Bill > HB1230

This bill modifies the requirements for school board election candidate petitions by mandating that candidates must explicitly state either their political party affiliation, declare themselves as an independent candidate, or choose to be listed as nonpartisan on their nomination petition. For candidates claiming affiliation with a major political party, they must have voted in the two most recent primary elections of that party, or obtain written certification from the county party chairman. The bill also introduces a mechanism to challenge a candidate's party affiliation claim, allowing challenges if the candidate did not vote in recent primaries and lacks party chairman certification. Additionally, the bill specifies that unless successfully challenged, a candidate's stated party affiliation will be indicated on the ballot. Starting July 1, 2025, the bill also prohibits straight party voting from counting towards school board candidates, meaning voters must explicitly select school board candidates rather than automatically voting along party lines. The bill includes an emergency declaration, indicating its immediate implementation upon passage, and aims to provide more transparency and specificity in school board election candidate declarations.

Government Affairs

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1230/details