Indiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Indiana SB228: Midwest continental divide commission.
Status: Signed into law, March 3, 2026
Makes the following changes to the law regarding the Midwest continental divide commission (commission): (1) Amends the definition of a "land use and zoning plan" (plan) to provide that it is a plan and not an overlay district. (2) Requires the commission to consider any change or variance in zoning to be consistent with the plan that is: (A) inconsistent with the plan; and (B) not more than 1/2 mile from a trail project approved by the commission and the eligible county or city.
What the bill says
An act to amend the Indiana Code concerning local government.
From the enrolled text:
AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning local government. SECTION 1. IC 36-10-16-12, AS ADDED BY P.L.141-2025, SECTION 1, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 12. As used in this chapter, "land use and zoning plan" means the land use and zoning overlay district plan adopted by the eligible county with the formation of the district. SECTION 2. IC 36-10-16-17, AS ADDED BY P.L.141-2025, SECTION 1, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 17. (a) The commission may be established by the legislative body of an and (2) city; upon the adoption of an ordinance approved by both bodies establishing the commission. (b) The ordinance establishing the commission shall designate the boundaries of the Midwest continental divide district, if the legislative bodies determine the following: (1) The district's designation would encourage collaboration and support development across jurisdictions. (2) The district's efforts enhance the quality of life, create cultural amenities, and preserve key land and natural resources in at least one (1) eligible unit, a reservation site, and the surrounding region. SEA 228 (3) The existence of a development plan for the district that includes the development of a trail project and that identifies the trail project's objectives in a clearly focused and measurable fashion. (4) The district's designation would catalyze …
Sponsors
- David Niezgodski (D, SD-010) · primary sponsor
- Ryan Mishler (R, SD-009)
- Linda Rogers (R, SD-011)
- Rodney Pol (D, SD-004)
- Mark Spencer (D, SD-003)
Latest actions
- : Public Law 45
- : Signed by the Governor
- : Signed by the President of the Senate
- : Signed by the Speaker
- : Signed by the President Pro Tempore
- : Returned to the Senate without amendments
- : Third reading: passed; Roll Call 308: yeas 94, nays 1
- : Second reading: ordered engrossed
- : Committee report: do pass, adopted
- : First reading: referred to Committee on Local Government
Votes
- SB0228.03.COMH (February 23, 2026): 94 yea, 1 nay, passed
- SB0228.02.COMS (January 27, 2026): 45 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS; Generally, RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT, NATIVE AMERICANS, ZONING AND PLANNING
Common questions
- What is SB228?
- SB228 is a bill in the Indiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Midwest continental divide commission.
- What does SB228 do?
- In its own words: An act to amend the Indiana Code concerning local government.
- What is the status of SB228?
- Signed into law as of March 3, 2026. Latest action: Public Law 45 (March 3, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB228?
- David Niezgodski (D, SD-010), with 4 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB228?
- On the Indiana Legislature website: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/228
Source: official Indiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.