Bill > SB0079

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for data center development in Indiana, focusing on understanding and managing the electricity demands and potential impacts of data centers. The bill creates a working group within the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) composed of representatives from electricity suppliers, the data center industry, regional transmission agencies, and other stakeholders to estimate future electricity demands of data centers. The working group is required to submit a report to the state legislature by October 31, 2026, detailing their findings and potential legislative or administrative recommendations. Additionally, the bill mandates that data center operators submit quarterly reports to the IURC on their electricity usage, which will be published in an aggregated and anonymized format. Local authorities are now required to perform site assessments before issuing construction permits for data centers, examining potential effects on water usage, electrical grid stability, carbon emissions, and local agricultural, historic, and cultural resources. The bill defines a data center as a facility primarily focused on digital data storage, management, and processing, including various technological infrastructure and support systems. The provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with an emergency declaration, signaling the immediate importance of understanding and managing data center development in the state.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/79/details