STATEHOUSE (April 17, 2023) – Two bills sponsored by State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Logansport) that would help secure Hoosier infrastructure and military installations from foreign attacks, and protect the missions of military bases could soon be law.
According to Manning, Senate Enrolled Act 477 would prohibit state and local governments from entering into agreements relating to technology with companies representing countries that are deemed an unacceptable threat to national security by the federal government. This legislation would protect vital facilities like power and water treatment plants, and cybersecurity systems by securing and limiting access to these areas and their cybersecurity systems from countries like China, Iran, North Korea and Russia.
"We can't give up control of critical infrastructure to bad actors that seek to harm the United States," Manning said. "This is a proactive step to ensure we're doing our due diligence in protecting critical facilities and systems that support all Hoosiers."
Manning said this legislation would also ban a citizen of China, Iran, North Korea or Russia from purchasing or leasing real estate adjacent to a military installation located in Indiana.
Senate Enrolled Act 332 would update zoning districts around military bases across the state, including Grissom Air Reserve Base, to prevent nearby development from negatively impacting military missions.
According to Manning, this bill is similar to laws that exist in 30 other states and is based on best practices that the United States Department of Defense considers when preserving and expanding operations. The legislation would also codify a communications process between the base commander, and local planning and zoning officials to make sure that development around the military bases is compatible with the mission of the base.
"Indiana has long recognized the importance of our military installations, not only for their contributions to our national security, but also for their positive economic impacts," Manning said. "These bills are important measures to protect Hoosiers from foreign threats. These bad actors like to use our own democracy and economic freedom against us to undermine our country."
Senate Enrolled Acts 477 and 332 now move to the governor's office, where they could be signed into law. To follow legislation considered for new laws by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2023-bill-watch/.
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State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Logansport) represents House District 23,
which includes portions of Cass and Miami counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
