Indiana Governor Mike Braun has officially signed his first bill into law, marking a significant milestone in his administration. On Tuesday, Braun signed House Bill 1149, which establishes an online portal through the Indiana Department of Agriculture to assist Hoosier farmers in accessing information and communicating with the state government.
“This is a big day,” Braun said at the signing ceremony. “We are getting stuff across the finish line.”
The passage of HB 1149 follows a series of executive orders Braun has enacted since taking office as Indiana’s Republican governor. His early actions have addressed environmental policy, unemployment fraud, gender ideology, and Medicaid.
House Bill 1149 creates an online resource designed to streamline access to agricultural information and funding opportunities at both the state and federal levels. The portal will serve as a centralized hub for farmers, helping them navigate regulatory processes and apply for available funding. Additionally, it will include a public comment feature, allowing individuals to provide feedback on regulations affecting the rural economy.
Braun emphasized the importance of this initiative, calling it a “powerful tool for Hoosier farmers.” In a statement, he said, “This new online portal was part of my Freedom and Opportunity agriculture agenda and is a win for Hoosier farmers. It’s a one-stop-shop to help Hoosier farmers navigate state and federal agencies, avoid red tape, and communicate with the state government on what we can do better to help them be successful.”
Earlier this year, Braun signed an executive order eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within state government. This move aligns state operations with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College.
The landmark case addressed the use of race in college admissions, particularly at Harvard University. The Court ruled that the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment prohibits preferential treatment based on race, color, or nationality in admissions processes. This ruling set a legal precedent against race-conscious policies, extending beyond education to other sectors, including government.
