FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 27, 2026) — A bill authored by State Sen. Gary Byrne (R-Byrneville) that would improve oversight of library budgets passed out of the Senate today by a vote of 31-13.
Senate Bill 8 would require either a county council, city council or town council to review and approve the budget of an unelected library board that significantly grows their budget from the previous year. Under SB 8, libraries that grow their budget by 50% or more of the maximum rate allowed would be required to have their annual budget reviewed by the elected fiscal body where they are located.
There are 236 public library districts in Indiana, which collectively oversee over $600 million in spending. All except a few library boards in Indiana are appointed, not elected. This bill would provide more oversight by requiring budget decisions to be reviewed by elected officials who are accountable to voters.
"Public libraries serve as a vital resource in our communities, which is why their budgets should be reviewed by elected officials," Byrne said. "Senate Bill 8 would make sure the people's voices are heard in how their tax dollars are spent."
This bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Byrne encourages residents of Senate District 47 to contact him with any questions or comments they may have. Byrne can be reached by filling out a "Contact Me" form online at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Byrne or by phone at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Gary Byrne (R-Byrneville) represents Senate District 47,
which includes Harrison and Washington counties, and most of Floyd County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Contact: Elijah Roberson, Press Secretary
Elijah.Roberson@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
Karlee Monday, Press Secretary Intern
Karlee.Monday@iga.in.gov
