STATEHOUSE (Feb. 2, 2010) - Lawmakers voted 28-22 today to approve legislation aimed at streamlining local government and reducing election costs throughout Indiana.

Senate Bill 241, authored by Sen. Connie Lawson (R-Danville), would allow county commissioners to determine whether a form of government headed by a single county executive/county council with legislative and fiscal body responsibilities should be implemented in that county. This option would be accomplished by adopting an ordinance taken by unanimous vote.

“This provision provides counties the ability to seek public input on what type of government fits the needs of their communities,” Lawson said. “This bill provides options and removes obstacles as local officials make efforts to implement efficiencies and economize for taxpayers.”

In an effort to reduce election costs, Lawson’s reform bill would also allow counties the option to establish consolidated vote centers in all 92 counties. New technologies would allow voting to take place on a county-wide basis, rather than requiring a voter to vote in a certain precinct.

According to a report by the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute, counties which choose to establish vote centers could realize significant cost savings immediately and long term. The study states that vote centers allow election officials to staff fewer polling places and reduce the number of voting machines necessary to conduct an election.

Vote centers - tested during the 2008 election in three Indiana counties - showed high rates of success, in part, because of their convenience and accessibility. Voter turnout in Cass County - the location of a vote center pilot program - was nearly 11 percent higher than the state average during the 2008 general election.

In addition, Lawson hopes to increase voter participation through SB 241 by moving all school board elections from partisan spring primaries to the fall general elections.

A final important provision of SB 241 is its language denouncing nepotism practices and conflicts of interest within local government entities. These provisions will help local units maintain integrity and honesty in their service to the public.

SB 241 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Sen. Lawson represents Senate District 24, which includes portions of Hendricks and Putnam counties.