IN HB1361

Creates a new comprehensive chapter (IC 15-16-1.5) consolidating 80 fertilizer-related definitions including "agricultural crop," "agronomic rate," "animal feeding operation," "certified applicator," "commercial fertilizer," and "organic fertilizer," effective July 1, 2026

Establishes licensing requirements for fertilizer distributors and applicators: fertilizer business license fee of $45/year, commercial applicator license fee of $45/year, and private applicator certification fee of $20 for a 5-year period, with certification requiring passing a written examination with minimum 75% score

Sets detailed civil penalty schedule for violations ranging from $25-$1,000 depending on offense type and number of violations, covering infractions such as operating without proper licenses, improper application methods, failure to maintain records, and storage violations

Implements environmental protection requirements including mandatory setback distances (25-500 feet) from surface waters, wells, sinkholes, and drainage inlets for unmanipulated organic fertilizer application, plus prohibitions on applying fertilizer to saturated ground or directly to surface water

Establishes storage and containment standards for bulk fertilizers including secondary containment requirements, construction specifications for concrete and earthen storage structures, and mandates annual notification to the state chemist of storage facility locations and status