STATEHOUSE (April 17, 2025) –State Rep. Matt Commons' (R-Williamsport) legislation to safeguard Hoosier business interests by prohibiting the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and state agencies from establishing offices in foreign adversarial countries heads to the governor for further consideration.
House Enrolled Act 1103 restricts the IEDC and all state agencies from establishing offices in countries identified by the U.S. Department of Commerce as adversarial, which currently includes Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela.
"Indiana's low costs and business-friendly environment make it a prime location for growing industries around the world," Commons said. "The goal of this legislation is to ensure we are embracing economic development while protecting Hoosiers' interests and tax dollars from countries that don't share our values."
Similar legislation was passed into law last year banning individuals or entities associated with foreign adversaries, like China, from purchasing or leasing agricultural land, and mineral, water or riparian rights in the state. Commons said his legislation would enhance that law to further protect the state from hostile foreign influence.
House Enrolled Act 1103 now goes to the governor for consideration as a new law. To learn more and follow the legislative process, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) represents House District 13,
which includes all of Benton and Warren counties, and portions of
Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
