INDIANA — A group of Indiana Republicans has introduced a provocative new bill that would require every public school in the state to display the Ten Commandments in all classrooms and libraries.
House Bill 1086, authored by State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Greenwood), stipulates that each school corporation must install a “durable poster or framed picture” of the religious text. The bill officially received its first reading on Monday, Jan. 5, as the legislature reconvened, and has been referred to the House Committee on Education.
Rep. Davis argues that the mandate is a necessary response to a perceived moral decline in modern culture.
“Indiana is built on faith, family, and personal responsibility,” Davis said in a statement. “HB1086 affirms the timeless moral principles found in the Ten Commandments — values like honesty, respect for others, and accountability that helped shape our laws and strengthen our communities.”
Key Provisions of HB 1086:
- Mandatory Placement: Required in every single public school classroom and library.
- No State Funding: According to the bill’s fiscal note, no state funds will be provided; schools must find alternative ways to cover the cost of the displays.
- Effective Date: If passed, the requirement would take effect July 1, 2026.
The bill is co-authored by Representatives J.D. Prescott (R-Union City), Hunter Smith (R-Carmel), and Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty).
Legal Hurdles and Historical Context
The proposal arrives at a time when similar laws are facing intense legal scrutiny across the country. Over the past year, mandates in Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas have been at least partially blocked by federal judges who argue such displays likely violate the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.
In Indiana, the bill aligns with recent efforts by Governor Mike Braun and Attorney General Todd Rokita to restore religious monuments. In late 2025, they filed a motion to lift a decades-old injunction that has blocked a Ten Commandments monument from being replaced on the Indiana Statehouse lawn since 1991.
Comparison of Recent State Actions
| State | Legislation Status (Early 2026) | Legal Status |
| Indiana | HB 1086 introduced (Jan 2026) | Pending committee review |
| Louisiana | Law passed in 2024 | Blocked by federal court |
| Texas | SB 10 passed in 2025 | Partially blocked; removals ordered |
| Arkansas | Act 573 passed in 2025 | Temporarily enjoined in several districts |
As HB 1086 moves to the House Education Committee, it is expected to face significant debate regarding the separation of church and state and the financial burden placed on local school districts.
