Ind. Code ch. 14-21-1

in effect

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-1 Applicability of chapter

Sec. 1. This chapter does not apply to the human remains of individuals who die after December 31, 1939. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-1 part.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-2 "Artifact" defined

Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "artifact" means: (1) a feature that is: (A) nonportable evidence of past human behavior or activity; (B) found on or in the ground, including structural remains; and (C) formed before December 31, 1870; or (2) an object made, modified, or used before December 31, 1870. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-1 part.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.26-2008, SEC.2.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-3 "Burial ground" defined

Sec. 3. (a) As used in this chapter, "burial ground" means ground in which human remains are buried, including the surrounding area that is either: (1) marked by a permanent visible boundary, including a fence or wall; or (2) if there is not a permanent visible boundary, determined by the department based on records or surveys of the land containing the historic or prehistoric site in which human remains, mounds, or burial objects are reported to occur. (b) The term includes the following: (1) The land associated with or incidental to the burial of human remains. (2) Subject to section 1 of this chapter, historic cemeteries or land with human remains buried before January 1, 1940. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-1 part.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.26-2008, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-4 "Burial object" defined

Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "burial object" means any item intentionally placed in a burial ground at or near the time of burial. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-1 part.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-5 "Council" defined

Sec. 5. As used in this chapter, "council" refers to the advisory council established by IC 14-9-6-1. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-1 part.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.95-2006, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-6 Repealed

[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-1 part.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14. Repealed by P.L.85-2008, SEC.6.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-7 "Human remains" defined

Sec. 7. As used in this chapter, "human remains" means any part of the body of a human being in any: (1) stage of decomposition; or (2) state of preservation. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-1 part.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-8 "Plan", "archeological plan", and "development plan" defined

Sec. 8. (a) As used in this chapter, "plan" refers to: (1) an archeological plan, as described in subsection (b); or (2) a development plan, as described in subsection (c). (b) As used in this chapter, "archeological plan" means a plan for the systematic recovery, analysis, and disposition by scientific methods of material evidence and information about the life and culture in past ages. (c) As used in this chapter, "development plan" means: (1) a plan for the erection, alteration, or repair of any structure; or (2) a plan for the excavation or the covering of any ground related to construction. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-1 part.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.46-2000, SEC.7; P.L.26-2008, SEC.4.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-9 "Register" defined

Sec. 9. As used in this chapter, "register" refers to the register of Indiana historic sites and historic structures established under this chapter. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-1 part.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-10 "Review board" defined

Sec. 10. As used in this chapter, "review board" refers to the historic preservation review board established by this chapter. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-1 part.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-10.4 "State college or university project" defined

Sec. 10.4. As used in this chapter, "state college or university project" means a project of a state college or university that involves the construction, renovation, or demolition of one (1) or more buildings. As added by P.L.135-1996, SEC.2.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-11 Administration and development of programs and policies

Sec. 11. The division of historic preservation and archeology shall administer and develop the programs and policies established by this chapter. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-2 part.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-12 Duties of division

Sec. 12. The division shall do the following: (1) Develop a program of historical, architectural, and archeological research and development, including continuing surveys, excavations, scientific recording, interpretation, and publication of the state's historical, architectural, and archeological resources. (2) Prepare a preservation plan for the state that establishes planning guidelines to encourage the continuous maintenance and integrity of historic sites and historic structures. However, the plan is not effective until the plan has been: (A) presented to the council for review and comment; and (B) approved by the review board after public hearing. (3) Undertake the action necessary to qualify the state for participation in sources of federal aid to further the purposes stated in subdivisions (1) and (2). (4) Provide information on historic sites and structures within Indiana to federal, state, and local governmental agencies, private individuals, and organizations. (5) Advise and coordinate the activities of local historical associations, historic district commissions, historic commissions, and other interested groups or persons. (6) Provide technical and financial assistance to local historical associations, historic district commissions, historic commissions, and other interested groups or persons. (7) Review environmental impact statements as required by federal and state law for actions significantly affecting historic properties. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-3.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-13 Powers of division

