Sen. Jean Leising

Allows counties that meet certain criteria to adopt an ordinance to impose a surcharge of not more than $1 in addition to the fees charged by the department of natural resources (department) for entry into certain state parks and recreation areas. Provides that the surcharge may not be imposed on an annual state park pass holder. Requires the department to collect and to report and pay the surcharge to each county treasurer. Provides that the surcharge collected is to be used for certain purposes.

Maddy summarySB 211 permits the use of funds from the Clean Water Indiana Fund to manage invasive plant species in waterways. The bill directs the state to allocate existing program funds specifically for controlling invasive vegetation, such as water hyacinth or zebra mussels, that threaten water quality and ecosystems. This policy change directly affects the administration of the Clean Water Indiana Program by expanding its eligible uses for fund disbursement. The bill was enacted into law on April 1, 2025, after receiving final approval from the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate resolution (SR 52) honoring Hendricks County Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar. It formally memorializes Deputy Fislar's service and sacrifice through a resolution adopted by the Indiana Senate. The resolution was authored by Senator Clark and co-sponsored by numerous senators, reflecting broad legislative support for this tribute. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Defines "advanced transmission technologies" as software or hardware technologies that increase the capacity, efficiency, reliability, or safety of an existing or new electric transmission facility. Provides that in any integrated resource plan (IRP) filed with the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC) after December 31, 2025, an electric utility that owns or operates a transmission or distribution system must include a description of the potential use of, or investment in, one or more advanced transmission technologies to enable the electric utility to safely, reliably, efficiently, and cost effectively meet electric system demand. Provides that in any IRP filed with the IURC after December 31, 2029, an electric utility that owns or operates a transmission or distribution system must include a description of the electric utility's transmission and distribution systems, as specified by the IURC. Requires the IURC to conduct a study to evaluate the potential use or deployment of advanced transmission technologies by public utilities. Sets forth specific topics that the IURC must evaluate as part of the study. Requires the IURC to include in its 2026 annual report the commission's findings with respect to the topics evaluated in the study. Provides that advanced transmission technologies qualify as eligible transmission, distribution, and storage system improvements for purposes of the statute that authorizes a public utility to recover eligible costs incurred in connection with investments made in such improvements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 48) formally recognizes the link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide among military personnel and veterans. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of this critical issue affecting service members and veterans. The resolution was introduced by multiple senators and unanimously adopted in its first reading. It directly addresses the military and veteran communities by highlighting a recognized health concern.

Requires the Indiana state department of agriculture (department) to establish and maintain an online portal on its website for the purposes of: (1) assisting users in the successful navigation of agricultural or related topics among various federal and state agencies; (2) providing a single source for users to access agricultural or related funding opportunities; (3) providing a searchable data base of available federal and state grants with information on eligibility and deadline criteria; and (4) providing regular updates to reflect changes in federal and state funding opportunities. Provides that the online portal shall include links to various federal and state websites. Requires that the online portal provide a series of regulatory checklists to assist users that are considering diversifying into new markets in the navigation of agricultural and related regulations and the avoidance of punitive enforcement actions before they arise. Requires that the online portal provide a one stop venue that will help connect users with responsive data visualization tools and technical assistance programming. Requires that the online portal include a link to provide users with ongoing updates on the status of certain lost farmland. Requires an updated report on certain lost farmland to be uploaded to the online portal every five years. Requires that the online portal include formal venues: (1) to collect comments from the public regarding federal regulations impacting Indiana's rural economy with the goal of assisting the state in providing vigorous advocacy on behalf of the public; and (2) where users may provide to the department reviews and feedback regarding the usefulness of the online portal.

Maddy summarySCR 29 is a concurrent resolution recognizing National Agriculture Day and highlighting agriculture's economic impact on Indiana. It does not create new laws or policies; it is a symbolic gesture to honor the sector's contributions. The resolution was adopted by the House with a voice vote and is now pending in the Senate. This type of resolution directly affects no specific individuals or entities, as it serves only to acknowledge a day and industry.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION congratulating Jennifer Sanders on being named the Indiana Small and Rural Schools Association's 2024 Indiana Teacher of the Year.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SR 40) is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Bobby Pruett. It formally recognizes his service and contributions, likely in a military or civic capacity, though the resolution itself does not create new laws or affect any policies. The resolution was introduced by Senators Garten and Maxwell and adopted by the Senate on March 18, 2025, with numerous senators adding their support as co-authors. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect or direct impact on constituents or legislation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Dr. David Bowden and was unanimously adopted by the Senate on March 17, 2025, with 37 senators coauthoring it. It recognizes Dr. Bowden's contributions but does not create any new laws or affect specific policies. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding effect or direct impact on constituents or legislation. The measure serves solely to acknowledge Dr. Bowden's service through formal Senate recognition.