Indy Standard

State Representative Tony Isa, a Republican from Angola, has introduced legislation aimed at modifying membership requirements for aviation boards in rural Indiana. The proposed changes seek to attract more qualified candidates by easing current political party membership rules.

Presently, aviation boards must maintain a bipartisan structure with equal representation from both major political parties. However, House Bill 1196 proposes that boards and airport authorities in regions with populations of 38,000 or less be exempt from these requirements.

"Among Indiana's 70 public use airports, 41 would be eligible for the provision," Isa stated. "This legislation would give airport commissioners the flexibility to select qualified candidates to sit on aviation boards."

Isa highlighted that smaller communities often struggle to find suitable candidates due to the constraints of political affiliation. The bill is intended to help these areas prioritize expertise over party lines when selecting board members.

The bill has successfully passed through the House with support from both sides of the aisle and will now proceed to the Senate for further evaluation. More details can be found at iga.in.gov.