Messmer: Bill establishing military impact zones passes House of Representatives

Local Sources- A bill authored by State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) that would establish new zoning districts around military properties in Indiana passed the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously Thursday.

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.

"Indiana's military bases support local communities throughout the state," Messmer said. "This bill would allow our state to remain competitive in attracting new mission assignments at these installations. It would also help enhance the security of our country."

SB 332 would allow the base commander to appoint a non-voting advisory member to local plan commissions, which would give commanders eyes and ears on what local planning and zoning officials are considering that could impact the military base.

The bill would also require real estate disclosures that notify what properties are within three miles of one of the three bases.

SB 332 passed unanimously out of the Senate on Feb. 6. Because the bill was amended in the House, it will now return to the Senate for further consideration.

Legislative calendars, agendas, vote tallies, live streams and proposed legislation can be viewed online by visiting iga.in.gov.