Sec. 13. The division may do the following: (1) Recommend the purchase, lease, or gift of historic property of archeological importance and make recommendations to the director, council, and commission regarding policies affecting the operation and administration of these sites and structures by the section of historic sites of the division of state museums and historic sites. (2) Prepare and review planning and research studies relating to archeology. (3) Conduct a program of education in archeology, either within the division or in conjunction with a postsecondary educational institution. (4) Inspect and supervise an archeological field investigation authorized by this chapter. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-4.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.2-2007, SEC.169.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-13.5 Survey and registry of Indiana burial grounds

Sec. 13.5. (a) The division may conduct a program to survey and register in a registry of Indiana cemeteries and burial grounds that the division establishes and maintains all cemeteries and burial grounds in each county in Indiana. The division may conduct the program alone or by entering into an agreement with one (1) or more of the following entities: (1) The Indiana Historical Society established under IC 23-6-3. (2) A historical society (as defined in IC 36-10-13-3). (3) The Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. (4) A professional archeologist or historian associated with a postsecondary educational institution. (5) A township trustee. (6) Any other entity that the division selects. (b) In conducting a program under subsection (a), the division may receive gifts and grants under terms, obligations, and liabilities that the director considers appropriate. The director shall use a gift or grant received under this subsection: (1) to carry out subsection (a); and (2) according to the terms of the gift or grant. (c) At the request of the director, the state comptroller shall establish a trust fund for purposes of holding money received under subsection (b). (d) The director shall administer a trust fund established by subsection (c). The expenses of administering the trust fund shall be paid from money in the trust fund. (e) The treasurer of state shall invest the money in the trust fund established by subsection (c) that is not currently needed to meet the obligations of the trust fund in the same manner as other public trust funds may be invested. The treasurer of state shall deposit in the trust fund the interest that accrues from the investment of the trust fund. (f) Money in the trust fund at the end of a state fiscal year does not revert to the state general fund. (g) Nothing in this section may be construed to authorize violation of the confidentiality of information requirements of 16 U.S.C. 470w-3 and 16 U.S.C. 470hh. (h) The division may record in each county recorder's office the location of each cemetery and burial ground located in that county. As added by P.L.46-2000, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.177-2001, SEC.2; P.L.1-2005, SEC.143; P.L.1-2007, SEC.128; P.L.2-2007, SEC.170; P.L.3-2008, SEC.101; P.L.9-2024, SEC.351.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-14 Duties upon proposed transfers of property by the state

Sec. 14. (a) This section does not apply to real property that is owned by a state educational institution. (b) The Indiana department of administration shall notify the division of a proposed transfer of real property owned by the state at the earliest planning stage and not later than ninety (90) days before the date of the proposed transfer. (c) The division shall: (1) inspect the property; and (2) notify the Indiana department of administration of the location of each historic site or historic structure on the property; not later than thirty (30) days after receiving notice under subsection (b). If the division does not notify the Indiana department of administration under subdivision (2) within thirty (30) days after receiving notice under subsection (b), the Indiana department of administration may proceed with the proposed transfer. (d) If the Indiana department of administration receives notice under subsection (c)(2) of a historic site or historic structure on the property, the Indiana department of administration shall reserve control of the appropriate historic property by means of a covenant or an easement contained in the transferring instrument. (e) The department shall administer property of which control is reserved under subsection (d). [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-5.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.135-1996, SEC.3; P.L.2-2007, SEC.171; P.L.33-2011, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-15 Duties regarding registers and federal preservation grants

Sec. 15. The division shall do the following: (1) Undertake a statewide survey to identify and document historic sites and historic structures. (2) Prepare and maintain a register of Indiana historic sites and historic structures and establish criteria for the listing of historic sites and historic structures on the register. (3) Maintain the Indiana part of the National Register of Historic Places under 16 U.S.C. 470 et seq. (4) Administer the federal preservation grants program under 16 U.S.C. 470 et seq. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-6.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-16 Field investigations or alteration of historic property without permit

