Indiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Indiana HB1043: Data center water regulation.
Status: In committee, January 8, 2026
Defines "data center". Prohibits a person from operating a data center in Indiana without obtaining a consumption permit from the department of natural resources (department). Sets forth information that must be included in a consumption permit application. Establishes procedures for the department to approve or deny a consumption permit application. Provides that a consumption permit may be transferred under certain circumstances. Provides that a person may consult with the department to assess the viability of a proposed data center with respect to water consumption. Allows the natural resources commission to adopt rules to implement this bill.
What the bill says
A bill FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning natural and cultural resources.
From the introduced text:
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning natural and cultural resources. SECTION 1. IC 14-8-2-64.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 64.5. "Data center", for purposes of IC 14-25-18, means a facility: (1) the primary services of which are the storage, management, and processing of digital data; (2) that is used to house: (A) computer and network systems, including associated components, such as servers, network equipment and appliances, telecommunications, and data storage systems; (B) systems for monitoring and managing infrastructure performance; (C) Internet related equipment and services; (D) data communications connections; (E) environmental controls; (F) fire protection systems; and (G) security systems and services; and 2026 IN 1043--LS 6203/DI (3) that has the capability of consuming at least ten million (10,000,000) gallons of water in one (1) month. SECTION 2. IC 14-25-18 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Chapter 18. Data Center Water Regulation Sec. 1. A person may not operate a data center in Indiana without obtaining a consumption permit from the department. A person must obtain a new consumption permit for each data center operated by the person. Sec. 2. (a) A person may consult with the department to …
Sponsors
- Alex Burton (D, HD-077) · primary sponsor
- Commons, Matt (R)
Latest actions
- : Representative Commons added as coauthor
- : First reading: referred to Committee on Natural Resources
- : Authored by Representative Burton
Subjects: NATURAL RESOURCES; Rivers, Streams, and Waterways, AGENCIES; Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Common questions
- What is HB1043?
- HB1043 is a bill in the Indiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Data center water regulation.
- What does HB1043 do?
- In its own words: A bill FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning natural and cultural resources.
- What is the status of HB1043?
- In committee as of January 8, 2026. Latest action: Representative Commons added as coauthor (January 8, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1043?
- Alex Burton (D, HD-077), with 1 co-sponsor.
- Where is the official record for HB1043?
- On the Indiana Legislature website: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1043
Source: official Indiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.