(Indianapolis) – A bill authored by state Sen. Jean Leising would shift oversight of Indiana’s historic sites to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, a move supporters say could streamline management and better align preservation efforts with the state’s natural and cultural resources.
Leising’s proposal would transfer responsibility for historic sites from their current administrative structure to DNR, which already manages state parks, forests and other protected properties. The change is intended to consolidate expertise, improve coordination and potentially enhance long-term preservation and public access to historic locations across Indiana.
The bill will be discussed during a Senate Committee on Natural Resources meeting on Monday, Jan. 5, at 10 a.m. at the Indiana Statehouse. Leising said the hearing will give lawmakers an opportunity to hear testimony and consider how the shift could affect historic properties statewide.
Members of the public are invited to participate by attending the committee meeting and offering comments on the proposal. Those interested can also follow the committee’s agenda and updates through the Indiana General Assembly’s website.
Leising represents parts of southeastern Indiana, where historic sites and heritage tourism play a role in local identity and economic development.
