Gov. Mike Braun signed a series of bills into law, marking advancements in agriculture, education and public health within the state. Here is a breakdown of what they all mean:
House Enrolled Act 1149: Online agricultural portal
Aimed at bolstering Indiana’s agricultural sector, House Enrolled Act 1149 establishes an online portal for Hoosier farmers.
Authored by Rep. Kendell Culp, (R-Rensselaer), the portal will be managed by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. It is intended to streamline access to information, including:
- Regulatory checklists: Assisting farmers in navigating complex agricultural regulations to ensure compliance.
- Grant opportunities: Providing a searchable database of state and federal grants, complete with deadlines and eligibility criteria.
- Technical support: Offering resources and guidance on best practices and innovative farming techniques.
- Feedback channels: Enabling farmers to communicate directly with state agencies regarding concerns or suggestions related to agricultural policies.
Braun emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “Hoosier farmers feed America and power our economy, and this bill makes their important job a little bit easier.”
House Enrolled Act 1122: Unlawful encroachment
House Enrolled Act 1122 establishes a 25-foot buffer zone around law enforcement officers.
The bill makes it a Class C misdemeanor for someone to intentionally approach within 25 feet of an officer if they disobey an order to stop and the officer reasonably believes the person would interfere with their duties. The law aims to enhance safety for law enforcement personnel during their interactions with the public.
House Enrolled Act 1056: Controlled substances
House Enrolled Act 1056 adds the substances 2-Methyl AP-237 and ethylphenidate to Indiana’s list of controlled substances. This measure aims to address growing concerns over the use of these drugs and enhance public safety by regulating them under the state’s controlled substances laws.
Additional legislative actions
- House Enrolled Act 1121: Creates a process for multiple courts to hear juvenile delinquency cases on Indiana’s military property. The bill is designed to streamline legal proceedings and ensure that cases involving juveniles on military land are handled appropriately by the courts with jurisdiction over such matters.
- House Enrolled Act 1213: Specifies the insurance policies applicable to property transferred through a death deed. The bill clarifies the types of insurance coverage that should apply when property is exchanged under such a deed, aiming to prevent confusion and ensure proper insurance management during property transfers after death.
- House Enrolled Act 1289: Expands the definition of “workforce-related programs” to include nonprofit or for-profit organizations that provide transitional employment, job training and life skills training for individuals facing barriers to employment. The bill aims to support workforce development initiatives that help individuals overcome challenges and gain employment opportunities.
For more detailed information on these and other recently signed bills, visit the official website of the Indiana Governor’s Office at in.gov/gov/newsroom/2025-bill-watch.
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
