Understanding Indiana's Legislative Deadlines: What They Are and Why They Matter

As the Indiana General Assembly moves through its session, key legislative deadlines shape the path—and potential success—of every bill. For those tracking legislation, whether you're a citizen advocate, policy professional, or simply a concerned Hoosier, understanding these deadlines is essential to making sense of what’s happening at the Statehouse.

Here’s a breakdown of what the remaining deadlines in the 2025 Legislative Session mean and why they are so important.

April 10 – Committee Report Deadline

By this date, all bills must have passed out of their respective committees in the second chamber (House or Senate). If a bill has not been given a committee hearing or fails to receive a majority vote to advance out of committee by this deadline, it is considered “dead.”

Why it Matters:
Committees serve as the first major checkpoint for legislation. They are where bills are debated, amended, and scrutinized by a smaller group of legislators with relevant expertise. If a bill doesn’t make it out of committee by April10, it cannot move forward in the legislative process. This makes committee action a critical phase for stakeholders hoping to influence legislation.

 April 14 – Second Reading Deadline

Once a bill clears committee, it moves to the floor of the second chamber for what’s known as Second Reading. This is the final opportunity for lawmakers to propose and adopt amendments.

Why it Matters:
This is the last chance for lawmakers to make changes—big or small—to the bill before it moves to a final vote. While members on each committee can propose amendments on bills of jurisdiction within their committees, SecondReading offers every member of that chamber an opportunity to amend the legislation. Advocates and organizations often work behind the scenes during this period to negotiate language, add protections, or clarify provisions. After this date, the bill is engrossed, which essentially means it is "locked in" as-is, prior to a final vote on the chamber floor.

April 15 – Third Reading Deadline

By this deadline, all bills must be voted on in the full chamber and returned to their chamber of origin. For example, if the Senate is considering a bill that originated in the House, they must vote and send it back to the House by this date.

Why it Matters:
Third Reading is the final vote in the second chamber. If a bill fails to receive a majority vote, it dies. If it passes, it is sent back to its original chamber for either final approval or further negotiation (if amendments were made). This step is critical—it determines whether a bill survives the process and moves one step closer to becoming law.

April 29 – Statutory Deadline for Adjourning Sine Die

Sine Die marks the official end of each legislative session.All bills that have survived the process to this point must be passed out of both chambers by this date in order to be eligible for enactment by theGovernor. While the General Assembly is welcome to adjourn Sine Die anytime prior to this date, April 29 serves as the statutory deadline by which they legally must conclude all legislative proceedings.

Why it Matters:
Following Third Reading, bills that are received back in their original chamber for further negotiation enter what is known as a “conference committee.” These are ad hoc panels composed of House and Senate conferees formed to resolve differences in legislation between the House and Senate. All conference committee negotiations must conclude, and a final bill version must be agreed upon by both chambers no later than this date to be eligible for enactment by the Governor.

Why These Deadlines Exist

These structured deadlines exist to provide order, transparency, and efficiency in what is often a fast-moving and complex legislative environment. They ensure that bills are given appropriate time for review and that lawmakers and the public know when decisions must be made.

Final Thoughts

Legislative deadlines like these may sound procedural, but they hold real power in determining what ideas become law—and which don’t. If you're tracking legislation or engaging with lawmakers, understanding these checkpoints can help you act strategically and know when your voice is most likely to have an impact.

Stay informed, stay engaged—and keep an eye on the calendar.

‍