INFB celebrates legislative wins

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Farm Bureau members celebrated several legislative wins at the conclusion of the 2025 Indiana General Assembly.

Notably, Senate Enrolled Act 1 was passed and will provide $1.3 billion in property tax relief for homeowners over the next three years.

The act includes new assessed value deduction for farmland and an increase in the capitalization rate in the farmland formula from 8% to 9%.

These changes are slated to sunset in 2027.

“While this will provide relief to Hoosier farmers on their real property taxes the next couple of years, taxes on other agricultural infrastructure like farm buildings and permanent structures are expected to increase due to shifts within the tax base,” said Andy Tauer, INFB executive director of public policy.

“Our members have seen property tax bills go up 60% over the past three years, while net farm incomes have gone down. So, we need to return to the Statehouse in the coming years to craft a more comprehensive and sustainable solution for farmers.”

Water protections were another priority this year.

Last year, members of the INFB water task force identified a gap in protections for agriculture and significant groundwater well users who utilize irrigation or need water for livestock. Under current law, those users bear the burden of proving any loss of water and are liable in court.

INFB worked with state Sen. Sue Glick, R-LaGrange, to create Senate Enrolled Act 28, which establishes a reporting and investigation process managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to fix those issues to ensure agriculture is protected for any potential loss of usable water.

INFB also celebrated the passage of Senate Enrolled Act 461, which more clearly defines the responsibilities of the Indiana Grain Buyers and Warehouse Licensing Agency in ensuring a grain buyer is in compliance with the law.

It will help struggling licensees and gives the agency more autonomy.

Other bills supported by INFB include:

• House Enrolled Act 1012 — Requires law enforcement to inform a landowner of damage to one’s property in the event of a motor vehicle accident.

• House Enrolled Act 1149 — Provides agriculture producers a singular online resource for information on changes to state and federal law, funding opportunities, permitting requirements, lost farmland data and more.

• House Enrolled Act 1461 — Provides additional and alternative funding and tax options for local government infrastructure projects. This was a big win for rural communities and the state as a whole for road funding.