HB 1315: Township reorganization.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Provides that on January 1, 2028, certain townships are dissolved and their powers, duties, offices, and property are transferred to a municipality or county. Requires a township to adopt a resolution not later than June 1, 2026, that designates the municipality or county (designated unit) that will reorganize with the township. Requires the appointment of a joint board consisting of representatives of the township and the designated unit to prepare a plan of reorganization. Provides that a township must reorganize with the county if: (1) the township does not adopt a resolution by June 1, 2026; or (2) the municipality that the township designated in its resolution does not adopt a reorganization plan by December 31, 2026. Provides that if: (1) the designated unit is a municipality; and (2) part of a township is located outside the municipality; the municipality must establish an urban township services district and a rural township services district. Requires the county fiscal body to approve the budget, tax rate, and tax levy imposed by the municipality within the boundaries of the rural township services district. Provides that a designated unit has all of the powers of the government modernization act in reorganizing the township. Amends the government modernization act to require a political subdivision to respond to a resolution that names the political subdivision as a participant in a proposed reorganization. Provides that a township that operates a fire department is not subject to dissolution. Provides that a township does not operate a fire department if the township is a participating unit (not a provider unit) in a fire protection territory (territory) or is within a fire protection district (district). Provides that after a reorganization: (1) the area within the boundaries of the dissolved township remains in the territory or district; and (2) the designated unit succeeds the dissolved township in its role in the territory or district.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 6

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. February 5, 2026First reading: referred to Committee on Local Government
2. February 3, 2026Referred to the Senate
3. February 2, 2026Senate sponsors: Senators Garten, Johnson T
4. February 2, 2026Third reading: passed; Roll Call 194: yeas 55, nays 44
5. January 29, 2026Amendment #2 (Shonkwiler) prevailed; voice vote
6. January 29, 2026Second reading: amended, ordered engrossed
7. January 27, 2026Committee report: amend do pass, adopted
8. January 13, 2026Committee report: amend do pass, adopted
9. January 13, 2026Recommitted to Committee on Ways and Means pursuant to House Rule 126.3
10. January 12, 2026Representative Miller D added as coauthor
11. January 6, 2026First reading: referred to Committee on Local Government
12. January 6, 2026Authored by Representative Shonkwiler

Showing 12 most recent of 13 actions. Full history