Indiana § 13-21-4-4 - Responsibility for legal obligations
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 13-21-4-4 — Responsibility for legal obligations, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 13-21-4-4. Responsibility for legal obligations
Sec. 4. (a) Except as provided in subsection (c), if a county withdraws from or is removed from a joint district that consists of more than two (2) counties, the county is responsible for its share of the legal obligations:
(1) entered into by the joint district before the September 20 that last precedes the date the identical resolutions adopted under section 2 of this chapter for the county's withdrawal or removal from the joint district take effect; and
(2) payable before the second January 1 that succeeds the September 20 referred to in subdivision (1).
(b) The legal obligations referred to in subsection (a) include the following:
(1) Contracts entered into by the joint district.
(2) Repayment of loan agreements entered into by the joint district.
(3) Payment of bonds issued by the joint district.
(4) Any other legal obligation entered into by the joint district.
(c) If a joint district consists of more than two (2) counties, the county executive of the county that withdraws or is removed from the joint district and the board of the joint district shall enter into a written agreement that specifies the legal obligations of the county and the joint district after the date the identical resolutions adopted under section 2 of this chapter for the withdrawal or removal of the county take effect. A copy of the agreement shall be submitted to the commissioner.
(d) If a joint district consists of only two (2) counties:
(1) each county is responsible for its share of the legal obligations entered into by the joint district before the date the joint district is dissolved; and
(2) the county executive of each county shall enter into a written agreement concerning the division of the joint district's assets.
A copy of the agreement shall be submitted to the commissioner.
[Pre-1996 Recodification Citation: 13-9.5-2.3-4.]
As added by P.L.1-1996, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.74-2002, SEC.6; P.L.59-2023, SEC.19.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 13-21-4-4
What does Indiana Code § 13-21-4-4 cover?
Section 13-21-4-4 ("Responsibility for legal obligations") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 13-21-4-4?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 13-21-4-4" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 13-21-4-4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.