With committees scheduled and session starting, I am gearing up for the 2026 legislative session at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. This year, our goal is to continue Indiana's strong economic momentum by ensuring reduced property taxes, prioritizing affordability and fostering growing communities. Focusing on the needs of House District 16, I will propose legislation ensuring a balance between protecting prime farmland while meeting economic development needs, drone privacy and food security.
Indiana farmland is rich and prosperous, but the growing need for more diverse energy sources has led to the loss of prime land. Incentivizing development on nonprime agricultural land, like steep topography or sandy soil, will keep Indiana's main revenue in agriculture and meet our expanding energy needs.
With maintaining Indiana's farmland as a priority, I am also focused on food security and supporting our farmers and producers who work to provide food options to Hoosiers. Indiana has 95 local health departments that serve 92 counties, all with varying standards. This year I am authoring legislation to support food businesses by standardizing inspection processes and create a Food Protection Panel, providing a place for locals to discuss local health enforcement decisions and offering the ability to appeal.
Another issue deals with technological advancements. In the last decade, drones have had an increased presence in farming, development and public safety. I am proposing legislation to provide property owners with ways to protect their privacy and operators with guidelines. As unmanned aerial vehicles like drones become a more common technology, it is important to ensure safety and privacy are at the forefront of any regulations.
To stay updated on all my legislation and follow the 2026 session, visit iga.in.gov.
As your state representative, I am advocating for the needs and voices of House District 16. Please reach out to my office with any questions at in.gov/h16 or by calling 317-232-9819.
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State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) represents House District 16,
which includes portions of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
