HB 1322 directs the Indiana Department of Administration to explore whether blockchain or other distributed ledger technology could be used by state agencies to improve efficiency, consumer convenience, user experience, data security, and data privacy. The bill does not itself require any agency to adopt blockchain; instead, it authorizes the department to issue a request for information by March 1, 2026, and to gather responses from specified state agencies, including the Secretary of State, Family and Social Services Administration, Department of Workforce Development, Department of Child Services, and the Office of Technology.
If the department issues the request, it must compile a report summarizing the responses, any recommendations, and other relevant information, and submit that report to the Legislative Council by October 1, 2026. The section expires on December 31, 2026, making this a temporary study-and-reporting measure rather than a permanent change to state operations. The bill is framed as an administrative technology assessment and does not directly amend benefit programs, licensing systems, or public records rules.
Impact
The bill adds a new section to Indiana Code 4-13-1-28, creating a temporary authority for the Department of Administration to solicit information on blockchain applications in state government. It affects state administrative practice by requiring interagency participation in a request-for-information process and by mandating a report to the Legislative Council if the request is issued. It does not mandate procurement, implementation, or funding of blockchain systems, but it could influence future technology policy, data management, and digital service delivery across multiple agencies.
Sentiment
The voting history suggests broad bipartisan support for the bill. It passed the House 86-9 and the Senate 47-0, indicating that legislators generally viewed it as a low-risk, exploratory technology measure. The absence of committee transcript material limits insight into detailed debate, but the strong margins imply little opposition to the concept of studying blockchain use in state government.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record, likely because the bill is limited to a request-for-information and report rather than a mandate to adopt blockchain. Any potential concerns would likely center on whether blockchain is a practical or cost-effective tool for government, and whether it meaningfully improves privacy and security as the bill suggests. The bill’s inclusion of multiple agencies may also raise questions about administrative burden, but no specific objections are reflected in the provided materials.