State Rep. Looking to Improve Reporting Requirements

Many committees will begin meeting this month.

State Representative Douglas Gutwein (R-16) is asking local officials to provide information on state reporting requirements that need to be streamlined, revised or eliminated. Gutwein, who is chair of the House Select Committee on Government Reduction, says the effort aims to improve government efficiency.

Gutwein’s office has set up an online survey for local officials to submit that information and provide recommendations on certain reporting requirements. The survey was created in collaboration with Accelerate Indiana’s Municipalities and the Association of Indiana Counties.

"As chairman, I’m committed to finding new ways to improve government services and reduce the regulatory burden imposed on local governments," Gutwein said in a news release. "Local officials are in the ideal position to give feedback to lawmakers on state reporting and procedural requirements. While many of these processes improve accountability and transparency at the local level, other requirements could be in desperate need of revision or outright repeal."

David Bottorff, executive director of the Association of Indiana Counties, says reviewing statutes and regulations on state reporting "continues the discussion on how local government can be more efficient." Gutwein’s office says the effort will also have a benefit for Hoosier citizens and businesses.

The survey will collect information from local officials until October 31. Gutwein says the data collected from the survey will be used to draft legislation for the 2018 Indiana General Assembly.