higher education and subject to the approval of the state board, to establish an excellence in civic engagement designation.

  • SB 212: Various education matters.

    2024 · Authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that the Indiana school for the blind and visually impaired board shall give preference to a candidate for the chief executive officer position who meets the qualifications for an Indiana teacher's certificate in the area of visual impairment disabilities, but shall not require a candidate for the chief executive officer position to meet the qualifications for an Indiana teacher's certifi

  • SB 250: Union County food and beverage tax.

    2024 · Authored · not reported from Senate committee

    Authorizes Union County to impose a food and beverage tax.

  • SB 270: Various education matters.

    2024 · Authored (listed 2nd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Establishes limitations regarding the lease of school property.

  • SB 282: Absenteeism and school attendance.

    2024 · Authored (listed 3rd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Amends the duties of an attendance officer and the state attendance officer.

  • SB 48: State educational institution information.

    2024 · Authored (listed 2nd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires a state educational institution to prominently display hyperlinks to certain college scorecard information on the state educational institution's website and degree web pages.

  • SB 50: Chaplains in public schools.

    2024 · Authored (listed 2nd) · passed the Senate only; did not pass the House (not reported from House committee)

    Allows a principal or superintendent of a public school, including a charter school, to employ, or approve as a volunteer, a school chaplain if certain requirements are met.

  • SB 6: Reading proficiency.

    2024 · Authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires the department of education (department) to develop a method to identify students in grade 4 through grade 8 who: (1) did not pass the determinant evaluation of reading skills approved by the state board of education; and (2) are at risk of not being proficient in reading as determined by Lexile scores on the statewide summative assessment.

  • SB 15: Military benefits and services poster.

    2024 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires that the Indiana department of labor consult with the Indiana department of veterans' affairs to create and distribute a veterans' benefits and services poster.

  • SB 151: Statute of limitations.

    2024 · Co-authored · passed the Senate only; did not pass the House (not reported from House committee)

    Allows the prosecution of Level 3 felony rape and child molesting offenses to be commenced at any time.

  • SB 17: Age verification for material harmful to minors.

    2024 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires an adult oriented website operator that displays material harmful to minors to use a reasonable age verification method to prevent a minor from accessing an adult oriented website.

  • SB 181: Citizenship and immigration status.

    2024 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that, if the attorney general determines probable cause exists, the attorney general, rather than any person lawfully domiciled in Indiana, shall bring an action to compel a governmental body or postsecondary educational institution to comply with statutes requiring cooperation with federal immigration officials.

  • SB 234: Disaster emergency.

    2024 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that a state of disaster emergency declared by the governor: (1) that applies to the entire state may not continue for more than 60 days unless a renewal is authorized by the general assembly; and (2) that only applies to part of the state may not continue for more than 30 days unless renewed by the governor.

  • SB 287: Education matters.

    2024 · Co-authored · passed the Senate only; did not pass the House (not reported from House committee)

    Requires each school corporation, charter school, and state accredited nonpublic elementary school to include cursive writing in its curriculum.

  • SB 296: Administrative proceedings.

    2024 · Co-authored · not reported from Senate committee

    Provides that the office of administrative legal proceedings (OALP) is the ultimate authority for agencies subject to the jurisdiction of the OALP.

  • SB 297: Administrative rules.

    2024 · Co-authored · passed the Senate only; did not pass the House (not reported from House committee)

    Requires an agency to conduct a regulatory analysis for certain proposed rules, including if the implementation and compliance costs are at least $1,000,000.

  • SB 4: Fiscal and administrative matters.

    2024 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Specifies that certain workforce related programs must be reviewed by the legislative services agency at least once rather than every five years.

  • SB 46: Parental rights.

    2024 · Co-authored · not reported from Senate committee

    Provides that a governmental entity may not substantially burden certain parental rights unless the burden is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of furthering the governmental interest.

  • SB 52: Prohibition on use of dedicated lanes.

    2024 · Co-authored · passed the Senate only; did not pass the House

    Prohibits, until July 1, 2025, a consolidated city from adopting or enforcing an ordinance, resolution, rule, policy, or other requirement concerning a public transportation project, including the blue line, that seeks to: (1) convert; (2) restrict; or (3) otherwise establish; a vehicular traffic lane for use as a dedicated lane.

  • SB 65: Salvage motor vehicles.

    2024 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Allows an automotive salvage recycler or an agent of an automotive salvage recycler to apply for a certificate of authority for a motor vehicle on behalf of the seller with all required information collected at the point of sale.

  • SB 8: Higher education matters.

