Access to information isn't a privilege. It's a right.
Since its founding, the Indiana Legislature has required that government be transparent and allow citizens' participation by ensuring that they are informed about the actions of their government by posting a notice in the newspaper. As the number of government units increased, so did the number of notices, and citizens became more aware of and more involved in their government. After years of heavy lobbying by government interests, the Indiana Legislature amended HEA1210 at the last minute to allow government units to decide where to post notice of their activities, starting in 2027. If it goes into effect, it will be harder for citizens to stay informed and involved. Instead of one location, information about your government's activities will be spread across several locations and websites. Why does the government want to make it harder for citizens to be involved?
The Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 14 at 6:30 PM to consider a petition for rezoning 140 acres along County Road 300 North from Agricultural to Industrial use.
The proposed use includes a 220,000 sq. ft. data center campus with associated water withdrawal and backup generation. Estimated tax abatement requested: 12 years.
Residents may appear and be heard. Written comments accepted until 5:00 PM the day of the hearing.
Notices printed in a newspaper or on a newspaper's website are always in the same place. They can't be moved, taken down, or hidden. Right now, you can find notices about projects backed by bonds, local alcohol permits, public meetings regarding projects, and anything else of public interest, all in the same place, even if you aren't looking for it. HEA1210 eliminates that one-stop convenience and requires engaged citizens to know where and when to look to search for government activities. After July 1, 2027, the most likely location for these notices will be local government unit websites. That isn't transparency; it is allowing government to hide its activities from all but the most engaged public. What does the government want to hide from the public?
Real notice pages, live right now. Hover to pause and read.
After heavy last-minute lobbying from local government interest groups, language is quietly added to HEA 1210 shifting where public notices must be published.
Public notices are moved from independent newspapers to websites controlled by the very governments the notices are about.
The change takes effect. Unless legislators hear otherwise, your county's notices move behind a login only the government holds the key to.
Same government office writing the notice. Same government office hosting the notice. Same government office deciding when, or if, you get to see it.
Residents who attended the Franklin Township rezoning meetings and stayed informed through public notices had the opportunity to voice their opinions before Google's data center proposal was ultimately withdrawn.
Source: MirrorIndyStaying informed made a difference. Public notices, community meetings, and citizen feedback helped ensure concerns about the proposed Eagle Creek Park discharge location were heard before Lebanon Utilities announced an alternative site.
Source: The Lebanon ReporterDespite months of public outcry, the Shelbyville Common Council approved a 582-acre annexation and rezoning for a proposed Prologis data center campus on a 4-2-1 vote. One council member abstained because he works for the same law firm representing the petitioners. The hearings and public notices helped residents know to show up and shout "sellout" before the vote was cast.
Source: Shelby NewsAfter local and state boards rejected an alcohol permit for a beachfront restaurant at Indiana Dunes State Park, the state legislature changed the law to let park officials approve it anyway clearing the way for a politically connected developer who'd already secured favorable lease terms. Opponents only found out because the fight played out in public hearings, not a government inbox.
Source: Chicago Sun-TimesThis isn't about politics. It's about your right to know. Your legislator can protect that freedom.
Tell them to.