KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

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HB1043 • 2026

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning natural and cultural resources.

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning natural and cultural resources.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Representative Alex Burton
Last action
2026-01-08
Official status
Introduced House Bill (H)
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill's status and details of enforcement are still pending.

Data Center Water Rules in Indiana

This act sets new requirements for operating data centers in Indiana, including obtaining permits from the Department of Natural Resources.

What This Bill Does

  • Defines what a 'data center' is.
  • Prohibits anyone from operating a data center in Indiana without getting a consumption permit from the Department of Natural Resources.
  • Lists information needed on the permit application.
  • Establishes procedures for approving or denying permits.
  • Allows permits to be transferred under certain conditions.
  • Permits people to consult with the department before applying.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who want to run data centers in Indiana
  • The Department of Natural Resources

Terms To Know

Data center
A place that houses lots of computer servers and equipment.
Consumption permit
A special permission needed to use water for a data center in Indiana.

Limits and Unknowns

  • Does not specify the consequences for breaking the rules.
  • The exact enforcement details are still being determined by the Department of Natural Resources.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-08 House

    Representative Commons added as coauthor

  2. 2025-12-02 House

    Authored by Representative Burton

  3. 2025-12-02 House

    First reading: referred to Committee on Natural Resources

Official Summary Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning natural and cultural resources.
Data center water regulation.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning natural and cultural resources.

Data center water regulation.

Defines "data center". Prohibits a person from operating a data center in Indiana without obtaining a consumption permit from the department of natural resources (department). Sets forth information that must be included in a consumption permit application. Establishes procedures for the department to approve or deny a consumption permit application. Provides that a consumption permit may be transferred under certain circumstances. Provides that a person may consult with the department to assess the viability of a proposed data center with respect to water consumption. Allows the natural resources commission to adopt rules to implement this bill.