State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) files several bills for the 2023 legislative session at the Statehouse Friday, Dec. 30. Courtesy - IGA
INDIANAPOLIS — A bill authored by State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) that would give municipalities the option to use state or federal floodplain mapping data passed the Senate on Monday by a vote of 40 to 5.
Senate Bill 242 would repeal a provision requiring a local floodplain administrator to use state floodplain mapping data, which is more restrictive than federal data.
“Giving local floodplain administrators the option to use state or federal floodplain mapping data is a matter of property rights,” Leising said. “Restricting floodplain mapping data can greatly impact property value.”
Leising authored SB 242 after hearing testimony from many constituents and organization experts.
The Drainage Task Force was created by Senate Enrolled Act 85, also authored by Leising, during the 2022 legislative session. The task force reviews drainage laws and makes determinations and recommendations concerning drainage and regulatory matters.
SB 242 now moves to the Indiana House of Representatives for consideration. Sen. Leising represents Senate District 42, which encompasses all or parts of seven counties, including Jennings and Shelby.
