A bill authored by State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg), Senate Enrolled Act 242, which would repeal a provision requiring a local floodplain administrator to use state floodplain mapping data unless at a landowner's request, passed the General Assembly.

"Restricting what floodplain mapping data local governments use is a property rights issue, as it greatly impacts property value and whether residents can build on their own land," Leising said. "This bill simply provides flexibility for local floodplain administrators to make better-informed decisions on whether someone can develop their property without harming the environment."

Leising authored SEA 242 after hearing testimony from many constituents across the state and experts from organizations including the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Farm Bureau, Slonaker Farm Management, Indiana State Department of Agriculture and Indiana Department of Environmental Management during multiple Drainage Task Force meetings last year.

The Drainage Task Force was created by Senate Enrolled Act 85, also authored by Leising, during the 2022 legislative session. The task force reviews drainage laws and makes determinations and recommendations concerning drainage and regulatory matters.

"The Drainage Task Force meetings revealed mounting frustration from residents across the state struggling to develop or sell their homes because the area is designated in a state floodplain, despite not being in a federal floodplain," Leising said. "Now landowners can choose whether they want a floodplain administrator to use state floodplain mapping or an engineering study when making permit determinations."

SEA 242 will now move to the governor's desk for further consideration. To learn more about the bill, visit iga.in.gov.