Indy Standard

The Indiana General Assembly has unanimously passed a piece of legislation brought forward by State Representative Ethan Lawson, a Republican from Greenfield. The bill aims to standardize the procedures for appointing and removing public officials. Now, the bill is poised to reach the governor's desk, awaiting a potential signature to enact it into law.

This legislative move comes amid data suggesting that a significant portion of Americans, more than 84 percent, believe political trust can improve with better procedures. According to Lawson, the bill, House Enrolled Act 1197, is designed to ensure that those appointed or elected to public office are not only qualified but held accountable to those they serve.

Lawson stated, “The goal of this legislation is to improve accountability and transparency in government. Our district has so many dedicated elected officials working hard to fulfill the responsibilities they were elected to carry out. Hoosiers deserve candidates for office and elected officials who are able and accountable to perform the duties of their elected offices."

The bill outlines a removal procedure specific to county commissioners in instances where there is a violation of official duty, inability, or failure to perform required tasks, including attending mandated meetings. It allows commissioners and county council members to initiate resolutions to expel an officeholder on the grounds of misconduct, subject to a subsequent judicial review. This approach mirrors the existing protocols for other local offices.

Moreover, the legislation stipulates that candidates selected for temporary office appointments must meet the same qualifications as those elected to the position.

Representative Lawson is encouraging members of the public to express their views on this legislative measure, as well as others under consideration, by visiting the website in.gov/h53.