HB 1292

Bill Subjects

Fish And Wildlife Mass Transportation Natural Resources, State Department Of

Abstract

Establishes the wildlife corridor action plan (plan) for the purpose of establishing, maintaining, improving, and protecting wildlife corridors to preserve habitat connectivity, which promotes species diversity, lowers the risk of extinction, and promotes opportunities for outdoor recreation. Provides that the department of natural resources (department) shall incorporate the plan when designing infrastructure projects and shall work in conjunction with the department of transportation to develop the plan. Provides that the plan shall: (1) identify: (A) wildlife corridors in Indiana; (B) existing or planned barriers to movement along wildlife corridors in Indiana; and (C) areas where there is high risk of vehicles colliding with wildlife; (2) prioritize and recommend wildlife crossing projects intended to promote driver safety and wildlife connectivity along wildlife corridors; and (3) include descriptions of wildlife crossing infrastructure or mitigation techniques recommended to meet the purpose of the plan. Provides that the department shall submit the plan not later than November 1, 2022, to the legislative council and to legislators who were members of the house committees on natural resources and roads and transportation and the senate committees on homeland security and transportation and natural resources during the 2022 legislative session. Provides that the plan shall be updated and resubmitted to the legislative council every four years.