# Indiana HB 1361: Fertilizer. Indiana HB 1361, Fertilizer., is a Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026) House bill sponsored by Beau Baird (Republican); status signed, last action 2026-03-04 (Signed by the Governor); PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-11-01). - Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/IN-HB1361-2026 - As of: 2026-11-01 - Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts. ## Facts - Bill: Indiana HB 1361 - State: Indiana - Session: Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026) - Title: Fertilizer. - Status: signed - Chamber: House - Introduced: 2026-01-08 - Last action: 2026-03-04, Signed by the Governor - Sponsor: Beau Baird (Republican) - Cosponsors: 4 - Subjects: environmental affairs, the senate, agriculture, appropriations - Touches household money: yes - Roll calls: 3 (232 yes, 1 no in all) - Economic provisions PRIA read: 31 ## Summary Codifies commercial fertilizer administrative rules. Defines or amends certain terms. Codifies certain requirements and processes for commercial fertilizer with respect to: (1) label format; (2) registration; (3) sampling and analysis; (4) primary containment of fluid bulk fertilizer at storage facilities; (5) operational area containment for fluid fertilizers; (6) diked secondary containment of fluid bulk fertilizers; (7) storage and handling of dry bulk fertilizers; and (8) storage facility location registry. ## Bill overview: provisions PRIA read - More protections for manure fertilizer buyers: benefit, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, distributors must give buyers a written or printed guaranteed nutrient analysis with each manure-based fertilizer delivery. The law bans misleading product and advertising claims, harmful amounts of substances, and labels missing needed safety warnings or directions. If test… - Fertilizer registrants can challenge test results: benefit, low. When fertilizer test results may trigger penalties or legal action, registrants generally receive them at least 30 days before buyers. If someone other than the State Chemist requested testing, both receive results immediately. Results become official after 30 days unless the chemist receives adequ… - Fertilizer revenue supports Purdue education programs: benefit, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, fertilizer civil penalty money goes to a Purdue Pesticide Programs account for fertilizer education. The law also adds specified excess fertilizer fees to funds held by Purdue's treasurer and managed by its trustees. Those funds can support covered facilities and agricultura… - Fertilizer exam cheating brings lengthy bans: cost, medium. Breaking exam procedures or giving or receiving unauthorized help ends the exam process for everyone involved. Those people cannot take the certified applicator exam for five years. False renewal reports or misrepresented participation erase all accumulated training credits. People providing false… - Farms face fertilizer staging time limits: cost, medium. Beginning July 1, 2026, inorganic fertilizer staging is barred within 300 feet of surface water, drainage inlets, or wells. Beyond 72 hours, it must be covered and applied to a target field within 30 days. Organic staging within that 300-foot zone requires a cover or gradient barrier; slopes over 6… - Farms face winter manure application limits: cost, medium. Beginning July 1, 2026, highly erodible land needs at least 40% crop residue or a cover crop before receiving unmanipulated organic fertilizer. On frozen or snow-covered ground, application is barred within 200 feet of surface water and in floodways. Applications also cannot exceed 50% of the plann… - Fertilizer operators face tank material limits: cost, medium. Beginning July 1, 2026, underground and lined-pit fluid fertilizer storage is generally barred, with exceptions for temporary watertight catch basins and 316 or 317 stainless-steel containers. State-Chemist-approved containers require an approved liner and groundwater monitoring. Copper, brass, zin… - Fertilizer businesses must keep detailed records: cost, low. Covered licensed organic fertilizer distributors must record each recipient's name and applicator certification number, amount, nutrient values, and distribution date. Covered licensed applicators must record the site, applicator name and certification number, rate, nutrient values, fertilizer type… - Late fertilizer fees bring added penalties: cost, low. Late payment of a fee under the fertilizer chapter brings a penalty equal to 100% of the required fee. That doubles the fee amount owed before any other applicable charges. Beginning July 1, 2026, manure-based fertilizer permit holders also face a specific late inspection-fee penalty. If that fee r… - Manure fertilizer sellers face sales controls: cost, low. The State Chemist must set rules and distribution fees for manure-based fertilizer. Fraud or deception used to evade the law can lead to brand-registration cancellation or refusal after notice and a hearing opportunity. The Chemist can stop unlawful sales, use, or removal and require fertilizer to… - Manure fertilizer sellers pay registration fees: cost, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, guarantors must register each qualifying manure-based fertilizer brand and grade before paid distribution