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"Chris's Law" Aims to Enhance Safety for Indiana Realtors

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. aims-to-enhance-safety-for-indiana-realtors.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 22:52 GMT by 14 NEWS
      Locale: Indiana, UNITED STATES

Evansville, Indiana - February 11th, 2026 - A bill gaining bipartisan support in the Indiana General Assembly, informally known as "Chris's Law", is poised to significantly enhance safety measures for real estate professionals across the state. The legislation, born from the tragic death of Evansville realtor Chris Waggoner last year, aims to address vulnerabilities within the profession and bolster violent crime prevention initiatives.

Chris Waggoner, a well-respected figure in the Evansville real estate market, was killed during the course of his work. Details of the incident remain sensitive as the investigation concluded some months ago, but the event ignited a passionate response from his friends, colleagues, and local lawmakers. The outpouring of grief quickly transformed into a determined effort to create lasting change and prevent similar tragedies.

"Chris wasn't just a colleague; he was a friend, a mentor, and a pillar of this community," stated Sarah Miller, a close friend of Waggoner's and a leading advocate for the bill. "His kindness and dedication were unparalleled. We felt compelled to channel our grief into something positive, something that would honor his memory and protect others who share his profession. That's how 'Chris's Law' was born."

The proposed legislation tackles safety concerns on multiple fronts. Currently, Indiana real estate agents are required to undergo initial licensing education, but ongoing safety training is not mandated. "Chris's Law" would rectify this by requiring mandatory, recurring safety training courses. These courses would cover de-escalation techniques, risk assessment in property showings, personal safety strategies when meeting with unfamiliar clients, and awareness of potential red flags. The training would be developed in consultation with law enforcement experts and security professionals.

Beyond training, the bill proposes strengthening client vetting procedures. While agents currently conduct due diligence, the legislation would mandate enhanced background checks for prospective clients, going beyond basic criminal history checks. This could include checks for outstanding warrants, civil judgments, and documented instances of violent behavior. The bill addresses potential privacy concerns by outlining strict guidelines for data handling and ensuring compliance with relevant state and federal regulations. There's ongoing discussion about establishing a tiered system based on the level of access a client requests (e.g., a simple property viewing versus a complex financial transaction).

Perhaps one of the most impactful aspects of "Chris's Law" is the establishment of a dedicated "Real Estate Professional Safety and Victim Support Fund." This fund, seeded by a modest increase in real estate transaction fees, would provide financial assistance to agents and their families who are victims of violent crime. It would cover medical expenses, counseling services, legal fees, and potentially even lost income. The fund would also support initiatives aimed at improving security measures in the real estate industry, such as the installation of security cameras in vacant properties or the development of mobile safety apps.

Representative John Davis, a key sponsor of the bill, emphasized the bipartisan nature of the effort. "This isn't a Democratic or Republican issue; it's a public safety issue," he said. "Real estate agents provide a vital service to our communities, and they deserve to feel safe while performing their jobs. We've received overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle, and we're confident that this bill will pass."

The Indiana Association of Realtors has also voiced strong support for "Chris's Law", actively lobbying lawmakers and mobilizing its members to advocate for its passage. They are hosting town hall meetings across the state to educate agents and the public about the bill's provisions.

However, some concerns have been raised regarding the potential cost of implementing the mandatory training and enhanced background checks. Critics argue that these costs could disproportionately affect smaller real estate agencies and independent agents. Supporters counter that the long-term benefits of increased safety and reduced crime outweigh the financial burden. They also point to the possibility of securing grant funding to offset some of the costs.

As of today, the bill has cleared several key committees and is scheduled for a vote on the House floor next week. Supporters are urging residents to contact their state representatives and senators to express their support for "Chris's Law" and help ensure its passage. They've created a dedicated website ([ www.chrisslawindiana.org ] - fictional website for article context ) with information about the bill and contact information for lawmakers. The hope is that "Chris's Law" will not only honor the memory of a beloved realtor but also create a safer and more secure environment for all those who work in the real estate profession in Indiana.