SB 280: Deer hunting. - Indiana

Senate Bill (S) → Senate Bill (H) · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill was amended to clarify and expand rifle hunting regulations for deer on public property. The key change is that hunters may now use rifles chambered for .223 caliber rounds in addition to .243 caliber rounds, and the rule prohibiting the Department of Natural Resources from setting cartridge length limits was narrowed to only apply to centerfire rifle cases. The bill was also updated to reflect its passage through the House and final Senate approval.

Scope change

The bill's scope was slightly narrowed regarding regulatory authority - the prohibition on DNR rules now specifically applies only to centerfire rifle case length limitations rather than all rifle cartridge or case length limitations.

REQUIREMENT

Expanded eligible rifle calibers to include .223 caliber rounds in addition to .243 caliber rounds for deer hunting on public property.

Narrowed the prohibition on DNR rulemaking to apply only to centerfire rifle case length limitations, removing restrictions on other cartridge types.

TIMELINE

Added House action dates showing the bill passed the House on February 4, 2025, and was reported back to the Senate on March 13, 2025.

TECHNICAL

Added House sponsors (Lindauer, Commons) and updated bill designation from SB to ES (Engrossed Senate version).

Enrolled Senate Bill (S) → Senate Bill (S) · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates Indiana's deer hunting regulations for rifle use on public property, removing specific restrictions on rifle cartridge and case length while maintaining the requirement that rifles must fire bullets at least .243 inches in diameter. The changes also prohibit the Department of Natural Resources from adopting rules regarding rifle cartridge or case length limitations, giving hunters more flexibility in equipment choices.

Scope change

The bill expands eligibility for rifle hunting on public property by removing previous cartridge and case length limitations that applied to hunting seasons beginning after June 30, 2025.

REQUIREMENT

Removed specific rifle cartridge and case length limitations that previously required a minimum case length of 1.16 inches and maximum of 3 inches

Changed the minimum bullet diameter requirement from .243 inches plus 5.56mm specification to just .243 inches or larger

Added prohibition on the Department of Natural Resources from adopting rules regarding rifle cartridge or case length limitations

TIMELINE

Updated the effective date from July 1, 2020 to July 1, 2025 for the hunting season beginning after June 30

Engrossed Senate Bill (S) → Enrolled Senate Bill (S) · 1 edit · Apr 16, 2025

MINOR

This bill was converted from an Engrossed version to an Enrolled version, which is the final legislative form ready for the Governor's signature. The substantive policy content regarding deer hunting rifle regulations remains unchanged between the two versions.

TECHNICAL

The document format changed from Engrossed Senate Bill to Enrolled Senate Bill, which is the final version sent to the Governor for signature. This includes changes to header information, committee reports, and signature blocks.

Engrossed Senate Bill (H) → Engrossed Senate Bill (S) · 4 edits · Feb 4, 2025

MODERATE

This bill was amended to change the hunting rifle specifications, allowing hunters to use larger caliber rifles (5.56mm) instead of the previous smaller caliber (.223/.243). The bill also updated the official version number and dates to reflect its progression through the legislative process, with final passage in March 2025.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to permit the use of larger caliber centerfire rifles for deer hunting on public property, removing previous restrictions on rifle case length and bullet diameter.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the minimum bullet diameter requirement from .223 inches (.243 inches) to 5.56 millimeters for rifles used to hunt deer.

Removed the minimum case length requirement of 1.16 inches for hunting rifles.

TIMELINE

Updated the effective date and legislative history to reflect March 2025 passage instead of February 2025.

ELIGIBILITY

Added House sponsors to the bill's authorship section.

Introduced Senate Bill (S) → Engrossed Senate Bill (H) · 4 edits · Feb 4, 2025

MODERATE

SB 280 was amended to clarify and expand rifle hunting regulations for deer on public property. The primary changes involve updating bullet diameter specifications, renumbering subsections for clarity, and specifying that only centerfire rifle case length limitations are prohibited from regulation. These changes ensure hunters can use rifles with .223 caliber bullets and provide clearer guidance on ammunition restrictions.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on deer hunting regulations on public property, but the specific technical requirements for rifle ammunition have been clarified and slightly expanded to include .223 caliber bullets.

REQUIREMENT

Updated bullet diameter requirement to allow .223 caliber bullets in addition to .243 caliber

Renumbered subsections from (2), (3), (4) to (2), (3), (4) for better organization

Clarified that only centerfire rifle case length limitations are prohibited from regulation

TECHNICAL

Added committee report and motion details showing the legislative process for amendments

Deer hunting.

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