in Indiana. Covered products are bulk, nonpackaged fertilizers with guaranteed analysis below 5% total nitrogen and below 10% combined nitrogen, available phosphate, and… - Manure fertilizer distributors pay inspection fees: cost, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, manure-based fertilizer distribution to people without chapter registration or permits carries inspection fees. Each reporting period costs $100 for 0–1,250 tons, $500 for over 1,250 through 5,000 tons, or $1,000 above 5,000 tons. Sales or exchanges between importers, manufa… - Farms face broader fertilizer licensing rules: mixed, medium. Beginning July 1, 2026, covered crop fertilizer work requires licensed or certified applicators, or trained employees under certified supervision. Covered distributors need business licenses and must sell to licensed businesses or qualified applicators; covered hired transporters also face certific… - Fertilizer applicators get several renewal paths: mixed, low. Initial qualification requires a closed-book written exam, normally with a 75% passing score; eligibility lasts through December 31 of the fourth following year. Before expiration, applicators can renew by passing the exam, earning three continuing training hours, or attending three approved privat… - Fertilizer penalties include limits and referrals: mixed, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, the State Chemist can refer fertilizer violations for prosecution or action by another agency. Civil penalties are optional, but any imposed must follow the statutory schedule. Only violations from the preceding five years count, with each scheduled violation tracked separat… - Fertilizer workers gain supervised work options: mixed, low. Trained employees without certification can use or distribute covered fertilizer under a certified applicator’s supervision. The supervisor must be affiliated with the business doing the work and oversee no more than 10 such employees at once. Training must have State Chemist approval and be repeat… - Fertilizer workers pay fees with waivers: mixed, low. Fertilizer business and commercial applicator license applications each cost $45; private applicator certification applications cost $20. Each fee is waived when the applicant has paid the matching pesticide fee for that year or private certification period. Applicator applicants must meet certific… - Older fertilizer tanks get containment alternatives: mixed, low. The State Chemist can set bulk fertilizer storage and distribution rules to protect state waters. Onsite-built tanks holding at least 100,000 gallons and in use before July 6, 1991, can use specified alternatives to an underneath liner. A company official must certify compliance in writing and file… - Businesses must cover dry fertilizer: mixed, low. Dry bulk fertilizer generally must stay indoors with a roof or cover, sidewalls, and a base that prevents seepage. Covered outdoor storage is limited to 30 days and must prevent seepage of runoff. Most loading, mixing, and handling need an impervious surface that allows spilled fertilizer to be rec… - Farms face new fertilizer application rules: mixed, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, crop fertilizer applicators must prepare and follow site plans. They cannot apply fertilizer directly to surface water, saturated ground, or from public roads. Unmanipulated organic fertilizer has method-based setbacks: 500 feet from public water wells and surface intakes; 2… - Fertilizer businesses must secure storage equipment: mixed, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, fluid fertilizer containers and fittings must resist damage and prevent spills. Operators must anchor tanks when needed and protect equipment against wildlife, vandalism, and unauthorized access. Valves must be secured when the person responsible for security is absent, exce… - Fertilizer tanks need spill containment: mixed, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, fluid fertilizer tanks generally need containment with a base, walls, and sloped floor. Capacity must cover the largest tank's full volume plus displaced volume, with six inches of extra space unless rain-protected. Drainage tile is barred within or underneath containment; t… - Local fertilizer rules require state waivers: mixed, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, local governments generally cannot regulate fertilizer storage or use without a State Chemist waiver. They must prove special circumstances and provide scientific evidence, prior mitigation and education efforts, and their proposed ordinance. Evidence is due at least 14 days… - Manure operators must inspect and report spills: mixed, low. Processed manure storage operators must inspect structures monthly and record maintenance. Uncovered liquid storage needs two feet of freeboard unless the permit states otherwise, with level markers and stable, visible berms free of trees and shrubs. Operators must keep construction notices, emerge… - Manure storage faces stricter construction standards: mixed, low. Manure-based fertilizer storage must prevent releases, with bottoms at least two feet above bedrock and above seasonal groundwater unless approved drainage lowers it. Qualified professionals must perform required soil and groundwater testing; tanks must be watertight, secured against