summary
Introduced
01/08/2026
01/08/2026
In Committee
01/22/2026
01/22/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Forest management. Requires the department of natural resources (department) to establish recreational fees for the access and use of state forest land. Provides that the department shall ensure that at all times: (1) 10% of state forest land consists of forests that are 100 years or older; and (2) 10% of state forest land consists of forests that are 20 years or younger. Provides that money in the state forestry fund does not revert to the state general fund. Establishes various restrictions on landowner liability to recreational users.
AI Summary
This bill requires the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to establish recreational fees for accessing and using state forest land, and to ensure that at all times, 10% of state forest land consists of forests that are 100 years or older, and another 10% consists of forests that are 20 years or younger. Additionally, any money collected in the state forestry fund will not be returned to the general state fund, meaning it will remain dedicated to forestry purposes. The bill also modifies existing law to clarify and expand landowner liability protections for recreational users, meaning owners are generally not responsible for injuries or damages caused by other people using the land or by conditions on the land, with exceptions for malicious or illegal acts by the owner.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Representative Karickhoff added as coauthor (on 01/27/2026)
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/2026/bills/house/1414/details |
| BillText | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/house/bills/HB1414/HB1414.02.COMH.pdf |
| Fiscal Note #1: House Comm Sub | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/house/bills/HB1414/fiscal-notes/HB1414.02.COMH.FN001.pdf |
| House Natural Resources Amendment #6 | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/house/bills/HB1414/committee-amendments/amendments/HB1414.01.INTR.AMH06.pdf |
| House Committee Report | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/house/bills/HB1414/committee-reports/HB1414.01.INTR.CRH001.pdf |
| Vote Sheet January 21, 2026 | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/house/bills/HB1414/votesheets/HB1414.01.INTR.03.pdf |
| BillText | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/house/bills/HB1414/HB1414.01.INTR.pdf |
| Fiscal Note #1: Introduced | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/house/bills/HB1414/fiscal-notes/HB1414.01.INTR.FN001.pdf |
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