Indiana Lawmakers Plan December Redistricting Talks to Avoid Special Session Costs

Indiana lawmakers have announced they will reconvene from December 1 to 12 to begin discussions on mid-decade redistricting and tax compliance, aligning this work with the start of the 2026 regular legislative session on November 18 to avoid the costs of a separate special session. Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray and House Speaker Todd Huston emphasized that this schedule shift aims to save taxpayer money and allow for thoughtful legislative action. This move follows Governor Mike Braun's call for a special session, which Republican leaders chose to merge into the regular session for efficiency. The decision has faced criticism from Democratic leaders who argue that mid-decade redistricting is a partisan effort to give Republicans an unfair advantage ahead of upcoming elections, diverting focus from issues like the rising cost of living, healthcare, and housing affordability. The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus and House Democratic leaders have voiced strong opposition, viewing the redistricting effort as a political scheme rather than addressing residents' pressing needs. No other legislative actions are planned for the rest of the year, and further details on the session schedule are expected soon.