Indiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Indiana HB1144: Tourism improvement districts.
Status: In committee, January 13, 2026
Provides that a person may circulate a petition to create a tourism improvement district (district) within the territory of a county, city, or town (local unit). Specifies the contents of the tourism improvement district plan that must be filed with a petition to establish a district. Provides that the legislative body of the local unit may require in the district plan that the boundaries of the district be drawn to: (1) exclude businesses; or (2) prevent overlap of the district with another area or district in which a special assessment is imposed. Provides that owners of businesses located within a district may be charged a special assessment to fund improvements and other district activities. Provides that, after a hearing on a petition to establish a district, a local unit's legislative body may adopt the ordinance establishing the district only if it determines that the petition has been signed by: (1) at least 50% of the owners of businesses within the proposed district; and (2) the owners of businesses within the proposed district that constitute more than 50% of the revenue to be collected from the special assessments. Requires the county, city, or town legislative body, at the public hearing on the establishment of a district, to hear from each individual business owner that wishes to make a request for exclusion from the district. Specifies the contents of the ordinance establishing a district and the length of time for which a district may exist. Allows a district to issue bonds and specifies the term of any bonds issued. Provides that a district may be renewed. Sets forth an annual 30 day period in which the owners of the businesses in the district may request disestablishment of the district under specified conditions. Requires the local unit to contract with a private nonprofit district management association to administer and implement the district's activities and improvements. Excludes from inclusion within a district: (1) property that receives a h
What the bill says
A bill FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning economic development.
From the amended text:
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning economic development. SECTION 1. IC 36-7-42.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Chapter 42.5. Tourism Improvement Districts Sec. 1. This chapter applies to all units except townships. Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "activities" means any programs or services that promote business activity or tourism activity and are provided to confer specific benefits upon the businesses that are located in the tourism improvement district. Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "district" means a tourism improvement district established by an ordinance adopted under section 13 of this chapter. Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "district management association" means a private nonprofit entity designated in the district plan that enters into a contract with a unit to administer and implement the district's activities and improvements. Sec. 5. As used in this chapter, "district plan" means a proposal HB 1144--LS 6588/DI for a district that contains the information described in section 9(c) of this chapter. Sec. 6. As used in this chapter, "improvements" means the acquisition, construction, installation, or maintenance of any tangible property in the district with an estimated useful life of five (5) years or more. Sec. 7. As used in this chapter, "legislative body" …
Sponsors
- Michael Karickhoff (R, HD-030) · primary sponsor
- Earl Harris (D, HD-002)
- Justin Moed (D, HD-097)
- Beau Baird (R, HD-044)
Latest actions
- : Representatives Moed, Baird added as coauthors
- : Representative Harris added as coauthor
- : Recommitted to Committee on Ways and Means pursuant to House Rule 126.3
- : Committee report: amend do pass, adopted
- : First reading: referred to Committee on Local Government
- : Authored by Representative Karickhoff
Subjects: RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CITIES AND TOWNS; Generally, COUNTY GOVERNMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES; Bonds (Non-Judicial), LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS; Treasurers, LOCAL GOVERNMENT; Generally, LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS; County Clerk
Common questions
- What is HB1144?
- HB1144 is a bill in the Indiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Tourism improvement districts.
- What does HB1144 do?
- In its own words: A bill FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning economic development.
- What is the status of HB1144?
- In committee as of January 13, 2026. Latest action: Representatives Moed, Baird added as coauthors (January 13, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1144?
- Michael Karickhoff (R, HD-030), with 3 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB1144?
- On the Indiana Legislature website: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1144
Source: official Indiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.