All Roll Calls
Yes: 139 • No: 1
IndianaSB 228Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)SenateWALLET
Midwest continental divide commission.
Sponsored By: David Niezgodski (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
appropriationsthe houselocal government
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
County and city can form district commission
Beginning July 1, 2026, an eligible county and an eligible city can create the Midwest continental divide commission by passing ordinances approved by both. The ordinance may set district boundaries only after finding that the district boosts teamwork across governments, improves quality of life and protects key lands, includes a trail project with clear goals, grows tourism and new attractions, and enhances the county’s state park and state nature preserve. The commission can later ask the county or city to expand the district, but local lawmakers must approve. After it forms, the commission must promptly notify the state budget agency in writing.
Zoning plan and near-trail approvals
Beginning July 1, 2026, the district’s land use and zoning plan is the county’s adopted land use overlay plan at formation. When the commission is created, the ordinance must also approve that plan so it governs the district from day one. The commission can treat a zoning or land use change as consistent with the plan if three things are true: it is within 1/2 mile of a trail project approved by the commission and the county or city, it would otherwise conflict with the plan, and the commission approves it. This gives near-trail projects limited flexibility.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
David Niezgodski
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Jake Teshka
Republican • House
Linda Rogers
Republican • Senate
Mark Spencer
Democratic • Senate
Maureen Bauer
Democratic • House
Rodney Pol
Democratic • Senate
Ryan Mishler
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 2/23/2026
Roll Call 308 on SB0228.03.COMH
Yes: 94 • No: 1 • Other: 1
Senate vote • 1/27/2026
Roll Call 113 on SB0228.02.COMS
Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 1
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor
3/3/2026SenatePublic Law 45
3/3/2026SenateSigned by the President of the Senate
2/26/2026SenateSigned by the Speaker
2/25/2026HouseReturned to the Senate without amendments
2/24/2026HouseSigned by the President Pro Tempore
2/24/2026SenateThird reading: passed; Roll Call 308: yeas 94, nays 1
2/23/2026HouseSecond reading: ordered engrossed
2/19/2026HouseCommittee report: do pass, adopted
2/17/2026HouseFirst reading: referred to Committee on Local Government
1/29/2026HouseReferred to the House
1/28/2026SenateSenator Spencer added as coauthor
1/27/2026SenateSenator Pol added as coauthor
1/27/2026SenateThird reading: passed; Roll Call 113: yeas 45, nays 0
1/27/2026SenateCosponsor: Representative Bauer
1/27/2026SenateHouse sponsor: Representative Teshka
1/27/2026SenateSecond reading: ordered engrossed
1/26/2026SenateSenator Rogers added as third author
1/22/2026SenateCommittee report: do pass, adopted
1/22/2026SenateSenator Mishler added as second author
1/22/2026SenateAuthored by Senator Niezgodski
1/8/2026SenateFirst reading: referred to Committee on Appropriations
1/8/2026Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled Senate Bill (S)
Introduced Senate Bill (S)
Senate Bill (H)
Senate Bill (S)