STATEHOUSE (Feb. 11, 2026) – The House passed legislation co-authored by State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) to preserve prime farmland while encouraging local economic development.
Pressel said farms, forest and woodland occupy more than 80% of Hoosier land and agriculture contributes over $35 billion to Indiana's economy. Under House Bill 1333, these lands would be protected from development by encouraging the use and rehabilitation of brownfield sites. Businesses or nonprofits with agreements through the Indiana Brownfields Program would have governmental protection.
"This legislation, at its core, protects prime farmland from development," Pressel said. "With changes to the language regarding permitted use to ensure local input, I think this is something we can all get behind to support our rural communities."
In addition to protecting prime Hoosier farmland, the legislation would also prioritize resident voices in local public meetings, which he said provide an important space for residents to express concerns and ask questions about proposed development. House Bill 1333 would give local officials additional tools to prioritize residents when testifying at public meetings rather than special interest groups.
Pressel said this legislation would also ensure that if a local community chose to approve a data center, the local community would receive at least 1% of sales tax revenue, ensuring more local benefit from these projects.
House Bill 1333 now heads to the Senate for consideration. To learn more and follow session, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
