STATEHOUSE (April 20, 2026) – Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law legislation sponsored by State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) to streamline township government, improve efficiency and protect taxpayer dollars.
Senate Enrolled Act 270 uses a performance-based standard to evaluate and identify townships to ensure they are best serving residents and not duplicating government services. Underperforming townships will merge, eliminating an unnecessary layer of government bureaucracy and taxation while protecting essential services.
"Townships have the potential to provide much-needed support, but some communities are not benefiting from this layer of local government," Slager said. "This new law establishes a way for underutilized townships to consolidate while ensuring services continue so they can more effectively serve Hoosiers."
Additionally, Slager said townships must report operations and funding of any fire services such as a fire department, district or territory with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
Slager encourages constituents with any feedback or ideas on this or other new laws to contact his office at in.gov/h15 or call 317-232-9719.
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State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) represents House District 15,
which includes a portion of Lake County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
