Bill > SB0202

This bill restructures the organizational responsibilities of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture by removing the lieutenant governor's role as secretary of agriculture and rural development. The bill establishes the Indiana State Department of Agriculture as a direct executive branch agency, with the director now reporting directly to the governor instead of the agriculture secretary. Key changes include removing references to the lieutenant governor as the agriculture secretary, specifying that the department director serves at the governor's pleasure and is responsible to the governor, and transferring appointment responsibilities for various agricultural boards and commissions from the lieutenant governor to the governor. The bill also clarifies that the department director will serve as an ex officio member on various agricultural councils and commissions, such as the Indiana Corn Marketing Council. These changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aim to streamline the administrative structure of the state's agricultural leadership by creating a more direct reporting line to the governor's office.

Government Affairs

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/202/details