Local Advocacy

BOMA Indiana serves all counties in the state and understands that its members may have different opinions on specific legislation. Some bills may seem aligned with BOMA Indiana’s policies, but they often require deeper review. Therefore, BOMA Indiana carefully studies all proposed legislation and consults the Advocacy Committee before taking a position. While the focus is on state legislation, BOMA Indiana also considers the needs of its members at the local level, promoting the practice of commercial real estate ownership and management.

As of April 22, 2025

All bills below have passed both chambers.

HB 1079 - Property Matters

The bill amends the Indiana Code concerning property management by changing the time a warehouseman or storage facility must wait before selling a tenant's unclaimed property from 90 days to 45 days. This provides an earlier opportunity for facilities to dispose of abandoned property if unclaimed by tenants within the specified timeframe. The effective date of this change is set for July 1, 2025. Legislative proceedings included committee referrals, amendments, and approvals in both the House and Senate, with final passage in each chamber.

HB 1005- Housing and Building Matters

The bill mandates that cities, towns, or counties requiring building permits for Class 2 structures allow inspections by private providers alongside their inspectors, while prohibiting home inspectors or unit employees from acting as private providers. It stipulates that if a private provider is used due to the unit's inability to perform timely plan reviews, the unit must refund the plan review fees to the applicant but may impose a convenience fee up to $100. It also prevents units from requiring registered architects or engineers to prepare construction documents for Class 2 structures unless proof of equivalence for alternative materials or methods is necessary. Additionally, deadlines are set for various permit-related processes, and priority for receiving loans from a housing infrastructure fund is given to political subdivisions enacting specific land use policies.

SB 157- Protection of Property Rights

This legislation allows property owners to remove squatters—defined as individuals occupying property without a rental agreement, permission, or legal interest—by filing an affidavit with law enforcement. Law enforcement must act within 48 hours to remove squatters unless public safety concerns delay this. Officers have immunity from civil liability if they adhere to the law, and wrongful removal can lead to damages and a fine for false affidavit statements. The law provides additional legal remedies for property owners and establishes processes for civil action if someone is unjustly removed.

Primary 2024 Bills Tracked