INDIANAPOLIS – Legislation authored by Senate Democratic Leader Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington) to study how Indiana’s public lands impact public health, affordability and long-term resilience advanced today out of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources.
Senate Bill (SB) 67 directs the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to study the connection between access to public lands and public health outcomes, examine options for a more consistent and affordable visitor fee system at state fish and wildlife areas and develop a framework to better protect public lands from natural disasters without creating new fees or requiring additional state general fund spending.
The bill drew bipartisan support, passing unanimously.
“As Hoosiers face rising costs everywhere else in their lives, access to our public lands should not become another barrier,” Yoder said. “This bill is about using the resources we already have more wisely, protecting access, improving public health and planning responsibly so families are not paying more down the road because we failed to prepare.”
The legislation focuses on how Indiana’s parks, forests and wildlife areas support physical activity, mental health and community well-being while recognizing that affordability matters. Any recommendations related to visitor fees must consider continued access for Indiana residents, hunters, anglers and other users and would require legislative approval before implementation.
“Preparation matters,” Yoder said. “Better understanding how public lands mitigate natural disasters helps protect Hoosiers and avoid higher costs down the line.”
SB 67 requires the DNR to rely on existing data, partnerships and staff capacity and explicitly prohibits new taxes or fees. The department will submit its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and the governor by November 1, 2027.
The bill now advances to second reading.
