(INDIANAPOLIS) - Governor Mike Braun and the family of Hailey Buzbee gathered at the Statehouse Wednesday for a ceremonial signing of two new Indiana laws focused on child exploitation and online protections for minors.
The ceremony highlighted House Enrolled Acts 1303 and 1408, both approved during the 2026 legislative session and already signed into law.
State leaders said advocacy from the Buzbee family helped drive the legislation after the January disappearance and death of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee, who had been communicating online for more than a year with the Ohio man now facing federal child exploitation charges tied to the case.
One of the new laws expands Indiana's Silver Alert system to also cover missing children and creates a new criminal offense for distributing child sex abuse material.
The second measure includes new education and social media protections aimed at adolescent users, adding safeguards and restrictions tied to minors online.
Hailey's father, Beau Buzbee, called the measures a good first step, while saying more work is still needed, including stronger school education on grooming and online predators.
In a press release issued by his office, Braun said the state will continue working with lawmakers and the Buzbee family on additional protections, including a possible "Pink Alert" system for missing children in future legislative sessions.
House Speaker Todd Huston is expected to continue meeting with the Buzbee family as planning begins for possible additional legislation in 2027.