    2024 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires each high school to: (1) beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, offer the Indiana college core (college core); or (2) not later than October 1, 2024, submit a plan or report that meets certain requirements to the commission for higher education (commission).

  • HB 1001: Education and higher education matters.

    2024 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Amends the definition of "eligible student" to include a sibling of a student with a disability with regards to the education scholarship account program (ESA).

  • HB 1042: Transition to teaching scholarships.

    2024 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that an applicant for a transition to teaching scholarship after June 30, 2024, must be a member of a household with an annual income of $100,000 or less.

  • HB 1137: Release for religious instruction.

    2024 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires a principal to allow a student to attend religious instruction conducted by certain entities following the principal's receipt of written notice from the student's parent.

  • HB 1179: State educational institutions.

    2024 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires a state educational institution (institution) to disclose certain foreign gifts and contracts received or entered into after December 31, 2020.

  • HB 1243: Various education matters.

    2024 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Makes various changes to the education law concerning the following: (1) Indiana diploma requirements and designations and satisfying certain course requirements by obtaining a diploma.

  • HB 1274: Indiana semiquincentennial license plate.

    2024 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides for a semiquincentennial license plate.

  • HB 1304: Education matters.

    2024 · Sponsored · passed both chambers in some form; final version not enacted

    Requires the office of management and budget to establish a kindergarten through grade 12 data governance team.

  • HB 1338: Security of property and meeting decorum.

    2024 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Allows the governing bodies of certain local government agencies (local agencies) to adopt rules or policies governing the conduct of meetings.

  • HB 1380: Various education matters.

    2024 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires the secretary of education to prepare and submit to the general assembly the following: (1) A plan to establish a pilot program concerning the use, operation, and management of school facilities to promote student learning and outcomes.

  • HB 1084: Privacy of firearms financial transactions.

    2024 · Co-sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Amends the statute establishing the right of a member of: (1) the general assembly; (2) the professional staff of the general assembly; or (3) the Indiana lobby registration commission; to carry a handgun within the state capitol building and on the property of the state capitol complex by specifying that the right applies to any such member who is not prohibited under state or federal law from po

  • HB 1135: Cosmetology apprenticeships.

    2024 · Co-sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that an individual who completes a United States Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program to practice cosmetology may take the cosmetologist licensure examination and, upon passage of the examination, practice as a cosmetologist.

  • HB 1302: Emergency medical services.

    2024 · Co-sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that not later than July 15, 2024, the county executive shall provide the department of homeland security (department) certain information relating to each emergency medical services (EMS) provider in the county.

  • SB 146: Teacher compensation.

    2025 · Authored (listed 2nd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires the department of education (department) to submit a report to the general assembly before November 1, 2025, that provides an analysis of the feasibility and cost of increasing school corporation employee health plan options.

  • SB 249: Teacher compensation.

    2025 · Authored (listed 3rd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Amends provisions that allow school corporations to provide a supplemental payment to teachers in excess of the salary specified in the school corporation's compensation plan.

  • SB 285: Comparative college and career information.

    2025 · Authored (listed 2nd) · passed the Senate only; did not pass the House (not reported from House committee)

    Authorizes the commission for higher education (commission) and the department of workforce development with collecting and compiling certain information concerning: (1) postsecondary education; (2) career and technical education; (3) workforce qualifications; (4) workforce earnings; and (5) workforce debt.

  • SB 349: Environmental remediation.

    2025 · Authored · not reported from Senate committee

    Provides that, for purposes of voluntary remediation of hazardous substances and petroleum, a restrictive covenant or environmental restrictive ordinance is not necessary to control potential exposure pathways at a site unless it is determined that the expected future use of the site is more likely than not to result in exposure to remaining contamination in excess of remediation objectives.

  • SB 358: Various education matters.

    2025 · Authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires the department of education (department) to: (1) evaluate, approve, and publish a list of high quality curricular materials for use in English/language arts; and (2) collaborate with teachers in evaluating and approving the English/language arts curricular materials.

  • SB 365: Education matters.

    2025 · Authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires the department of education (department), in collaboration with certain other state entities, to collect and maintain certain data and to publish on the department's website timely and relevant information about secondary education programs.

  • SB 366: Education matters.

    2025 · Authored (listed 3rd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires, not later than October 1, 2025, the secretary of education to compile and prepare a report concerning school bus driver safety education training.

  • SB 373: Various education matters.

    2025 · Authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that the department of education (department) is the proper authority to accept federal funds appropriated to aid in the education of children with disabilities (current law provides that the state board of education is the proper authority).

  • SB 377: Funding for regional economic development.

