STATEHOUSE – Legislation authored by State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) that reforms dozens of state boards and commissions was recently passed by the Indiana House of Representatives.
House Bill 1003 would sunset or restructure dozens of redundant or inactive boards and commissions, aiming to streamline government and improve efficiency across multiple policy areas. HB 1003 is part of the House Republican caucus’s 2026 legislative priorities to reduce government bureaucracy.
Bartels said that the bill has evolved from its inception, with careful consideration as it moved through the committee process and through hearing stakeholder testimony.
“Almost all of the boards and commissions in Indiana were reviewed thoroughly throughout this process, and stakeholders had the opportunity to submit reports to the Government Reform Task Force,” Bartels said. “Without that input, this legislation does not happen. The goal is not taking away services or functions of the government but streamlining them to improve efficiency. I believe, if this legislation becomes law, that those who interact with any of the affected state boards and commissions will notice a greatly improved experience.”
HB 1003 would also consolidate various culturally focused commissions under one Indiana Cultural Commission (ICC), centralizing resources for communities across Indiana. Bartels said that the change in makeup of cultural commissions preserves critical representation for communities across the state.
HB 1003 now moves to the Senate for consideration. To read more about this bill and follow the session, visit iga.in.gov.
State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74, which includes all of Crawford, Perry, and Spencer counties, and portions of Dubois and Orange counties.
