1. (a) As used in this section, "blockchain technology" means distributed ledger technology that uses a distributed, decentralized, shared, and replicated ledger that may be public or private, permissioned or permissionless, and that may include the use of electronic currencies or electronic tokens as a medium of electronic exchange.

2. (b) As used in this section, "distributed ledger technology" means:

   1. (1) a data base that is consensually shared and synchronized across multiple sites, institutions, or geographies allowing for public witnesses to transactions; and
   2. (2) supporting infrastructure for a data base described in subdivision (1).

3. (c) Not later than March 1, 2026, the department may issue a request for information in compliance with IC 5-23-4.5 for purposes of exploring how the use of blockchain technology could be used by a state agency to:

   1. (1) achieve greater cost efficiency and cost effectiveness; and

   2. (2) improve consumer:

      1. (A) convenience;
      2. (B) experience;
      3. (C) data security; and

      4. (D) data privacy.

         If the department issues a request for information, the department must comply with the requirements of this section.

4. (d) The request for information shall include participation from the following state agencies:

   1. (1) The office of the secretary of state.
   2. (2) The office of the secretary of family and social services ( IC 12-8-1.5-1 ).
   3. (3) The department of workforce development ( IC 22-4.1-2-1 ).
   4. (4) The department of child services ( IC 31-25-1-1 ).
   5. (5) The office of technology ( IC 4-13.1-1-3 ).
   6. (6) Any other state agency as determined by the office of technology.
5. (e) The department shall set a deadline of not later than July 1, 2026, for submission of responses to the request for information.

6. (f) Subject to IC 5-23-4.5-3 , the department shall prepare a report that includes:

   1. (1) information regarding the responses to the request for information, including a copy of any portions of a response that may be disclosed under IC 5-14-3 ;
   2. (2) any recommendations by the department regarding the request for information or the responses to the request for information; and
   3. (3) any other information that the department determines is relevant to the request for information.
7. (g) Not later than October 1, 2026, the department shall submit the report prepared under subsection (f) to the legislative council in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6 .
8. (h) This section expires December 31, 2026.

As added by P.L.60-2025, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.23-2026, SEC.9.