STATEHOUSE (April 30, 2026) – The governor recently ceremonially signed into law a bill co-authored by State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) to overhaul the permitting process for confined feeding operations, streamline regulatory barriers and support local agriculture.
Indiana is home to roughly 1,500 permitted CFOs, which play a vital role in the state's agricultural economy and food production. House Enrolled Act 1355 improves the predictability and efficiency of the permitting process for confined feeding operations while maintaining environmental protections.
"Livestock farming is a core pillar of Indiana's economy," Baird said. "When we support farmers with more options that fit their needs, we also support the health and growth our state and strengthen our food supply."
Under the new law, CFOs can request a pre-application meeting with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management before formally submitting a permit application to identify potential issues and meet regulations more quickly. IDEM must refund application fees if they don't respond by the 90-day deadline, and they can't add retroactive requirements on already approved infrastructure when operations seek expansion. The new law also designates a contact within IDEM for CFO permitting to better streamline the process.
To learn more about this and other new laws passed during the 2026 legislative session, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) represents House District 44,
which includes all of Putnam County and a portion of Montgomery County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) (fifth from right) joins Gov. Mike Braun (seated) for a ceremonial signing of House Enrolled Act 1355 on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Statehouse. The new law, co-authored by Baird, overhauls the permitting process for confined feeding operations, streamlines regulatory barriers and supports local agriculture.
