SB 224: Department of natural resources.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Defines various terms. Amends and removes various definitions. Makes various changes to natural resources commission procedures. Makes various changes to the department of natural resources (department) powers and duties. Removes the hometown Indiana grant program. Amends various boating and wakeboard regulations. Raises the financial threshold for certain actions in a boating accident from $750 to $2,000. Raises the financial threshold for certain actions in an off-road vehicle accident from $750 to $2,500. Establishes various restrictions on landowner liability to recreational users. Provides that various restrictions on landowner liability do not apply to a parcel of land assessed as residential land. Removes the penalty for a person who acts as a hunting guide without a guide license. Allows the division of water to perform certain functions on behalf of the natural resources commission. Requires the natural resources commission to coordinate with the department for purposes of a reporting requirement regarding conservancy districts. Establishes a consolidated chapter for river basin commission administration. Repeals existing, separate chapters for the Maumee River basin commission, the St. Joseph River basin commission, and the Upper Wabash River basin commission. Creates a new chapter for a river basin commission's conversion into a watershed development commission. Makes technical and conforming changes.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 4

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 5, 2026Public Law 123
2. March 5, 2026Signed by the Governor
3. February 27, 2026Rules Suspended. Senate concurred with House amendments; Roll Call 313: yeas 45, nays 4
4. February 27, 2026Motion to concur filed
5. February 27, 2026Dissent rescinded
6. February 27, 2026Signed by the Speaker
7. February 27, 2026Signed by the President of the Senate
8. February 27, 2026Signed by the President Pro Tempore
9. February 26, 2026House conferees appointed: Lindauer, Burton
10. February 26, 2026House advisors appointed: Abbott, Hostettler, Jackson C, Novak
11. February 25, 2026Senate conferees appointed: Glick, Spencer
12. February 25, 2026Senate advisors appointed: Tomes, Yoder

Showing 12 most recent of 29 actions. Full history