Sec. 16. (a) Except as provided in section 18 and sections 25 through 27 of this chapter, a person who, without a permit, conducts a field investigation or alters historic property within the boundaries of property owned or leased by the state commits a Class A infraction. (b) Notwithstanding IC 34-28-5-4, a judgment for a Class A infraction imposed under this section may not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000). [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-7.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.54-1997, SEC.7; P.L.195-2014, SEC.13.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-17 Additions to or removals from register

Sec. 17. (a) Any person may nominate a site or structure for addition to or removal from the register. Upon approval of the nomination by the division, all affected persons shall be notified. (b) If an objection to the action is not filed with the division within thirty (30) days after the notification date, the nomination is automatically approved. (c) If an objection is received within thirty (30) days, a designated member of the review board shall hold a hearing and make a determination. The review board shall make the final decision regarding a nomination, subject to review and appeal under IC 4-21.5. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-8.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.92-2025, SEC.24.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-18 Alteration of historic sites or structures; certificate of approval; exceptions; survey of historic sites and structures; advisory report; federally funded construction projects

Sec. 18. (a) A: (1) historic site or historic structure owned by the state; or (2) historic site or historic structure listed on the state or national register; may not be altered, demolished, or removed by a project funded, in whole or in part, by the state unless the review board has granted a certificate of approval. (b) An application for a certificate of approval: (1) must be filed with the division; and (2) shall be granted or rejected by the review board after a public hearing. (c) Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to real property that is owned by a state educational institution. (d) The commission for higher education and each state educational institution, in cooperation with the division of historic preservation and archeology, shall develop and continually maintain a survey of historic sites and historic structures owned by the state educational institution. Historic sites and historic structures include buildings, structures, outdoor sculpture, designed landscapes, gardens, archeological sites, cemeteries, campus plans, and historic districts. A survey developed under this subsection must conform with the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Survey Manual. (e) Not more than thirty (30) days after a state educational institution, under section 18.6 of this chapter, submits to the division a description of a proposed project that involves the substantial alteration, demolition, or removal of a historic site or historic structure, the state historic preservation officer shall: (1) review the description of the proposed project; and (2) submit to the state educational institution an advisory report concerning the proposed project. The state educational institution shall review and consider the advisory report before proceeding with the substantial alteration, demolition, or removal of a historic site or historic structure. (f) Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to a construction project that is funded, in whole or in part, by the state if the project involves the substantial alteration, demolition, or removal of a road or a sidewalk within the boundaries of the property of a historic site or a historic structure. (g) A person who intends to perform a construction project described in subsection (f) at a historic site or a historic structure shall submit an application for a certificate of approval with the division before beginning work on the construction project. Not later than thirty (30) days after the date the person submits an application for a certificate of approval, the division must issue a determination that the construction project: (1) does not have an adverse impact on the historic site or the historic structure; or (2) has an adverse impact on the historic site or the historic structure. If the division determines that the proposed construction project meets the criteria in subdivision (1), the person may begin work on the road or sidewalk described in subsection (f) at the historic site or the historic structure. If the division determines under subdivision (2) that the construction project would have an adverse impact, the person may not begin work on the construction project described in subsection (f) at the historic site or the historic structure. However, if the division does not issue a determination under this subsection within thirty (30) days after the date the person submits an application for a certificate of approval, the person may begin work on the construction project described in subsection (f). (h) Subsection (g) does not apply to a construction project described in subsection (f) that is funded, in whole or in part, by the federal government. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-9.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.135-1996, SEC.4; P.L.54-1997, SEC.8; P.L.28-2004, SEC.130; P.L.2-2007, SEC.172; P.L.130-2018, SEC.75; P.L.169-2018, SEC.1.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-18.5 Repealed

As added by P.L.135-1996, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.2-2007, SEC.173. Repealed by P.L.130-2018, SEC.76.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-18.6 Publication and submission of proposed substantial changes to historic properties

Sec. 18.6. (a) As used in this section, "substantial alteration" means a conspicuous, exterior material change in a historic site or historic structure which, in the good faith judgment of a state college or university, affects the historic character of the historic site or historic structure. (b) If a proposed project of a state educational institution involves the substantial alteration, demolition, or removal of a historic site or historic structure, the state educational institution shall submit a description of the proposed project to the division and publish a notice describing the project one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the proposed project is located. The submission of the description and the publication of the notice must be at least thirty (30) days before the commencement of the proposed project. As added by P.L.54-1997, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.2-2007, SEC.174; P.L.130-2018, SEC.77.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-19 Director as state historic preservation officer

Sec. 19. The director is designated as the state historic preservation officer. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-10.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-20 Review board; establishment; members

Sec. 20. (a) The historic preservation review board is established. (b) The review board consists of nine (9) members as follows: (1) The director or the director's designee. (2) At least five (5) individuals meeting minimum professional requirements established by the United States Department of the Interior in 36 CFR, Part 61, as in effect on January 1, 1984. (3) Professionals in the following disciplines: (A) History. (B) Prehistoric or historic archeology. (C) Architecture or historical architecture. (c) The division director is a nonvoting advisor to the review board entitled to attend and participate in the proceedings of all meetings of the review board. (d) The director shall, with the concurrence of the governor, appoint the members of the review board under subsection (b)(2) and (b)(3) for terms of three (3) years. The terms shall be staggered so that the terms of two (2) or three (3) members expire each year. A member may be reappointed. (e) Appointments to the review board shall be made in accordance with 36 CFR, Part 60, and 36 CFR, Part 61, as in effect on January 1, 1984. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-12(a), (b), (c), (d), (e).] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.289-2013, SEC.4.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-21 Review board; chairman

Sec. 21. The director is chairman of the review board. The review board may select other officers that the review board determines. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-12(f).] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-22 Review board; duties

Sec. 22. (a) The review board shall carry out the duties: (1) required by this chapter; and (2) as required under 16 U.S.C. 470 et seq. and the regulations relating to 16 U.S.C. 470 et seq. (b) The review board shall also advise the division and the department as requested by the director. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-12(g).] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-23 Review board; per diem compensation and traveling expenses

Sec. 23. (a) Each member of the review board who is not a state employee is entitled to the minimum salary per diem as provided in IC 4-10-11-2.1(b) for each day that the member is engaged in the official business of the committee. The member is also entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses as provided under IC 4-13-1-4 and other expenses actually incurred in connection with the member's duties as provided in the state policies and procedures established by the Indiana department of administration and approved by the budget agency. (b) Each member of the review board who is a state employee is entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses as provided under IC 4-13-1-4 and other expenses actually incurred in connection with the member's duties as provided in the state policies and procedures established by the Indiana department of administration and approved by the budget agency. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-12(h), (i).] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-24 Applicability of statutes regarding disturbance of grounds

Sec. 24. (a) As used in this section, "agricultural purpose" includes farming, dairying, pasturage, agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, ornamental horticulture, olericulture, pomiculture, animal husbandry, and poultry husbandry. (b) Sections 25, 26, 28, and 29 of this chapter do not apply to the following: (1) Surface coal mining regulated under IC 14-34. (2) Cemeteries and human remains subject to IC 23-14. (3) Disturbing the earth for an agricultural purpose. (4) Collecting any object other than human remains that is visible in whole or in part on the surface of the ground, regardless of the time the object was made or shaped. (5) Qualified professional archeologists, as determined by the department, who conduct phase 1a archeological surveys according to guidelines adopted by the department. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citations: 14-3-3.4-1 part; 14-3-3.4-13.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.26-2008, SEC.5.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-25 Rules concerning standards for plans; action on submitted plans

