Ind. Code ch. 2-5-53.5

Ind. Code ch. 2-5-53.5
in effect

Ind. Code § 2-5-53.5-1 "Task force"

Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "task force" refers to the agricultural promotion and regulation task force established by section 2 of this chapter. As added by P.L.152-2026, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 2-5-53.5-2 Establishment of task force

Sec. 2. The agricultural promotion and regulation task force is established as a temporary task force which serves the general assembly. The task force shall operate under IC 2-5-1.2. As added by P.L.152-2026, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 2-5-53.5-3 Task force membership

Sec. 3. (a) The task force consists of the following sixteen (16) voting members and two (2) nonvoting members: (1) Two (2) voting members of the senate appointed by the president pro tempore of the senate. However, one (1) member must include the chairperson of the senate agriculture committee. (2) One (1) voting member of the senate appointed by the minority leader of the senate. (3) Two (2) voting members of the house appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. However, one (1) member must include the chairperson of the house agriculture and rural affairs committee. (4) One (1) voting member of the house of representatives appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives. (5) The dean of the Purdue University School of Agriculture or the dean's designee, who is a voting member. (6) The dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine of Purdue University or the dean's designee, who is a voting member. (7) Eight (8) voting members appointed by the governor as follows: (A) One (1) member representing the Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc. (B) One (1) member representing the Agribusiness Council of Indiana. (C) One (1) member engaged in poultry production. (D) One (1) member engaged in dairying. (E) One (1) member engaged in swine production. (F) One (1) member engaged in beef-type cattle production. (G) One (1) member engaged in corn production. (H) One (1) member engaged in soybean production. (8) The director of the Indiana state department of agriculture who serves ex officio and is a nonvoting member. (9) The governor's senior policy adviser, or the adviser's designee, who is a nonvoting member. (b) The members appointed under subsection (a) serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. As added by P.L.152-2026, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 2-5-53.5-4 Appointment of chairperson

Sec. 4. The legislative council shall appoint either the chairperson of the senate agriculture committee or the chairperson of the house agriculture and rural affairs committee as the chairperson of the task force for the duration of the task force. As added by P.L.152-2026, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 2-5-53.5-5 Vacancies

Sec. 5. A vacancy on the task force shall be filled by the appointing authority. As added by P.L.152-2026, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 2-5-53.5-6 Quorum

Sec. 6. Nine (9) voting members of the task force constitute a quorum. As added by P.L.152-2026, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 2-5-53.5-7 Voting requirements

Sec. 7. The affirmative vote of a majority of the voting members appointed to the task force is required for the task force to take action on any measure, including final reports. As added by P.L.152-2026, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 2-5-53.5-8 Meetings

Sec. 8. The task force shall meet at least four (4) times. A meeting of the task force shall be called by the chairperson. As added by P.L.152-2026, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 2-5-53.5-9 Duties of the task force

Sec. 9. (a) The task force shall study the following: (1) Whether changing the Indiana state department of agriculture into a regulatory agency compromises the department's advocacy role for the agriculture industry. (2) Whether changes are needed: (A) to the Indiana state department of agriculture; or (B) to any other state entity that: (i) promotes; (ii) regulates; or (iii) provides advice concerning; agriculture in Indiana; to improve the state's future promotional and regulatory functions in the agricultural industry. (3) Current and future challenges and opportunities in the agricultural industry. (4) The interrelationship of all agricultural state entities, including any informational or regulatory gaps or overlaps between the state entities. (b) If the task force determines that the transfer of administration and functions of a state entity from Purdue University is appropriate, the task force shall study the following: (1) Whether employment issues will arise from transferring administration, employees, or functions of a state entity described in this subsection from Purdue University to another state entity. (2) Whether issues will arise from the transfer of any: (A) property; (B) records; (C) funds; or (D) accounts; from Purdue University to another state entity. (3) The feasibility of transferring administration and functions of the state entities described in this subsection from Purdue University to another state entity. As added by P.L.152-2026, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 2-5-53.5-10 Requesting and receiving information

Sec. 10. The task force shall request information and testimony from: (1) agricultural associations, organizations, and businesses; and (2) heads or designees of state entities that: (A) promote; (B) regulate; or (C) provide advice concerning; agriculture in Indiana. As added by P.L.152-2026, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 2-5-53.5-11 Task force report

Sec. 11. The task force shall: (1) develop recommendations in a report concerning the issues set forth in section 9 of this chapter; and (2) submit the report to the legislative council in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6 not later than November 1, 2026. As added by P.L.152-2026, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 2-5-53.5-12 Staff support

Sec. 12. The legislative services agency shall staff the task force. As added by P.L.152-2026, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 2-5-53.5-13 Per diem, mileage, and expense reimbursement

Sec. 13. (a) Each member of the task force who is not a state employee is entitled to receive the same per diem, mileage, and travel allowances paid to individuals who serve as legislative and lay members, respectively, of interim study committees established by the legislative council. (b) Each member of the task force who is a state employee is entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses as provided under IC 4-13-1-4 and other expenses actually incurred in connection with the member's duties as provided in the state policies and procedures established by the Indiana department of administration and approved by the budget agency. (c) Each member of the task force who is a member of the general assembly is entitled to receive the same per diem, mileage, and travel allowances paid to members of the general assembly serving on interim study committees established by the legislative council. (d) Per diem, mileage, and travel allowances paid under this chapter shall be paid from appropriations made to the legislative council or the legislative services agency. As added by P.L.152-2026, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 2-5-53.5-14 Payment of expenses

Sec. 14. The task force's expenses shall be paid from appropriations to the legislative council or the legislative services agency. As added by P.L.152-2026, SEC.3.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/2Fetched: 10/17/2026