    2025 · Authored (listed 2nd) · not reported from Senate committee

    Provides certain planning and review requirements that must occur before funding may be allotted and disbursed to a state agency for purposes of regional development.

  • SB 442: Instruction on human sexuality.

    2025 · Authored (listed 2nd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that, if a school provides instruction on human sexuality or sexually transmitted infections, the instruction must include instruction concerning consent to sexual activity and a presentation on human growth and development during pregnancy.

  • SB 448: Higher education and workforce development matters.

    2025 · Authored (listed 2nd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Establishes additional duties for the governor's workforce cabinet and requires the cabinet to perform certain duties jointly with other state agencies.

  • SB 483: Regulation of homeschooling.

    2025 · Authored · not reported from Senate committee

    Requires a parent who withdraws the parent's chronically absent child from a public school in order to homeschool the child to: (1) present to the school from which the child is withdrawing a plan regarding the curriculum and courses the child will complete while homeschooled; (2) meet with the superintendent of the school from which the child is withdrawing not less than two times each semester f

  • SB 516: Economic development.

    2025 · Authored (listed 2nd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Establishes the office of entrepreneurship and innovation (office).

  • SB 518: School property taxes.

    2025 · Authored (listed 2nd) · passed the Senate only; did not pass the House (not reported from House committee)

    Provides that all school corporations that adopt a resolution for a property tax levy for a controlled project or a school safety referendum tax levy after May 10, 2025, must share revenue received from the levy with certain charter schools.

  • SB 523: School chaplains.

    2025 · Authored (listed 2nd) · passed the Senate only; did not pass the House (not reported from House committee)

    Allows a principal or superintendent of a public school, including a charter school, to employ, or approve as a volunteer, a school chaplain if certain requirements are met.

  • SB 143: Parental rights.

    2025 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that a governmental entity may not substantially burden certain parental rights unless the burden, as applied to the parent and the child, is required to advance a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of advancing the governmental interest.

  • SB 176: Nursing matters.

    2025 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Adds members to the Indiana state board of nursing and changes the required qualifications for certain members.

  • SB 2: Medicaid matters.

    2025 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services (office) to report specified Medicaid data to the Medicaid oversight committee.

  • SB 280: Deer hunting.

    2025 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that, for a hunting season beginning after June 30, 2025, rifles may be used to hunt deer on public property subject to certain restrictions.

  • SB 306: Film and media production tax credit.

    2025 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that a taxpayer may assign any part of the film and media production tax credit (credit) that the taxpayer may claim.

  • SB 403: Charter school requirements.

    2025 · Co-authored · passed the Senate only; did not pass the House (not reported from House committee)

    Provides that access to financial data for local schools requirements apply to charter schools.

  • SB 423: Small modular nuclear reactor pilot program.

    2025 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Establishes the small modular nuclear reactor partnership pilot program (program).

  • SB 424: Small modular nuclear reactor development costs.

    2025 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Amends as follows the Indiana Code section concerning certificates of public convenience and necessity (certificates) for small modular nuclear reactors: (1) Authorizes a public utility to petition the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC) for approval to incur, before obtaining a certificate, project development costs for the development of one or more small modular nuclear reactors.

  • SB 480: Prior authorization.

    2025 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Sets forth requirements for a utilization review entity that requires prior authorization of a health care service.

  • SB 5: State fiscal and contracting matters.

    2025 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Allows a state agency to use artificial intelligence software to prepare information and projections for the state budget.

  • SB 515: Historic sites.

    2025 · Co-authored · reported from Senate committee; no Senate third-reading vote

    Establishes the division of historic sites (division) in the department of natural resources.

  • HB 1002: Various education matters.

    2025 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Removes and repeals various education provisions and expired education provisions, including provisions concerning the following: (1) Secretary of education criteria.

  • HB 1064: School transfers.

    2025 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Removes language prohibiting certain students from enrolling into a school corporation primarily for athletic reasons.

  • HB 1201: Education matters.

    2025 · Sponsored · passed the House only; did not pass the Senate (not reported from Senate committee)

    Defines "chronically absent".

  • HB 1348: Nonaccredited nonpublic schools.

    2025 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that a high school diploma (diploma) or credential issued by a nonaccredited nonpublic school (school) is legally sufficient to demonstrate that the recipient of the diploma or credential has met the requirements to complete high school.

  • HB 1376: Emergency medication.

    2025 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Amends the definition of "emergency medication".

  • HB 1500: Teacher appreciation grants.

    2025 · Sponsored · passed the House only; did not pass the Senate (not reported from Senate committee)

    Establishes a new teacher appreciation grant program.

  • HB 1507: Low water crossings.

    2025 · Sponsored · passed the House only; did not pass the Senate

    Authorizes a local county road and bridge board to undertake low water crossing projects.

  • HB 1515: Education and higher education matters.

    2025 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that accredited nonpublic schools are eligible to participate in the following: (1) The establishment of police departments.

  • HB 1539: Education matters.

    2025 · Sponsored · passed the House only; did not pass the Senate (not reported from Senate committee)

    Requires a public school to do the following: (1) Notify a parent of a student not later than 24 hours after the student makes an allegation that an employee of the public school engaged in misconduct.

  • HB 1681: Local public questions.

    2025 · Sponsored · passed the House only; did not pass the Senate

    Provides that a local public question or referendum may be placed on the ballot only at a general election.

  • HB 1111: Indiana National Guard.

    2025 · Co-sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Increases, from $8,800 to $20,000, the amount that shall be paid by the state if a member of the Indiana National Guard dies in the active service of the state.

  • HB 1391: Services for the aged and disabled.

    2025 · Co-sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Allows the office of the secretary of family and social services (office of the secretary) to study and prepare a report containing recommendations for realigning and consolidating the local area agency on aging (area agency) planning and service areas.

  • HB 1498: School accountability.

    2025 · Co-sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Repeals certain provisions regarding statewide assessment scores and the establishment of categories or designations of school performance.

  • SB 161: Education matters.

    2026 · Authored · passed the Senate only; did not pass the House

    Requires the Indiana department of education to elect to participate as a covered state in the federal tax credit scholarship program for elementary and secondary education under Section 25F of the Internal Revenue Code (enacted in Public Law 119-21, commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025).

  • SB 199: Various education matters.

    2026 · Authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Makes changes to the composition of the case review panel established by an interscholastic athletic association.

  • SB 200: Public school matters.

    2026 · Authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that certain: (1) indemnity; (2) choice of law; and (3) automatic renewal; provisions contained in contracts entered into, amended, or renewed after June 30, 2026, between the governing body of a school corporation or the equivalent authority for a charter school and a vendor are against public policy and are void and unenforceable.

  • SB 239: Various education matters.

    2026 · Authored (listed 2nd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires the department of education (department) to: (1) compile a list of business and industry partners that provide guaranteed incentives to high school students who earn the honors employment plus seal; and (2) publish the list on the department's website.

  • SB 248: South Bend Community school corporation.

    2026 · Authored (listed 2nd) · not reported from Senate committee

    Provides that members of the governing body for the South Bend Community school corporation (school corporation) serving on June 30, 2026, shall become on July 1, 2026, an advisory board to the governing body for the school corporation.

  • SB 254: Ivy Tech Community College.

    2026 · Authored (listed 2nd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Consolidates duties and responsibilities for Ivy Tech Community College (college).

  • SB 78: Wireless communication device policy.

    2026 · Authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Amends definitions, requirements, restrictions, and exceptions regarding wireless communication device policies adopted and implemented by school corporations and charter schools.

  • SB 88: Education matters.

    2026 · Authored (listed 2nd) · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Amends good citizenship instruction requirements.

  • SB 1: Human services matters.

    2026 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Establishes the Indiana rural health transformation fund and makes allotments and expenditures from the fund subject to budget committee review before the allotment and expenditure may occur.

  • SB 12: Prohibition of ranked choice voting.

    2026 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Prohibits the use of ranked choice voting.

  • SB 174: Various health matters.

    2026 · Co-authored · not reported from Senate committee

    Prohibits a person from adding a chemical to a public water supply in certain circumstances.

  • SB 180: Various health care matters.

    2026 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Eliminates a requirement that home health aide competency evaluation program training include at least 75 hours of training and 16 hours of classroom training before supervised practical training.

  • SB 236: Abortion inducing drugs and abortion reports.

    2026 · Co-authored · passed the Senate only; did not pass the House (not reported from House committee)

    Modifies the definitions of "abortion" and "abortion inducing drug".

  • SB 76: Immigration matters.

    2026 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that if a law enforcement officer, governmental body, or postsecondary educational institution is made a party to a civil suit and the attorney general determines that the suit has arisen out of certain immigration matters, the attorney general may defend the law enforcement officer, the governmental body, or the postsecondary educational institution if representation is requested and the

  • SB 87: E-Verify requirements for public works projects.

    2026 · Co-authored · passed the Senate only; did not pass the House (not reported from House committee)

    Provides that a public agency may not enter into or renew a contract for a public works project with a contractor unless, among other requirements, the contractor signs a notarized affidavit affirming that the contractor does not knowingly employ an unauthorized alien.

