1. (a) As used in this section, "department" refers to the department of local government finance.

2. (b) Beginning in 2026, and each year thereafter, each township trustee shall submit, using the department's computer gateway established under IC 5-14-3.8-3 , the following information in a manner prescribed by the department, in consultation with the department of homeland security:

   1. (1) Whether the township operates a fire department, including a volunteer fire department, and, if so, the name of the fire department operated by the township.
   2. (2) Whether the township participates in a fire territory under IC 36-8-19 , and, if so, the name of the unit that is the provider unit.
   3. (3) Whether the township participates in a fire protection district under IC 36-8-11 , and, if so, the name of the fire department.
   4. (4) Whether the township has an agreement with another unit to provide fire protection in a manner other than described in subdivisions (1) through (3), and the name of each unit that participates in the agreement.
   5. (5) Whether fire protection is provided by a municipality, and, if so, the name of the municipality.
   6. (6) Contact information for each fire department or provider unit described in subdivisions (1) through (5).
   7. (7) The types of emergency services provided by each fire department or provider unit described in subdivisions (1) through (5).
   8. (8) Any information prescribed by the department, in consultation with the department of homeland security necessary for the department of homeland security to comply with subsection (d).
3. (c) The department shall compile the information provided to the department under subsection (b) and provide the information to the department of homeland security.

4. (d) The department of homeland security shall use the information provided by the department under subsection (c) to ascertain the following information:

   1. (1) The entity that provides fire protection for each township.
   2. (2) Where each fire department and provider unit is located.
   3. (3) The service area for each fire department or fire territory.
   4. (4) Whether the fire service provided within the township is provided by a professional or volunteer fire department.
   5. (5) The types of emergency services provided in each township.

   6. (6) Contact information for each fire department and provider unit that provides fire and emergency services in the township, including the following information:

      1. (A) The contact name and address.
      2. (B) The telephone number.
      3. (C) The electronic mail address.
   7. (7) Any other information the department of homeland security deems necessary.
5. (e) The information described in subsection (d) shall be made available on the department of homeland security's website and made available in a machine readable format.

As added by P.L.134-2026, SEC.10.