STATEHOUSE (Feb. 13, 2019) – The House of Representatives Tuesday supported State Rep. Karen Engleman’s (R-Georgetown) legislation ensuring local elected officials are properly trained before they start their position.
Currently, newly elected officials must complete 15 hours of training within the first year and 40 hours within the first three years. Engleman said this legislation would ensure elected officials receive five hours of mandatory training before they take office.
“As a former county auditor, I understand the importance of an efficient and effective local government,” Engleman said. “Elected officials may not always have all the necessary skills to fully and appropriately serve their communities. This training would ensure all officials understand the fundamentals and duties of their new role, and give them the additional tools they need to succeed.”
According to Engleman, the Association of Indiana Counties would create the training for county officials. The Accelerated Indiana Municipalities would create the training for municipal officials, and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs would create the training for planning commissions and drainage boards.
Recently elected officials would have until July 2020 to complete the training requirement.
House Bill 1437 now moves to the Senate for consideration. For more information, click here.
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State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) represents House District 70,
which includes portions of Clark, Floyd and Harrison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
