Introduced Version






HOUSE BILL No. 1021

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DIGEST OF INTRODUCED BILL



Citations Affected: IC 8-23-2-6.5.

Synopsis: Hay baling on interstate rights-of-way. Requires the department of transportation to develop a program to contract with farmers to harvest hay along the rights-of-way of interstate highways.

Effective: July 1, 2006.





Grubb, Friend




    January 4, 2006, read first time and referred to Committee on Roads and Transportation.







Introduced

Second Regular Session 114th General Assembly (2006)


PRINTING CODE. Amendments: Whenever an existing statute (or a section of the Indiana Constitution) is being amended, the text of the existing provision will appear in this style type, additions will appear in this style type, and deletions will appear in this style type.
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HOUSE BILL No. 1021



    A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning utilities and transportation.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana:

SOURCE: IC 8-23-2-6.5; (06)IN1021.1.1. -->     SECTION 1. IC 8-23-2-6.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOW [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 6.5. (a) The department, through the commissioner or the commissioner's designee, shall develop a program to contract with farmers to harvest hay from rights-of-way of interstate highways in Indiana.
    (b) The department shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to implement the program.
The rules must include the following:
        (1) A provision that harvesting takes place on five (5) mile sections of a right-of-way.
        (2) Guidelines concerning the land that may be involved in the program.
        (3) Times when hay can be harvested.
        (4) The time during which hay that has been harvested must be removed.
        (5) Preferences for farmers whose property is adjacent to the right-of-way.
        (6) Guidelines on methods to be used to harvest the hay.
    (c) A contract entered into between the department and a farmer who harvests hay under the program must include provisions that hold the state harmless from all:
        (1) claims;
        (2) suits; and
        (3) actions;
resulting from harvesting.
    (d) The department must require proof of liability insurance from a farmer with whom the department contracts for harvesting under the program.