Gov. Mike Braun signed ten bills — technically enrolled acts — into law on Tuesday, including a contentious parental rights proposal and one adding requirements for developers of long-haul water pipelines.
Bills become enrolled acts after passing through both chambers. All ten bills were due for governor action by Tuesday.
Under Senate Enrolled Act 4, developers of long-haul water pipelines — defined as structures over 30 miles in length transporting more than 10 million gallons a day — must get the sign-off from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and seek certificates of public convenience and necessity.
It also includes strict permitting requirements for transferring water from one water basin to another. Braun’s signature comes on the heels of his Monday executive order to develop a statewide water inventory and management plan.
Another measure, Senate Enrolled Act 143, would require courts to give deference to parental rights in disputes with government regulators. Opponents called the proposal too broad in committee while some supporters said it didn’t go far enough.
Of the ten bills signed Tuesday, only two are effective immediately. House Bill 1633 would direct the Indiana Secretary of State to study the scheduling of local elections and whether the state should require all counties to use vote centers.
Another, Senate Enrolled Act 119, prohibits submitting applications for a certificate of public advantage after May 13, 2025, part of an ongoing effort to reduce hospital mergers.
Just one measure signed Tuesday would be retroactive: Senate Enrolled Act 462, which would define practitioners as it relates to behavior analysts.
All other proposals would be effective on July 1, 2025, when the state’s next fiscal year starts.
Other bills signed Tuesday include: