All Roll Calls
Yes: 135 • No: 59
IndianaSB 270Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)SenateWALLET
Township mergers.
Sponsored By: Rick Niemeyer (Republican)
Signed by Governor
local governmenttax and fiscal policythe house
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.
You won't pay others' old debts
Debts and pension costs that existed before January 1, 2029 stay with the taxpayers who owed them then. Your area is not charged for another area’s old debts or pensions after the merger.
City tax powers after township merger
For taxes due in 2029, the city’s maximum property tax levy increases by the township’s 2028 maximum levy times the 2029 growth rate, and that higher base carries forward. The city may set up any fund or tax the township could before January 1, 2029. If they share a fire protection territory, the city may levy for a fire equipment replacement fund, and the state finance office can raise the city’s allowed levy to meet those fire bills. Starting in 2028, the city must adopt a township services district levy each year; if it fails, the last approved levy continues for the next year.
Townships inside cities dissolve in 2029
On January 1, 2029, a township dissolves if at least 80% of its borders match a city and at least 51% of its people live in that city. Township offices end December 31, 2028, and no future township elections are held. The city takes over the trustee’s duties and the board’s fiscal and lawmaking roles; if there is a township assessor, the county assessor takes over assessments. The township’s property, debts, and pensions move to the city, with protections and limits set in the law. The township’s general and assistance fund balances move to the city, and debt service balances go to a city debt service fund (the city must create one by January 1, 2029, if needed).
How merged township boards are elected
When townships merge, the new board has one member from each former township. For mergers under IC 36-6-1.7, starting with the 2030 general election, all voters elect a three‑member board at large.
City borrowing limits after merger
Starting January 1, 2029, after a merger that takes effect after December 31, 2028, the receiving city cannot borrow under IC 36-6-6-14(b) or (c). This removes one borrowing tool and can limit new debt tied to township services.
Different tax rates inside and outside city
If part of the merged township lies outside the city, the city creates two districts: urban (inside) and rural (outside). The city may tax both at one rate or set different rates, but each district must have one uniform rate within it. The city must send the rural district levy to the county by October 1, and the county may reduce or modify, but not increase, that rural levy. If either body misses deadlines, the most recent approved levy stays in effect. These rules start January 1, 2029.
Guardrails on local merger steps and spending
From July 1, 2025 to January 1, 2027, for reorganizations begun November 1–30, 2025, a county cannot force a unit to join an existing fire protection district. After June 30, 2027 until December 31, 2028, no annexation, new fire districts, utility extensions, or zoning expansions occur in the designated township unless the receiving city agrees; the city may act to carry out the plan. Until the city council approves the final plan, the city and township may not use public money, staff time, or buildings to promote a position; contractors with government contracts face a Class A infraction if they spend to campaign. When a local body gets a certified reorganization resolution, it can decline, join as proposed, or propose different partners, and must notify the named units.
Old township dissolution path repealed
The prior law for dissolving township governments (IC 36-6-1.6) is repealed upon enactment. Those old procedures no longer apply.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Rick Niemeyer
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Alaina Shonkwiler
Republican • House
Greg Walker
Republican • Senate
Harold Slager
Republican • House
James Buck
Republican • Senate
Timothy Wesco
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 2/26/2026
Roll Call 301 on SB0270.06.ENGH.CON01
Yes: 34 • No: 15 • Other: 1
House vote • 2/24/2026
Roll Call 353 on SB0270.05.COMH
Yes: 62 • No: 35 • Other: 3
Senate vote • 1/28/2026
Roll Call 128 on SB0270.03.COMS
Yes: 39 • No: 9
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor
3/5/2026SenatePublic Law 134
3/5/2026SenateSigned by the President Pro Tempore
2/27/2026SenateSigned by the President of the Senate
2/27/2026SenateSigned by the Speaker
2/27/2026HouseSenate concurred with House amendments; Roll Call 301: yeas 34, nays 15
2/26/2026SenateMotion to concur filed
2/25/2026SenateReturned to the Senate with amendments
2/25/2026HouseRepresentative Wesco added as cosponsor
2/24/2026HouseThird reading: passed; Roll Call 353: yeas 62, nays 35
2/24/2026HouseSecond reading: amended, ordered engrossed
2/23/2026HouseAmendment #1 (Slager) prevailed; voice vote
2/23/2026HouseCommittee report: amend do pass, adopted
2/18/2026HouseRepresentative Shonkwiler added as cosponsor
2/18/2026HouseRecommitted to Committee on Ways and Means pursuant to House Rule 126.3
2/17/2026HouseCommittee report: amend do pass, adopted
2/17/2026HouseFirst reading: referred to Committee on Local Government
2/2/2026HouseReferred to the House
1/29/2026SenateHouse sponsor: Representative Slager
1/28/2026SenateThird reading: passed; Roll Call 128: yeas 39, nays 9
1/28/2026SenateSenator Buck added as second author
1/26/2026SenateSenator Walker G removed as second author
1/26/2026SenateSenator Walker G added as third author
1/26/2026SenateSecond reading: ordered engrossed
1/22/2026SenateCommittee report: do pass, adopted
1/20/2026Senate
Bill Text
Engrossed Senate Bill (S)
Enrolled Senate Bill (S)
Introduced Senate Bill (S)
Senate Bill (H)
Senate Bill (S)