Requires the department of local government finance (department) not later than December 31, 2026, to compile data on each township (excluding townships in Marion County) and assign points based upon the township government's performance. Requires a township government that is assigned at least four points (designated township) to merge. Requires a merger to satisfy the following requirements: (1) A designated township must merge with at least one township that has less than four points (recipient township). (2) The merger must satisfy contiguity requirements under the township merger law. Requires the county executive to designate which townships will merge: (1) taking into consideration the wishes of the designated townships and recipient townships; and (2) the contiguity requirements under the township merger law. Provides that all mergers in a county are effective not later than January 1, 2028. Establishes provisions for an interim township government for the new merged township government until a new township trustee and township legislative body are elected during the 2030 general election. Provides that a township merger does not affect the office of township assessor of a township participating in the merger. Repeals a law that allows township governments to dissolve a merger.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Senate Bill (S): 36-6-1.5-5, 36-6-1.5-6, 36-6-5-1, 36-6-6-2.1, 36-6-6-3, 36-6-6-4