(Statehouse) – Governor Mike Braun on Monday signed a proclamation calling a special legislative session for the General Assembly to convene on Monday, November 3 to consider altering the boundaries of Indiana’s congressional districts and to consider resolving an issue when it comes to federal and state tax compliance.
“I am calling a special legislative session to protect Hoosiers from efforts in other states that seek to diminish their voice in Washington and ensure their representation in Congress is fair. I am also asking the legislature to conform Indiana’s tax code with new federal tax provisions to ensure stability and certainty for taxpayers and tax preparers for 2026 filings,” said Governor Braun.
Indiana uses federal tax law as the starting point for the state tax return, and the recent changes to federal tax law in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act include provisions that impact Indiana state tax filings.
The Governor’s Office says addressing this discrepancy through a special session will provide taxpayers, accountants, and businesses the confidence and clarity prior to filing season, avoid amended returns and filing delays, and continue the Indiana Department of Revenue’s strong record of fiscal management.
One Southeastern Indiana lawmaker has expressed support for the special session.
State Senator Randy Maxwell (R-Guilford) says after careful consideration and hearing from constituents, he believes the time is right to redraw Indiana’s congressional districts.
Maxwell represents Senate District 43, which is made up of Dearborn, Jefferson, Ohio, Scott and Switzerland counties, and portions of Jennings County.
Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington) issued a statement following the Governor’s call for a special session on redistricting.
“This is not democracy. This is desperation. Polling after polling. Event after event. Conversation after conversation. Hoosiers of all parties have made it clear they do not want this. The people said no — loudly, clearly and repeatedly. It has taken months of backroom deals, arm twisting and out of state threats against Hoosiers just to get this far. And even then, they had to fold to national bullies to do it. That is not leadership. That is cowardice.”
Yoder called Braun’s move, “a political stunt at the expense of every working Hoosier.” She added, “At a time when families are struggling with housing costs, child care shortages, rising health care premiums, utility bills and the crushing cost of living, every taxpayer cent wasted on this illegitimate session is an insult. It is infuriating. It is disgusting. And it shows exactly how little they care about the people they were elected to serve and how far they will go to grab even more unchecked power.”
