summary
Introduced
01/08/2025
01/08/2025
In Committee
01/08/2025
01/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/24/2025
04/24/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Water management authority. Establishes the water management authority as an agency of state government. Requires the governor to appoint an administrator of the authority (administrator). Provides for the adoption and implementation of a statewide water management plan. Provides that, upon adoption of the statewide water management plan, the administrator assumes powers and duties related to: (1) water rights and emergency regulation of surface and ground water; (2) potable water rights; (3) water resources management; (4) the Great Lakes compact; (5) reservoirs; (6) preservation and legal action concerning lakes; (7) flood control; (8) construction of channels; and (9) conservancy districts. Establishes one regional water management council for each of nine hydrological regions in Indiana. Provides for the designation of a drainage project as a "drainage project of water management importance" if it meets certain conditions, and provides that a permit from the administrator is required for such a project. Requires an agency that constructs and repairs highways to consult with the administrator to limit sedimentation.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a new Water Management Authority as an agency of state government to comprehensively manage Indiana's water resources. The bill requires the governor to appoint an administrator who will develop and implement a statewide water management plan by July 1, 2026. The plan must analyze current water management practices, forecast future water demand across various sectors, and recommend integrated strategies for drainage, flood control, and water supply management. The authority will be organized into nine regional water management councils, each covering a specific group of counties. The administrator will have broad powers to investigate water management projects, issue permits, and require mitigation for actions that could harm water resources or ecosystems. The bill transfers existing water-related powers from various state departments and commissions to this new authority, consolidating water management responsibilities under a single agency. Key provisions include establishing minimum technical standards for drainage and flood control projects, maintaining a registry of significant water withdrawal facilities, and developing a comprehensive approach to water resource management that considers long-term stability, climate change impacts, and the unique characteristics of different hydrological regions in Indiana.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
First reading: referred to Committee on Utilities (on 01/08/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/134/details |
| BillText | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2025/senate/bills/SB0134/SB0134.01.INTR.pdf |
| Fiscal Note #1: Introduced | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2025/senate/bills/SB0134/fiscal-notes/SB0134.01.INTR.FN001.pdf |
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