STATEHOUSE (Feb. 3, 2026) – The House passed State Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler's (R-Noblesville) legislation to modernize local government by reorganizing certain townships to improve efficiency and streamline layers of government while protecting essential services.
House Bill 1315 addresses duplicate layers of government by consolidating townships if they serve less than 6,700 residents, do not operate a township fire department and if their total annual employee salaries are more than twice the amount of public assistance they distribute.
"Hoosiers should not have to pay taxes for overlapping layers of local government or services that are not being provided efficiently," Shonkwiler said. "We appreciate the work of our townships, but the system has not kept up with our growing communities, leading to duplicative or misaligned service distribution. This legislation reorganizes townships where it makes sense for the taxpayer while protecting essential services."
Of the estimated 1,000 townships in Indiana, this bill is expected to impact approximately 200. A majority of townships gave out less than $3,000 in public assistance in 2024. Shonkwiler said consolidation would improve service delivery, remove unnecessary overhead costs and ensure efficient, reliable and transparent local government operations
House Bill 1315 now moves to the Senate for consideration. To learn more and follow session, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler (R-Noblesville) represents House District 29,
which includes a portion of Hamilton County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