floating, and… - Storage owners face new closure duties: mixed, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, fertilizer containers count as abandoned after more than six months unused because of weakness or leaks, or more than two years for any reason. Underground containers must be cleaned, removed or filled with inert solids, and sealed; aboveground containers must be cleaned and… - Fertilizer inspections gain clearer testing standards: mixed, low. The State Chemist can inspect manure-based fertilizer, storage, plans, and records on public or private premises during regular business hours. For authorized investigations or credential hearings, the Chemist can ask courts to subpoena witnesses or records. Available AOAC International testing met… - Fertilizer sellers face product safety rules: mixed, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, fertilizer containing pest-control additives must be registered and guarantee each additive's and plant-food element's kind and percentage. Labels must name intended crops and warn that other uses or conditions can cause serious crop injury. These disclosures help users but… - Fertilizer violators face fines and sanctions: mixed, low. The State Chemist can warn or cite manure-based fertilizer violators, impose civil penalties, change registrations, or seek court orders stopping violations. Knowing or intentional violations of that chapter are Class A misdemeanors. The fertilizer penalty schedule ranges from $25 to $1,000, depend… - Purdue must track fertilizer fee spending: mixed, low. Fertilizer certification and education fees go to Purdue University's treasurer and must pay necessary program operating and administration costs. Those fees must appear in the annual financial report. Beginning July 1, 2026, Purdue's agriculture dean must report the prior state fiscal year's fee r… - Indiana replaces older fertilizer program rules: mixed, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana removes the former mandate to create specified fertilizer certification and education programs and related fees. The law instead authorizes the State Chemist to create programs and fees for hired applicators, transporters, and confined-feeding-operation fertilizer ha… ## Sponsors and cosponsors - Sponsor: Beau Baird (Republican), House - Cosponsor: Brett Clark (Republican), Senate - Cosponsor: Jean Leising (Republican), Senate - Cosponsor: Lonnie Randolph (Democratic), Senate - Cosponsor: Susan Glick (Republican), Senate ## Roll call votes | Date | Chamber | Motion | Result | Yes | No | Other | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2026-02-25 | House | House concurred with Senate amendments | pass | 96 | 0 | | | 2026-02-24 | Senate | Third reading: passed | pass | 46 | 1 | | | 2026-02-02 | House | Third reading: passed | pass | 90 | 0 | | ## Bill text - Enrolled House Bill (H): [PDF](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1361/versions/HB1361.05.ENRS?format=pdf) - House Bill (H): [PDF](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1361/versions/HB1361.04.COMS?format=pdf) - House Bill (S): [PDF](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1361/versions/HB1361.02.COMH?format=pdf), [PDF](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1361/versions/HB1361.03.COMS?format=pdf) - Introduced House Bill (H): [PDF](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1361/versions/HB1361.01.INTR?format=pdf) ## Related bills - HB 1406: Tax and fiscal matters. (signed) - HB 1266: Department of education and education matters. (signed) - HB 1277: Health and human services matters. (signed) - HB 1210: Department of local government finance. (signed) - HB 1249: Various criminal law matters. (signed) - HB 1200: Bureau of motor vehicles. (signed) ## Sources - [Enrolled House Bill (H) (PDF)](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1361/versions/HB1361.05.ENRS?format=pdf) - [House Bill (H) (PDF)](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1361/versions/HB1361.04.COMS?format=pdf) - [House Bill (S) (PDF)](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1361/versions/HB1361.02.COMH?format=pdf) - [House Bill (S) (PDF)](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1361/versions/HB1361.03.COMS?format=pdf) - [Introduced House Bill (H) (PDF)](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1361/versions/HB1361.01.INTR?format=pdf) ## Related - [HB 1406: Tax and fiscal matters.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/IN-HB1406-2026) - [HB 1266: Department of education and education matters.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/IN-HB1266-2026) - [HB 1277: Health and human services matters.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/IN-HB1277-2026) - [HB 1210: Department of local government finance.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/IN-HB1210-2026) - [HB 1249: Various criminal law matters.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/IN-HB1249-2026) - [HB 1200: Bureau of motor vehicles.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/IN-HB1200-2026) - [Indiana bills](https://policyrisk.com/states/indiana/bills) - [Indiana state hub](https://policyrisk.com/states/indiana) - [All state legislation](https://policyrisk.com/state-bills) Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/IN-HB1361-2026 (as of 2026-11-01).