Sec. 25. (a) The commission shall adopt rules establishing standards for plans. (b) With respect to archeological plans, the rules must impose a standard of conduct that does the following: (1) Promotes the scientific investigation and conservation of past cultures. (2) Considers the interests and expertise of amateur archeologists and professional archeologists. (c) With respect to development plans, the rules must impose a standard of conduct that preserves and protects both of the following: (1) The rights and interests of landowners. (2) The sensitivity of human beings for treating human remains with respect and dignity, as determined by the commission. (d) Subject to subsection (e), plans required under this chapter must be submitted to the department for approval according to rules adopted by the commission. (e) Proposed plans submitted to the department must be: (1) approved; (2) denied; or (3) held because of the need for additional information; by the department not more than sixty (60) days after the date of submission. If the department does not take any action on the plan within the time required by this subsection, the plan is considered to be approved, unless approval is prohibited under a state or federal law. If the department requests additional information under subdivision (3), the department shall approve or deny the resubmitted plan not more than thirty (30) days after the resubmitted plan is received. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-14.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.46-2000, SEC.9; P.L.26-2008, SEC.6.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-25.1 Application for approval of a development plan to discover artifacts, burial objects, or human remains; penalty

Sec. 25.1. An application for approval of a development plan under section 26.5 of this chapter must be filed with the division and include the following: (1) A signed cover letter from the applicant on letterhead with the following information: (A) The identity of the person who will conduct the project. (B) The overall nature and time frame of the project. (C) The location of the project by section, township, range, county, and address. (D) Information regarding any prior disturbance to the area. (E) A statement regarding whether federal or state funds or licenses are involved in the project. (2) Mapping to show the location of the burial ground or cemetery in relation to the project that includes the following: (A) Construction details for any activity within one hundred (100) feet of the burial ground or cemetery. (B) References to nearby landmarks. (C) The location of the burial ground or cemetery and the project area on the appropriate U.S. Geological Survey U.S. TOPO: Maps for America. (3) A description of the burial ground or cemetery sufficient to evaluate the likely impact of the project, including the following: (A) Any name of the burial ground or cemetery. (B) The dates the burial ground or cemetery has been used. (C) Historical information and documentation. (D) Precise boundaries that reference nearby landmarks. If documentation is not available to identify the burial ground or cemetery boundaries, the applicant may be required to determine those boundaries through the following: (i) Remote sensing. (ii) Investigations by archeologists. (iii) Another scientific method approved by the division. (E) The physical condition of the burial ground or cemetery. (4) A description of the grounds adjacent to and within one hundred (100) feet of the burial ground or cemetery, including the following: (A) The nature, depth, and degree of previous disturbances, including those caused by: (i) construction; (ii) excavation; (iii) grading; or (iv) filling. (B) A description of soil, by type, present at the site, including an explanation of how the soil would be: (i) disturbed; (ii) graded; (iii) modified; (iv) removed; or (v) otherwise treated. (C) A description of each structure. (D) A description of the activities anticipated to: (i) erect; (ii) alter; or (iii) repair; a structure. (E) Each area that may contain new construction in connection with the proposed construction areas. (5) Recent photographs of the burial ground or cemetery and the grounds adjacent to and within one hundred (100) feet of the burial ground or cemetery. As added by P.L.123-2026, SEC.28.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-25.5 Repealed

As added by P.L.283-2003, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.133-2012, SEC.173. Repealed by P.L.123-2026, SEC.29.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-26 Disturbing ground to discover artifacts, burial objects, or human remains; penalty

Sec. 26. (a) A person who disturbs the ground for the purpose of discovering, uncovering, or moving artifacts, burial objects, or human remains must do so in accordance with a plan approved by the department under section 25 of this chapter or under IC 14-3-3.4-14 (before its repeal). (b) A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally violates this section commits the following: (1) A Class A misdemeanor, if the violation does not involve disturbing human remains. (2) A Level 6 felony, if the violation involves disturbing human remains. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-15.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.26-2008, SEC.7; P.L.158-2013, SEC.200.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-26.5 Development plan requirements; penalty

