Introduced Version
HOUSE BILL No. 1506
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DIGEST OF INTRODUCED BILL
Citations Affected: IC 14-8-2; IC 14-19-3-6.5.
Synopsis: Natural resource entrance fees. 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 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.
Effective: July 1, 2025.
Patterson
January 21, 2025, read first time and referred to Committee on Natural Resources.
2025 IN 1506—LS 7619/DI 125 Introduced
First Regular Session of the 124th General Assembly (2025)
PRINTING CODE. Amendments: Whenever an existing statute (or a section of the Indiana
Constitution) is being amended, the text of the existing provision will appear in this style type,
additions will appear in this style type, and deletions will appear in this style type.
Additions: Whenever a new statutory provision is being enacted (or a new constitutional
provision adopted), the text of the new provision will appear in this style type. Also, the
word NEW will appear in that style type in the introductory clause of each SECTION that adds
a new provision to the Indiana Code or the Indiana Constitution.
Conflict reconciliation: Text in a statute in this style type or this style type reconciles conflicts
between statutes enacted by the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly.
HOUSE BILL No. 1506
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning
natural and cultural resources.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
1 SECTION 1. IC 14-8-2-87.8 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
2 AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
3 1, 2025]: Sec. 87.8. "Fees", for purposes of IC 14-19-3-6.5, means
4 entrance or admission fees that are paid in a county upon or after
5 entering an Indiana state park or state recreation area located in
6 the county.
7 SECTION 2. IC 14-8-2-91.6 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
8 AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
9 1, 2025]: Sec. 91.6. "First responder", for purposes of
10 IC 14-19-3-6.5, refers to:
11 (1) a law enforcement officer (as defined in IC 5-2-1-2(1));
12 (2) a firefighter, including a volunteer firefighter; or
13 (3) an emergency medical technician, emergency medical
14 responder, or paramedic.
15 SECTION 3. IC 14-19-3-6.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
16 AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
17 1, 2025]: Sec. 6.5. (a) A county fiscal body may adopt an ordinance
2025 IN 1506—LS 7619/DI 125 2
1 to impose a surcharge on the fees paid in the county for entry into
2 a state park or state recreation area located in the county. A
3 county fiscal body that adopts an ordinance under this section shall
4 notify the director of the department. The department shall report
5 the surcharge collected under the ordinance on forms approved by
6 the county treasurer.
7 (b) The surcharge is equal to an amount of not more than two
8 dollars ($2) in addition to any fees charged by the department for
9 entry into the state park or state recreation area. However, the
10 surcharge may not be imposed on:
11 (1) a veteran (as defined in IC 10-17-13.5-3);
12 (2) an individual serving on active duty in any branch of the
13 armed forces; or
14 (3) an individual who is at least sixty-five (65) years of age.
15 (c) The department shall:
16 (1) begin collecting the surcharge not later than sixty (60)
17 days after receiving notice under subsection (a) of the
18 adoption of an ordinance; and
19 (2) pay the surcharge collected during a month to the county
20 treasurer not later than the end of the following month.
21 (d) The surcharge collected by the department and paid to the
22 county treasurer must be used for purposes related to first
23 responders in the county, including compensation and purchase
24 and updating of equipment, in accordance with the ordinance
25 adopted under subsection (a).
2025 IN 1506—LS 7619/DI 125