  • SB 92: Community corrections trust funds.

    2026 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Authorizes a county that operates a community corrections program to establish a county community corrections trust fund (fund).

  • HB 1004: Various education matters.

    2026 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Makes changes to various education provisions concerning the following: (1) Certain school corporation accounting requirements.

  • HB 1040: Battery against school and healthcare employees.

    2026 · Sponsored · passed the House only; did not pass the Senate

    Increases the penalty for battery on certain health care employees and school employees.

  • HB 1098: Work based learning liability.

    2026 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires an intermediary and an employer to enter into an agreement that sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the intermediary and the employer when participating in a work based learning program.

  • HB 1195: High school equivalency programs.

    2026 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Amends Indiana high school equivalency diploma program eligibility requirements for individuals under 18 years of age.

  • HB 1266: Department of education and education matters.

    2026 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Makes various changes to education provisions concerning the following: (1) Creating a teaching and learning framework for the implementation of mathematics academic standards.

  • HB 1408: Education matters.

    2026 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Includes the general assembly in the list of state entities to which the management performance hub (MPH) must make available certain government information.

  • HB 1423: Indianapolis public education corporation.

    2026 · Sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Establishes the Indianapolis public education corporation (corporation) and board (corporation board).

  • HB 1002: Electric utility affordability.

    2026 · Co-sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires an electricity supplier, other than a municipally owned utility, that is under the jurisdiction of the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC) to do the following: (1) Beginning with the first monthly billing cycle that begins after June 30, 2026, apply a levelized billing plan (plan) to all active residential customer accounts: (A) for service provided under the electricity supplier

  • HB 1145: Thirteenth check.

    2026 · Co-sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Allows a participant in the state excise police, gaming agent, gaming control officer, and conservation enforcement officers' retirement plan to elect a joint and survivor option for the payment of the participant's retirement allowance.

How this record was put together, and what it does not show

What we list: 28 bills chosen by a rule that does not look at topic: both state budgets, four bills named in advance, the 2025-26 redistricting bill, and in each session and chamber the 3 bills whose final-passage vote drew the most “nay” votes.

  • Votes reflect party caucus dynamics. Indiana has Republican supermajorities in both chambers, and many floor votes split along party lines; a single vote says little without the bill and its context.
  • Bills often die for procedural reasons, such as no committee hearing or a deadline, and a bill marked “not reported from committee” may have become law inside another bill.
  • A third-reading vote is on the version in front of the chamber at that time; the final version can be very different.
  • Authoring and co-authoring are different: co-authors sign on, often in large numbers, and usually did not write the bill.
  • Attendance counts roll calls on bills and joint resolutions (about 89% of numbered roll calls). “Excused” is an absence the chamber approved; “not voting” means no vote was recorded.

Where Raatz's record came from

Raatz's campaign website

Sources for Raatz

Key points

  • Senate District 27 includes Henry, Union and Wayne counties and part of Franklin County. (Indiana Senate Republicans)
  • At the forum, the candidates differed on education funding, state tax policy and how legislative districts are drawn. (Western Wayne News)

Sources

Researched Saturday, October 10, 2026

  1. Indiana Senate (Wikipedia)
  2. 2026 General Election Candidate List (Indiana Election Division)
  3. State Senator Jeff Raatz, District 27 (Indiana Senate Republicans)
  4. New candidates emerge for Indiana House, Senate races (Western Wayne News)
  5. 2026 Indiana Senate election (Wikipedia)
  6. Indiana schools face stricter cellphone rules under new 'bell-to-bell' law starting July 1 (Indiana Capital Chronicle via Route Fifty)
  7. Candidates share views in election forum (Western Wayne News)
  8. Jeff Raatz for State Senate (Raatz campaign)
  9. Statement from State Sen. Jeff Raatz in response to the 2026 State of the State address (Indiana Senate Republicans)
  10. Dr. Ron Itnyre announces candidacy for Indiana State Senate (The Courier-Times)
What's included
the U.S. House, statewide offices, every Indiana House and Senate district on the ballot, Indiana's statewide public questions and judicial retention questions, and county, township, city, town and school board races from the Indiana Election Division's candidate list.
Everything else
Local races (county, city, school board, judges) and anything else on your ballot are on your official sample ballot: IndianaVoters.in.gov.
Candidate lists
As of Sunday, October 18, 2026.
At the polls
Indiana law lets you bring a list of candidates and public questions into the polling place, including one stored on your phone, as long as you don't electioneer. IC 3-11-8-18.5

This is not an official ballot. Confirm your registration, polling place and ballot with your election office through vote.gov.