Indiana § 36-1-3-8 - Powers specifically withheld

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 36-1-3-8 — Powers specifically withheld, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 36-1-3-8. Powers specifically withheld

Sec. 8. (a) Subject to subsection (b), a unit does not have the following:

(1) The power to condition or limit its civil liability, except as expressly granted by statute.

(2) The power to prescribe the law governing civil actions between private persons.

(3) The power to impose duties on another political subdivision, except as expressly granted by statute.

(4) The power to impose a tax, except as expressly granted by statute.

(5) The power to impose a license fee greater than that reasonably related to the administrative cost of exercising a regulatory power.

(6) The power to impose a service charge or user fee greater than that reasonably related to reasonable and just rates and charges for services.

(7) The power to regulate conduct that is regulated by a state agency, except as expressly granted by statute.

(8) The power to prescribe a penalty for conduct constituting a crime or infraction under statute.

(9) The power to prescribe a penalty of imprisonment for an ordinance violation.

(10) The power to prescribe a penalty of a fine as follows:

(A) More than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for the violation of an ordinance or a regulation concerning air emissions adopted by a county that has received approval to establish an air permit program under IC 13-17-12-6.

(B) For a violation of any other ordinance:

(i) more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for a first violation of the ordinance; and

(ii) except as provided in subsection (c), more than seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) for a second or subsequent violation of the ordinance.

(11) The power to invest money, except as expressly granted by statute.

(12) The power to adopt an ordinance, a resolution, or an order concerning an election described by IC 3-5-1-2, or otherwise conduct an election, except as expressly granted by statute. An ordinance, a resolution, or an order concerning an election described by IC 3-5-1-2 that was adopted before January 1, 2023, is void unless a statute expressly granted the unit the power to adopt the ordinance, resolution, or order.

(13) The power to adopt or enforce an ordinance described in section 8.5 of this chapter.

(14) The power to take any action prohibited by section 8.6 of this chapter.

(15) The power to dissolve a political subdivision, except:

(A) as expressly granted by statute; or

(B) if IC 36-1-8-17.7 applies to the political subdivision, in accordance with the procedure set forth in IC 36-1-8-17.7.

(16) After June 30, 2019, the power to enact an ordinance requiring a solid waste hauler or a person who operates a vehicle in which recyclable material is transported for recycling to collect fees authorized by IC 13-21 and remit the fees to:

(A) a unit; or

(B) the board of a solid waste management district established under IC 13-21.

(b) A township does not have the following, except as expressly granted by statute:

(1) The power to require a license or impose a license fee.

(2) The power to impose a service charge or user fee.

(3) The power to prescribe a penalty.

(c) Subsection (a)(10)(B)(ii) does not apply to the violation of an ordinance that regulates traffic or parking.

[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 17-2-2.5-3 part; 17-2-2.5-4 part; 18-1-1.5-1 part; 18-1-1.5-4; 18-1-1.5-13 part; 18-1-1.5-19 part; 18-1-1.5-20 part; 18-3-1-47 part; 18-3-1-49 part; 18-4-2-2 part; 18-4-2-3; 18-4-2-35(b); 18-4-2-35(c); 19-10-3-1.]

As added by Acts 1980, P.L.211, SEC.1. Amended by Acts 1981, P.L.17, SEC.3; P.L.123-1987, SEC.2; P.L.3-1987, SEC.540; P.L.3-1990, SEC.122; P.L.251-1993, SEC.4; P.L.164-1995, SEC.14; P.L.1-1996, SEC.84; P.L.200-2005, SEC.4; P.L.13-2013, SEC.148; P.L.150-2016, SEC.1; P.L.189-2016, SEC.5; P.L.19-2019, SEC.3; P.L.4-2023, SEC.1.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 36-1-3-8

What does Indiana Code § 36-1-3-8 cover?

Section 36-1-3-8 ("Powers specifically withheld") 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 § 36-1-3-8?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 36-1-3-8" (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 § 36-1-3-8 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.