State Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler has introduced a bill to modernize Indiana townships. The legislation aims to streamline services and improve efficiency, potentially affecting about 200 of the state’s roughly 1,000 townships, according to the Indiana House Republicans.
House Bill 1315 has passed the House Ways and Means Committee and now moves to the Senate. Shonkwiler said the bill aims to modernize Indiana’s township system, which she says no longer reflects how services are delivered. The bill targets townships with fewer than 6,700 residents, no fire department, and high employee costs relative to the aid distributed.
Shonkwiler argues that the traditional township model no longer meets the state’s needs. She notes that many townships provided less than $3,000 in public assistance in 2024, highlighting a possible misalignment of resources and services.
The bill’s move to the Senate is a key step in updating Indiana’s township system. House Bill 1315 and its progress can be tracked at iga.in.gov, according to the representative’s office.
