Southern Indiana Business Report
INDIANAPOLIS — A bill authored by State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) that would establish new zoning districts around military properties in Indiana passed the Senate unanimously Monday.
Senate Bill 332 would update zoning language for areas around the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, Lake Glendora Test Facility and Grissom Air Reserve Base.
The bill is similar to legislation passed in 30 other states and is based on practices that the United States Department of Defense would like to see enacted.
“Military bases in Indiana are vital in supporting a local community’s economy,” Messmer said. “This bill would help ensure our state stays competitive to attracting new mission assignments at these installations and help enhance the security for the United States.”
SB 332 would allow the base commander to appoint a non-voting advisory member to local plan commissions.
“This would give commanders eyes and ears on what local planning and zoning officials are considering that could impact the military base,” Messmer said.
The bill would also require real estate disclosures that notify what properties are within three miles of one of the three bases.
SB 332 now moves to the Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration.
Legislative calendars, agendas, vote tallies, live streams and proposed legislation can be viewed online by visiting iga.in.gov.