January 4 Legislative Update

Although the 2022 session was off to an early start with both hearings and a slew of bill postings beginning in mid-December, today is the first official day of session. According to statute, lawmakers must conclude all business by March 14. Over the course of the last several weeks caucus leadership gave a preview of several priorities.

House Republicans will focus on:

lowering or eliminating certain taxes on small businesses and Hoosier consumers
pushing for more “parental transparency” in school curriculum
strengthening anti-abortion laws following trends around the country
House Speaker Todd Huston says, "We're going to push hard for responsible and prudent tax cuts while maintaining our strong reserves, funding critical services and investing in our future."

Senate Republicans will focus on:

continuing to address healthcare costs in Indiana
strengthening economic development tools
working to improve Indiana’s education system
Senate Appropriations Chairman Ryan Mishler says, "We have the obligation to continue making sustainable spending decisions as we plan for Indiana's future, and I believe those types of discussions will be most appropriate in the context of the next state budget."

Senate Democrats will work on:

ensuring state surplus dollars go toward Hoosiers in need of more affordable child care and the needs of those in rural areas
increasing the state’s minimum wage
expanding access to Pre-K for three-and four-year-olds
legalizing cannabis

While ACI did not ask any legislators to file bills on our behalf this session, we are anticipating several ag issues:

COVID-19 response:
- HB 1001 Administrative authority; COVID-19 immunizations (R-Lehman) would restrict employer COVID-19 vaccine mandates and put in place actions to end the statewide public health emergency order. HB 1001 would effectively force private employers that mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for employees to allow for any medical or religious exemptions — no questions asked. It also would put in place administrative actions Gov. Eric Holcomb said were needed to end the statewide public health emergency order that’s been in place since March 2020, including securing continued federal reimbursements for SNAP benefits and Medicaid. Click HERE to read more.
Office of the Indiana State Chemist:
- OISC’s proposed legislation would allow for seed lab fees to no longer undercut industry, eliminate separate category of <1lb agricultural seed packages (only 6 are issued annually) and set microorganism rulemaking authority.
Home based vendors:
- After much negotiation and work over the interim, this issue will return in 2022.
- Under current law, home based vendors can only sell their products at farmers markets and roadside stands. We are anticipating legislation that will expand sales options.
Neither ISDA nor IDEM will bring agency bills this session
Other issues to watch: carbon, ethanol tax credit, pesticide bans, local zoning control, BOAH animal bills.

Governor Holcomb’s annual “State of the State” address will be held on Tuesday, January 11, at 7 p.m.

How to Stay Informed

Legislative Update Calls: Call in at 10 a.m. every Friday for the latest Statehouse news. The ACI team and 1816 Public Affairs Group will be on hand to update you on ag bills and answer your questions. Registration is required. Please click HERE to sign up.
Legislative Updates Emails: Every Friday afternoon we will also publish a Legislative Update. Legislative updates will also be available in the members section of the website. To find them, login to the members-only section of the website and select the "Legislative Updates" tab on the member homepage.
Indiana General Assembly website
Indiana House Republicans
Indiana House Democrats
Indiana Senate Republicans
Indiana Senate Democrats

How to Engage

If you’re not yet on ACI’s “Voter Voice” system, you’re not fully leveraging your influence for our industry. Voter Voice is a very efficient way for members to communicate directly with state legislators regarding important legislation that affects the way you do business.

You can sign up as quickly and easily by clicking here. Once signed up, responding to a call to action can take as little as 30 seconds.

We need your voice!!

Meet the 1816 Team

Mike O'Brien - President
Neil Krevda - Vice President
Brian Bosma - Senior Consultant
Tyler Starkey - Policy Advisor | General Counsel
Grant Krevda - Director of Government Affairs | Associate General Counsel
Brooke Fair - Director of Operations

Read full bios here.

2022 Session Calendar

Official House and Senate calendars for the 2022 General Assembly provide a roadmap for critical deadlines and other significant dates, but keep in mind these dates are subject to change.

House Calendar