Indiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Indiana HB1265: Natural resource entrance fees.
Status: In committee, January 6, 2026
Allows counties to adopt an ordinance to impose a surcharge of not more than $2 in addition to the fees charged by the department of natural resources (department) for entry into state parks and state recreation areas. Requires the department to collect the surcharge and to report and pay the surcharge to each county treasurer. Provides that the revenue collected is to be used for purposes related to first responders and infrastructure improvements. Provides that the surcharge may not be imposed on a person who holds an annual pass.
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 14-8-2-87.8 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 87.8. "Fees", for purposes of IC 14-19-3-6.5, means entrance or admission fees that are paid in a county upon or after entering a state park or state recreation area located in the county. SECTION 2. IC 14-8-2-91.6 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 91.6. "First responder", for purposes of IC 14-19-3-6.5, refers (2) a firefighter, including a volunteer firefighter; or (3) an emergency medical technician, emergency medical responder, or paramedic. SECTION 3. IC 14-19-3-6.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 6.5. (a) A county fiscal body may adopt an ordinance to impose a surcharge on the fees paid in the county for entry into 2026 IN 1265--LS 6780/DI a state park or state recreation area located in the county. A county fiscal body that adopts an ordinance under this section shall notify the director of the department. The department shall report the surcharge collected under the ordinance on forms approved by the county treasurer. (b) The …
Sponsors
- Tim Yocum (R, HD-042) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Authored by Representative Yocum
- : First reading: referred to Committee on Natural Resources
Subjects: AGENCIES; Department of Natural Resources (DNR), NATURAL RESOURCES; State Parks
Common questions
- What is HB1265?
- HB1265 is a bill in the Indiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Natural resource entrance fees.
- What does HB1265 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 HB1265?
- In committee as of January 6, 2026. Latest action: Authored by Representative Yocum (January 6, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1265?
- Tim Yocum (R, HD-042).
- Where is the official record for HB1265?
- On the Indiana Legislature website: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1265
Source: official Indiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.