(a) Using the process set forth in IC 36-6-1.5 , each designated township, excluding any township that has commenced a merger or consolidation under IC 36-1.5-4 or IC 36-6-1.5 with another unit before July 1, 2027, must merge with at least one (1) other township government in the county. After all township mergers in accordance with this section are complete, a county must have at least two (2) townships. The following requirements apply to each merger:
- (1) Except as provided in subdivision (2), at least one (1) township government that merges with a designated township must be a recipient township.
- (2) If all townships in a county are designated townships, the county executive shall select two (2) of the designated townships participating in the merger to form a new township government to perform the functions of a recipient township.
- (3) The merger must satisfy the contiguity requirements set forth in IC 36-6-1.5-4 .
- (b) The department may require a county executive to report actions taken by a county executive under subsection (a) to the department in a manner and on forms prescribed by the department.
As added by P.L.134-2026, SEC.9.