Indiana set to convene special redistricting session
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The clock starts today on Indiana's special legislative session to draw a new congressional map with all nine seats in favor of the GOP ahead of next year's midterm elections.
Why it matters: State law says that lawmakers have 40 calendar days — or 30 session days, whichever comes first — to conduct a special session once it's been called for by the governor.
The big picture: Gov. Mike Braun called the session to begin Nov. 3, which means lawmakers have until Dec. 13 to fulfill President Trump's request to redraw Indiana's congressional map in a way that flips northwest Indiana's 1st District and Indianapolis' 7th District from blue to red.
- Braun has also tasked lawmakers with passing a separate bill concerning taxes, aligning state code with federal changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Flashback: Indiana's last special session was in July 2022, to write and enact Indiana's near-total abortion ban.
- While Gov. Eric Holcomb called the General Assembly into special session July 6, lawmakers didn't convene until July 25.
- That session lasted about two weeks and lawmakers passed two pieces of legislation — the abortion ban and a tax bill.
How it works: The legislative process during a special session is essentially the same as a regular session — bills still go through the committee process before heading to the chamber floor for amendments and a final vote by each chamber.
- Each of those steps will take at least one day, according to the General Assembly's rules.
- Lawmakers could suspend the rules to move legislation through the process more quickly, but they aren't expected to do that. The session will likely last around 7-10 session days to vote on the redistricting bill and tax changes.
Reality check: Lawmakers are not obligated to take any action once in session, and they are allowed to consider legislation outside the scope of what Braun requested.
What's next: Legislative leaders say they're talking to members — part-time legislators, many who have other jobs — about their calendars and working on a schedule.
- "As always, our goal is to accomplish our work in a way that is most efficient and cost effective for Hoosier taxpayers," House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, said in a statement released last week.
- The 2022 session cost about $240,000.
Between the lines: Lawmakers are already due back at the Statehouse Nov. 18 for Organization Day, a one-day meeting that marks the ceremonial start of the next regular legislative session.
- The delay also gives Braun and redistricting supporters more time to pick up votes in the Senate, where leadership says they still don't have enough support to pass a redistricting bill.
- Huston's office says his caucus has the votes.
What they're saying: Braun, who called the session after months of discussion, speculation and pressure from the White House, seems confident they'll have the votes when the bill hits the Senate floor.
- "The momentum and support across the General Assembly have become clear and I'm confident their thoughtful and responsible approach will lead to a successful outcome," Braun said on X.