HB 1427 / Chamber Neutral
House Bill 1427, authored by Rep. Craig Snow (R-Warsaw), advanced out of the Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee last week on an 8-5 vote following the adoption of a 117-page committee amendment. Senator Ryan Mishler (R-Mishawaka), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, voted “no.” During the hearing, Mishler criticized the addition of language to establish new “professional sports and convention development areas,” saying it bypassed the budget process. “I feel like they just circumvented the system and went around and just threw it in a bill,” he said, asking which lawmaker requested the provision.
The language is tailored to apply only in counties where four cities each have populations over 40,000. At present, only Hamilton County meets that criteria. Mishler’s remarks appear to reference ongoing efforts in Hamilton County, where cities like Noblesville and Westfield are advocating for expanded funding tools to support athletic and event facilities.
House Bill 1427 also includes provisions directly impacting the business community. Beginning in 2026, the bill would impose a $5 filing fee for each personal property tax return submitted via the state’s online portal. While the fee is waived for filers claiming only the small business exemption, it would apply to businesses with larger or more complex filings. The Chamber has raised concerns about the cumulative impact of this new fee, particularly for capital-intensive businesses filing in multiple jurisdictions.
On the other hand, the bill includes a measure strongly supported by the Chamber: a new property tax exemption for employers that provide on-site, licensed childcare. The facility must be located on the employer’s property, meet state licensing standards and serve employees’ children to qualify. The exemption also applies to facilities operated under agreements with other businesses to serve their combined workforce. This provision supports workforce participation and aligns with employer-led solutions to expand early childhood education access.
Additional sections of the bill update contract transparency requirements, adjust procedures for land value appeals and expand local food and beverage tax options.
