WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1329

Real property assessment.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ed Clere and 4 co-sponsors

HB 1329 creates a 21-member task force to study Indiana real property assessment, modernize methods (including AVMs), equity across classes, and potential consolidations, with a re

First reading: referred to Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy
#boards #commissions #andcouncils;newlycreated #buildingsandbuildingregulations #generalassembly;members #property;realestate #taxes;assessments #notices #andpenalties
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1329

Summary of HB 1329 (Indiana, 2026) – Real Property Assessment

Primary purpose

HB 1329 establishes a Real Property Assessment Task Force to review and make recommendations on Indiana’s real property assessment system. The task force is charged with examining current practices, potential modernization (including automated valuation models), and structural questions about whether certain offices or roles should be reorganized or eliminated. The goal is to provide a comprehensive report to the General Assembly by November 1, 2026.

Key provisions and changes

  • New entity created: Real Property Assessment Task Force (task force), established under a new Chapter IC 2-5-50.1.
  • Membership (21 total):
    • Legislative members: a total of 8 members appointed by party leadership (2 by the speaker, 2 by the House minority leader, 2 by the president pro tempore, 2 by the Senate minority leader).
    • Lay members: 13 appointees representing specific organizations and expertise, including:
    • Indiana Association of Realtors
    • Indiana Farm Bureau
    • Association of Indiana Counties
    • Indiana County Assessors Association
    • Indiana Auditors Association
    • Accelerate Indiana Municipalities
    • Hoosier State Chapter of the Appraisal Institute
    • Indiana Builders Association
    • Indiana Bankers Association
    • Indiana Manufacturers Association
    • Indiana Apartment Association
    • Indiana Manufactured Housing Association
    • An Indiana resident with academic expertise (accredited Indiana higher education institution) in:
      • Application of Indiana real and personal property assessment provisions
      • Indiana local government finance
  • Co-Chairs: The Speaker designates a co-chair from the legislative members (subsection a)(1) or (2); the President Pro Tempore designates a co-chair from the legislative members (subsection a)(3) or (4).
  • Quorum and operations: A majority of members constitutes a quorum; majority vote required for official action. Meetings open to the public; records subject to public records laws. Schedules by co-chairs.
  • Scope of work (Sec. 6): The task force must:
    1. Review how other states handle real property assessment, including the use of automated valuation models (AVMs).
    2. Study how AVMs could be incorporated into Indiana’s system.
    3. Assess whether existing assessment methods create inaccuracies or nonuniform results within or across property classes.
    4. Evaluate the effectiveness of ratio studies in measuring accuracy and equity.
    5. Explore implications if Indiana moved from a market value in use standard to a fair market value standard.
    6. Consider whether township assessors should be eliminated.
    7. Consider whether the office of county assessor should be eliminated and its functions transferred to the county auditor.
  • Reporting deadline: Not later than November 1, 2026, the task force must deliver its findings and recommendations electronically to the Legislative Services Agency for distribution to the General Assembly.
  • Staffing and funding: The Legislative Services Agency (LSA) will staff the task force. Expenses (per diem, mileage, travel) are paid from appropriations to the Legislative Council, with typical interim study committee budgets noted (historically around $17,500 per 16+ member committee). The act has an emergency clause.
  • Expiration: The chapter expires January 1, 2027 (the task force dissolves unless extended or renewed otherwise).

Who would be affected

  • State lawmakers and legislative staff (via the Legislative Council and LSA) would directly manage and support the task force.
  • Various stakeholder groups and industry associations listed ( Realtors, Farm Bureau, Assessors, Auditors, Appraisal Institute, Builders, Banks, Manufacturers, Housing associations, Municipalities, and a university-affiliated expert) would have representation on the task force, influencing discussions on real property assessment policies.
  • Indiana residents could be indirectly affected through potential changes in assessment methods, standards (market value in use vs. fair market value), and governance structures for local assessment offices.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Upon passage.
  • Task force formation and appointments occur shortly after enactment, with the report due by November 1, 2026.
  • The bill includes an emergency declaration, expediting its effective date and implementation.
  • Expires: January 1, 2027, unless extended or renewed.

Fiscal note (highlights)

  • The bill anticipates 21 members (8 legislators, 13 lay members) and staffing by the LSA.
  • Interim study budgets historically around $17,500 for committees of this size; expenses paid from Legislative Council appropriations.
  • Overall impact: Administrative cost to the General Assembly’s budget; no new taxes or direct state revenue changes are specified.

Bottom line

HB 1329 creates a broad, multi-stakeholder task force to evaluate Indiana’s real property assessment framework, with particular attention to modernization (AVMs), equity and accuracy across property classes, potential changes to assessment standards, and the possible consolidation or elimination of certain local assessment offices. A comprehensive report is due by November 1, 2026, guiding future legislative decisions on property assessment policy and governance.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.