Stay Informed

Members of the Indiana General Assembly are studying various issues in committees this summer, and many of the issues they’re reviewing will impact agriculture and rural communities.

“There are several interim legislative study committees that we are following closely,” said Justin Schneider, Indiana Farm Bureau’s director of state government relations. “It is likely that legislation will result from these discussions, and it is important that Farm Bureau is engaged in moving our policy forward.”

The 21^st Century Energy Policy Development Task Force will look at existing policies that regulate electric generation portfolios as well as how changes in electric generation may impact reliability, system resilience and affordability of electric utility service. The task force will discuss how to maintain reliable, affordable service while encouraging the adoption and deployment of new energy technologies.

The Interim Study Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources will meet on Sept. 11 to discuss farmland preservation in Indiana, including preservation through agriculture conservation easements. Schneider said this committee was created after House Bill 1165 was amended last session to urge the creation of a study committee. While the discussion will include a study of conservation easements, it will likely highlight other tools such as zoning that are valuable in protecting productive farmland.

The Interim Study Committee on Education will review how money generated by property tax referendums is used. The committee also will look into the effects of property tax referendums on teacher pay. According to Schneider, this is important to INFB members because rural school funding and impacts of referendums on property taxes are areas of major concern for farmers.  

The Storm Water Management Task Force will identify issues related to storm water management systems. This task force will include a specific meeting on rural storm water issues, such as flooding and drainage.