LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 6833 NOTE PREPARED: Dec 29, 2024
BILL NUMBER: SB 256 BILL AMENDED:
SUBJECT: Ground Water.
FIRST AUTHOR: Sen. Deery BILL STATUS: As Introduced
FIRST SPONSOR:
FUNDS AFFECTED:XGENERAL IMPACT: State
DEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: The bill establishes the Ground Water and Aquifer Preservation Task Force to
recommend water regulations to the Legislative Council. It creates a two year moratorium on the
establishment of certain major ground water withdrawal facilities (MWWFs) during the period beginning
May 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027. It provides an exception to the moratorium.
Effective Date: Upon passage.
Explanation of State Expenditures: The bill establishes a 13-member task force consisting of three lay
members, appointed by the Governor, and 10 legislators. The task force is to operate under the policies
governing study committees adopted by the Legislative Council. Legislative Council resolutions in the past
have established budgets for interim study committees in the amount of $13,500 per interim for committees
with fewer than 16 members. Expenses for the task force, including per diem and travel expenses, are to be
paid out of appropriations to the Legislative Council. The task force must meet at least three times in CY
2025 and at least four times in CY 2026. The task force must submit a report with findings and
recommendations by December 1, 2026.
The Legislative Services Agency (LSA) is to staff the task force. The LSA should be able to accomplish this
using existing staffing and resources.
Additional Information: A legislative member of the task force is entitled to a $213 per diem, $85.20
subsistence (as of October 1, 2024), and mileage of $0.67 per mile (as of January 1, 2024) for each meeting
attended. A lay member of the task force who is not a state employee is entitled to a $75 per diem and
mileage of $0.67 per mile (as of January 1, 2024) for each meeting attended. A lay member of the task force
who is a state employee is entitled to reimbursement of actual travel expenses incurred and mileage of $0.49
per mile (as of June 15, 2022).
The bill defines a ground water withdrawal facility (GWWF) as having a total withdrawal capacity of less
than 10 million gallons per day and a total pipeline transport capacity of less than 5 million gallons per day.
It defines a MWWF as having a total withdrawal capacity of at least 10 million gallons per day and a total
SB 256 1 pipeline transport capacity of at least 5 million gallons per day.
The bill provides that the moratorium does not apply to a MWWF in the Wabash River Basin for which a
contract concerning its establishment or planning was entered into before January 1, 2025, if the county
executives of every county that the facility will withdraw water from, or transport water through, adopts an
order allowing its establishment.
The bill also provides that the moratorium does not apply to an existing GWWF that increases its current
withdrawal or pipeline transport capacity by no more than 2 million gallons per day.
Explanation of State Revenues:
Explanation of Local Expenditures:
Explanation of Local Revenues:
State Agencies Affected: General Assembly; Legislative Services Agency.
Local Agencies Affected:
Information Sources: HEA 1001-2023;
https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates;
https://www.in.gov/idoa/procurement/travel-services.
Fiscal Analyst: Heather Puletz, 317-234-9484.
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