Your Lakefront Usage ‘At Risk’ with Downstate Legislation Seeking to Reverse Supreme Court Ruling

While the Indiana Supreme Court, after extensive review and legal proceedings, determined that the area between the Lake Michigan Shoreline and the natural ordinary high water mark is (and has always been) owned by the State of Indiana and available for use by the public, new legislation in Indianapolis is asking that the State relinquish its ownership if a landowner has a deed indicating they own to the water’s edge.

These actions, among other changes, are being done under HB 1031.

Additionally, in Section 3 (a) and (b) the legislation seeks to allow running, jogging and swimming, but it would not allow lying on the beach, picnicking or playing volleyball.

The Town of Long Beach has retained a lobbying firm to ensure we have a voice in the legislative process to defend public rights and to protect against measures that would adversely impact the property values and enjoyment of Long Beach residents at large.

READ THE FULL BILL AND FOLLOW THE LATEST ACTIVITY HERE

Among the first actions of this bill will be a hearing at the Judiciary Committee on Monday, January 13, 2020. Information on the meeting and how to contact the members of the committee can be found below.

COMMITTEE MEETING

INDIANA STATEHOUSE, ROOM 156-D AT 10:30 A.M. ET, JANUARY 13, 2020

CONTACT THE MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE TO VOICE YOUR OPINION:

REP. JERRY TORR (317)-232-9620

REP. JOHN YOUNG (317)-234-9499

REP. WOODY BURTON (317)-234-9447

REP. ANTHONY COOK (317)-232-9863

REP. KAREN ENGLEMAN (317)-232-9769

REP. DANIEL LEONARD (317)-234-9450

REP. CHRIS MAY (317) 234-9028

REP. WENDY MCNAMARA (317) 232-9816

REP. GREGORY STEUERWALD (317) 232-9833

REP. EDWARD DELANEY (317)-232-9834

REP. RYAN DVORAK (317) 232-9671

REP. HATFIELD (317) 232-9987