Sec. 26.5. (a) Notwithstanding IC 23-14-44-1, this section does not apply to the following: (1) A public utility (as defined in IC 8-1-2-1(a)). (2) A corporation organized under IC 8-1-13. (3) A municipally owned utility (as defined in IC 8-1-2-1(h)). (4) A surface coal mining and reclamation operation permitted under IC 14-34. (b) Except as provided in this subsection and subsections (c) and (d), a person may not disturb the ground within one hundred (100) feet of a burial ground for the purpose of excavating or covering over the ground or erecting, altering, or repairing any structure without having a development plan approved by the department under section 25 of this chapter or in violation of a development plan approved by the department under section 25 of this chapter. The department must review the development plan as required by section 25(e) of this chapter. (c) A development plan: (1) must be approved if a person intends to: (A) excavate or cover over the ground; or (B) construct a new structure or alter or repair an existing structure; that would impact the burial ground or cemetery; and (2) is not required if a person intends to: (A) excavate or cover over the ground; or (B) erect, alter, or repair an existing structure; for an incidental or existing use that would not impact the burial ground or cemetery. (d) A development plan for a governmental entity to disturb ground within one hundred (100) feet of a burial ground must be approved as follows: (1) A development plan of a municipality requires approval of the executive of the municipality and does not require the approval of the department. However, if the burial ground or cemetery is located outside the municipality, approval is also required by the executive of the county where the burial ground or cemetery is located. A county cemetery commission established under IC 23-14-67-2 may advise the executive of the municipality on whether to approve a development plan. (2) A development plan of a governmental entity other than: (A) a municipality; or (B) the state; requires the approval of the executive of the county where the governmental entity is located and does not require the approval of the department. However, if the governmental entity is located in more than one (1) county, only the approval of the executive of the county where the burial ground or cemetery is located is required. A county cemetery commission established under IC 23-14-67-2 may advise the county executive on whether to approve a development plan. (3) A development plan of the state requires the approval of the department. (e) If a burial ground is within an archeological site, an archeological plan is required to be part of the development plan. (f) A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally violates this section commits a Class A misdemeanor. However, the offense is a Level 6 felony if the person disturbs buried human remains or grave markers while committing the offense. As added by P.L.46-2000, SEC.10. Amended by P.L.177-2001, SEC.3; P.L.26-2008, SEC.8; P.L.158-2013, SEC.201.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-27 Duties when buried human remains or burial grounds are disturbed; penalty

Sec. 27. (a) A person who disturbs buried human remains or burial grounds shall do the following: (1) Notify the department within two (2) business days of the time of the disturbance. (2) Treat or rebury the human remains in a manner and place according to rules adopted by the commission or a court order and permit issued by the Indiana department of health under IC 23-14-57. (b) A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally violates this section commits a Class A misdemeanor. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-16.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.52-1997, SEC.4; P.L.14-2000, SEC.38; P.L.26-2008, SEC.9; P.L.56-2023, SEC.132.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-28 Penalty for disturbing human remains or grave markers

Sec. 28. A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally disturbs human remains or grave markers while moving, uncovering, or removing artifacts or burial objects either: (1) without a plan approved by the department under: (A) section 25 of this chapter; or (B) IC 14-3-3.4-14 (before its repeal); or (2) in violation of such a plan; commits a Level 6 felony. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-17.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.26-2008, SEC.10; P.L.158-2013, SEC.202.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-29 Duty upon discovering artifacts or burial objects; penalty

Sec. 29. (a) A person who discovers, uncovers, or moves an artifact or burial object while disturbing the ground for a purpose other than the discovery, uncovering, or moving of artifacts or burial objects shall do the following: (1) Immediately cease disturbing the ground and the area within one hundred (100) feet of the artifact or burial object. (2) Notify the department within two (2) business days after the time of the disturbance. (b) After notification under subsection (a), the department may do any of the following: (1) Authorize the person to continue the ground disturbing activity, with or without conditions. (2) Require that continued ground disturbance activity be conducted only in accordance with an approved plan. However, this subdivision does not apply after ten (10) business days from the date that the department receives notice. (c) A person who violates subsection (a) commits a Class A infraction. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-18.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.26-2008, SEC.11.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-30 Amateur groups encouraged to establish codes of ethics

Sec. 30. The department shall actively encourage all groups of amateur archeologists to establish and maintain a code of ethics as a minimum guide for the conduct of searches for evidence from the life and culture of past ages. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-19.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-31 Adoption of rules

