LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 6421 NOTE PREPARED: Dec 3, 2024
BILL NUMBER: HB 1335 BILL AMENDED:
SUBJECT: Weather Control.
FIRST AUTHOR: Rep. Sweet BILL STATUS: As Introduced
FIRST SPONSOR:
FUNDS AFFECTED:XGENERAL IMPACT: State & Local
XDEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: This bill prohibits a person who has the intent of affecting the intensity of
sunlight, temperature, or weather from discharging a chemical or apparatus into the atmosphere, except in
certain circumstances. It also establishes that a violation is a Class B misdemeanor.
Effective Date: July 1, 2025.
Explanation of State Expenditures:
Explanation of State Revenues: The bill provides that a person who discharges a chemical or apparatus
into the atmosphere with the intent of affecting the intensity of sunlight, temperature, or weather commits
a Class B misdemeanor. If additional court cases occur and fines are collected, revenue to both the Common
School Fund and the state General Fund would increase. The maximum fine for a Class B misdemeanor is
$1,000. Criminal fines are deposited in the Common School Fund. The total fee revenue per case would
range between $113 and $138. The amount of court fees deposited will vary depending on whether the case
is filed in a court of record or a municipal court. The following linked document describes the fees and
distribution of the revenue: Court fees imposed in criminal, juvenile, and civil violation cases.
Explanation of Local Expenditures: A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to 180 days in jail. The
average cost per day to incarcerate a prisoner is approximately $64.53 based on the per diem payments
reported by U.S. Marshals to house federal prisoners in 11 county jails across Indiana during CY 2021.
Explanation of Local Revenues: If additional court actions occur and a guilty verdict is entered, more
revenue will be collected by certain local units. If the case is filed in a court of record, the county general
fund will receive $47.40 and qualifying municipalities will receive a share of $3.60. If the case is filed in a
municipal court, the county receives $30, and the municipality will receive $46. The following linked
document describes the fees and distribution of the revenue: Court fees imposed in criminal, juvenile, and
civil violation cases.
State Agencies Affected:
HB 1335 1 Local Agencies Affected: Trial courts, local law enforcement agencies.
Information Sources:
Fiscal Analyst: Jason Barrett, 317-232-9809.
HB 1335 2