Indiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Indiana HB1161: Local government matters.
Status: Signed into law, February 26, 2026
Provides that individuals who are appointed to certain boards, committees, or other bodies in a county that does not have a consolidated city, serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority as long as: (1) the officeholder who appointed the individual continues to hold the office; or (2) the board, committee, or body that appointed the individual retains all of the same members who served when the individual was appointed. Provides that, in the case of a reorganized political subdivision, the oath of office of the town board of police commissioners is administered by any of the individuals granted notary powers. Staggers the terms of a nine member local board of health. Provides that the county executive, excluding a county containing a consolidated city, may set the salary of a county administrator subject to: (1) salary parameters established; or (2) approval; by the county fiscal body. Provides that each county executive, excluding a county containing a consolidated city and certain employees, shall adopt and maintain a written personnel policy, employee handbook, or equivalent document establishing minimum standards for county employee conduct, performance, and workplace expectations. Requires the executive of a county or municipality (unit) to preapprove any of the following actions of the unit's park and recreation board, if the cost exceeds the lesser of $500,000 or 10% of the park district's annual budget: (1) Exercising eminent domain powers. (2) Entering into a contract. (3) Acquiring real or personal property. (4) Making capital improvements. Adds public defenders to those officials whose home addresses may be restricted from public property data base websites.
What the bill says
An act to amend the Indiana Code concerning local government.
From the enrolled text:
AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning local government. SECTION 1. IC 6-9-18-5, AS AMENDED BY P.L.175-2018, SECTION 18, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 5. (a) If a tax is levied under section 3 of this chapter, the county executive shall create a commission to promote the development and growth of the convention, visitor, and tourism industry in the county. If two (2) or more adjoining counties desire to establish a joint commission, the counties shall enter into an agreement under IC 36-1-7. (b) The county executive shall determine the number of members, which must be an odd number, to be appointed to the commission. A simple majority of the members must or (2) involved in or promoting conventions, visitors, or tourism. A member appointed to the commission under subdivision (1) or (2) need not be a resident of the county if the member is an owner or an executive level employee of a convention, visitor, or tourism business that is located within the county. However, the member must be a resident of Indiana. If available and willing to serve, at least two (2) of the members must be engaged in the business of renting or furnishing rooms, lodging, or accommodations (as described in section 3 of this chapter). Not more than one …
Sponsors
- Ethan Lawson (R, HD-053) · primary sponsor
- Alex Zimmerman (R, HD-067)
- Jennifer Meltzer (R, HD-073)
- Justin Moed (D, HD-097)
Latest actions
- : Public Law 40
- : Signed by the Governor
- : Signed by the President of the Senate
- : Signed by the President Pro Tempore
- : Signed by the Speaker
- : House concurred with Senate amendments; Roll Call 297: yeas 93, nays 1
- : Returned to the House with amendments
- : Motion to concur filed
- : Third reading: passed; Roll Call 180: yeas 45, nays 0
- : Second reading: ordered engrossed
Votes
- HB1161.03.COMS.CON01 (February 19, 2026): 93 yea, 1 nay, passed
- HB1161.03.COMS (February 17, 2026): 45 yea, 0 nay, passed
- HB1161.02.COMH (January 20, 2026): 90 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS; Generally, COUNTY GOVERNMENT, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS; Board of Zoning Appeal, ZONING AND PLANNING, PROPERTY; Eminent Domain, TRANSPORTATION; Airports, LOCAL GOVERNMENT; Contracts, Procurements, and Purchases
Common questions
- What is HB1161?
- HB1161 is a bill in the Indiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Local government matters.
- What does HB1161 do?
- In its own words: An act to amend the Indiana Code concerning local government.
- What is the status of HB1161?
- Signed into law as of February 26, 2026. Latest action: Public Law 40 (February 26, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1161?
- Ethan Lawson (R, HD-053), with 3 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB1161?
- On the Indiana Legislature website: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1161
Source: official Indiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.