Here’s how legislation passed at the Statehouse will impact Marion County

A number of measures passed by Indiana lawmakers during the 2023 session will impact Indianapolis and Marion County.

One bill that makes a fix to the road funding formula allows three townships to be counted in the overall population, adding about $8 million to funding. That measure gained bipartisan support. 

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett supported the bill.  “This common-sense fix in the state road funding formula will provide millions of dollars in improved neighborhood infrastructure for Marion County residents,” he said in a statement.

Another move that also involves Indianapolis streets came in a last-minute amendment to a vehicle bill.  The amendment prohibits Indianapolis from enacting a ban on right turns on red in the downtown core. City-county councilors passed the proposal last month, which was set to get final approval and aims to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety.

Council Vice President Zach Adamson said he’s been struck by a car before. He said the proposal is a local solution supported by residents.

“The legislature making decisions for a local community at its core is rotten,” Adamson said.

The city’s proposal would be void if the law is signed. It’s unclear what could happen to any other Marion County intersections that already ban turns on red.

A new budget also Includes a new economic enhancement district opportunity for Indianapolis. The city-county council may set up the new district that could create a tax to pay for projects, including a $20 million low-barrier homeless shelter.