Sec. 31. (a) The commission shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to implement this chapter. (b) When adopting rules under this chapter the commission shall consider the following: (1) The rights and interests of landowners. (2) The sensitivity of human beings for treating human remains with respect and dignity. (3) The value of history and archeology as a guide to human activity. (4) The importance of amateur archeologists in making historical, cultural, and archeological discoveries. (5) Applicable laws, standards, and guidelines for the conduct of archeology and codes of ethics for participation in archeology. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-3-3.4-20.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.14.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-32 Confidential archeological site information

Sec. 32. (a) Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the division may keep reports and information concerning the location of historic and archeological sites confidential if the director of the division determines that disclosure would likely: (1) risk harm to the historic or archeological site; (2) cause a significant invasion of privacy; or (3) impede the use of a traditional religious site by practitioners. (b) The division may not disclose to the public reports and information required to be confidential under federal law. (c) If the director of the division determines that reports and information should be confidential under subsection (a), the director of the department, in consultation with the director of the division, shall determine who may have access to the confidential reports and information. As added by P.L.26-2008, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-33 Persons authorized to accompany conservation officers to determine violations

Sec. 33. An employee of the division or a person authorized by the department may accompany a conservation officer on public or private property to determine if there is a violation of this article. As added by P.L.26-2008, SEC.13.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-34 Homeowner assistance program; archeology preservation trust fund

Sec. 34. (a) The division may conduct a program to assist private homeowners who have accidentally discovered an artifact, a burial object, or human remains and who need assistance to comply with an approved plan to excavate or secure the site from further disturbance. The division may conduct the program alone or by entering into an agreement with any entity that the division selects. (b) In conducting a program under subsection (a), the division may receive gifts and grants under terms, obligations, and liabilities that the director of the division considers appropriate. The director shall use a gift or grant received under this subsection: (1) to carry out subsection (a); and (2) according to the terms and obligations of the gift or grant. (c) The state comptroller shall establish the archeology preservation trust fund to hold money received under subsection (b). (d) The director of the division shall administer the archeology preservation trust fund. The expenses of administering the fund shall be paid from money in the trust fund. (e) The treasurer of state shall invest the money in the archeology preservation trust fund that is not currently needed to meet the obligations of the fund in the same manner as other public trust funds may be invested. The treasurer of state shall deposit in the fund the interest that accrues from the investment of the fund. (f) Money in the archeology preservation trust fund at the end of a state fiscal year does not revert to the state general fund. There is annually appropriated to the division the money in the archeology preservation trust fund for the division's use in carrying out the purposes of this section. (g) The division may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to govern the administration of this section. As added by P.L.26-2008, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.9-2024, SEC.352.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-35 Restitution orders

Sec. 35. (a) In addition to: (1) a: (A) sentence imposed under this chapter for a felony or misdemeanor; or (B) judgment imposed under this chapter for an infraction; and (2) an order for restitution to a victim; a court may order an individual to make restitution to the archeology preservation trust fund established under section 34 of this chapter for the division's costs incurred because of the offense committed by the individual. (b) In ordering restitution under this section, the court shall consider the following: (1) The schedule of costs submitted to the court by the division. (2) The cost to the property owner to restore or repair the damaged area of an archeological site or burial ground and place the property in the property's original condition as nearly as practicable. (3) The amount of restitution that the individual is or will be able to pay. (c) The court shall immediately forward to the division a copy of an order for restitution made under this section. As added by P.L.26-2008, SEC.15.

Ind. Code § 14-21-1-36 Possession of looted property; penalty

Sec. 36. A person who knowingly or intentionally receives, retains, or disposes of an artifact, a burial object, or human remains obtained in violation of this chapter commits possession of looted property, a Level 6 felony. However, the offense is a Level 5 felony if the fair market cost of carrying out a scientific archeological investigation of the area that was damaged to obtain the artifact, burial object, or human remains is at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). As added by P.L.26-2008, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.158-2013, SEC.203.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/14Fetched: 10/17/2026