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Senate drops portions of Governor Braun’s property tax relief bill 

Some farmers are concerned how a proposed amendment to Governor Mike Braun’s property tax relief bill could impact their operations.

State representative Kendell Culp says it would provide property tax relief over a three-year period.

“We currently are at an 8% capitalization rate,” he says. “The Senate is moving legislation to move it to 9%. Neither one of those sends the direction downward, it just limits the amount of upside cost or value as we move forward.”

He says he’s concerned these changes could impact farmers.

“It’s not reflective of today’s ag economy,” he says. “Farmland values, as far as assessed evaluation, has increased 63% for accessed value. That is not sustainable. We need to be more reflective in how we’re assessing farmers on taxes to what the current market conditions reflect.”

He says the state legislature wants farmers to receive equitable benefits.

“The governor wants to make sure that all property owners of all facets get some relief, so he’s indicated if homeowners get a certain dollar amount of relief, he wants farmers to get that same amount of relief as well.”

In a statement, the Governor’s office said this amendment is a step in the right direction, but there is still work to be done.

The bill now moves to the full Senate for further review.

Brownfield interviewed Culp during the 2025 Bacon Bar and Brunch at the Indiana Statehouse.

AUDIO: Kendell Culp