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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HB1265 • 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 Tim Yocum
Last action
2026-01-06
Official status
Introduced House Bill (H)
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not specify that the Department of Natural Resources collects the surcharge directly from visitors, only that it is responsible for collecting and reporting the surcharge to county treasurers.

Indiana Bill HB1265: Natural Resource Entrance Fees

This bill allows Indiana counties to add up to $2 in fees for entering state parks and recreation areas, with the money going to help first responders and improve infrastructure.

What This Bill Does

  • Allows counties to charge an extra fee of up to $2 when people enter state parks or recreation areas.
  • Requires the Department of Natural Resources to collect this extra fee from visitors.
  • Requires the Department of Natural Resources to give the collected fees to county treasurers.
  • Specifies that the money must be used for purposes related to first responders and infrastructure improvements.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who visit state parks or recreation areas in Indiana
  • Indiana counties that choose to add this extra fee

Terms To Know

Department of Natural Resources
The government agency responsible for managing and protecting natural resources in Indiana.
Surcharge
An additional charge or fee added to the regular entrance fees at state parks.

Limits and Unknowns

  • This bill does not apply to people who have an annual pass for entering state parks.
  • The exact amount of the surcharge is up to each county, but it cannot be more than $2 per person.
  • It's unclear how many counties will choose to add this extra fee.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-06 House

    Authored by Representative Yocum

  2. 2026-01-06 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.
Natural resource entrance fees.

Current Bill Text

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

Natural resource entrance fees.

Allows counties to adopt an ordinance to impose a surcharge of not more than $2 in addition to the fees charged by the department of natural resources (department) for entry into state parks and state recreation areas. Requires the department to collect the surcharge and to report and pay the surcharge to each county treasurer. Provides that the revenue collected is to be used for purposes related to first responders and infrastructure improvements. Provides that the surcharge may not be imposed on a person who holds an annual pass.