LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 7598 NOTE PREPARED: Jan 8, 2025
BILL NUMBER: HB 1287 BILL AMENDED:
SUBJECT: Display of Political Signs on Certain Properties.
FIRST AUTHOR: Rep. Cash BILL STATUS: As Introduced
FIRST SPONSOR:
FUNDS AFFECTED:XGENERAL IMPACT: State & Local
XDEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: This bill amends as follows the statute governing the display of political signs on
property subject to restrictive covenants or homeowners association rules:
(1) Expands the scope of the statute to include additional communities.
(2) Replaces the term "homeowners association" with the term "community association" and makes
similar conforming changes to the statute's terminology.
(3) Extends the beginning of the period within which a community association may not prohibit a
community member from displaying a political sign on the community member's property from 30
days to 60 days before the date of the election to which the sign relates.
(4) Removes the provision that authorizes a community association to adopt and enforce rules
restricting the number of political signs that may be displayed on a community member's property.
(5) Prohibits a community association from restricting the number of political signs that a
community member may display on the community member's property, subject to specified
exceptions.
(6) Removes an exemption for gated communities from the statute's prohibition against community
association rules or covenants that prohibit candidates or elected officials (or their spouses or
volunteers) from entering onto community association property to conduct political activity.
(7) Provides that a member of a homeowners association who is aggrieved by an alleged violation
of the statute by a homeowners association may assert a claim against the homeowners association
or its board under the grievance resolution procedures set forth in the statute governing homeowners
associations.
(8) Provides that: (A) a community member; or (B) a candidate or an elected official; who is
aggrieved by an alleged violation of the statute may seek any remedy available to the person under
applicable law, including an action for damages or injunctive relief in a court with jurisdiction.
Effective Date: July 1, 2025.
Explanation of State Expenditures:
HB 1287 1 Explanation of State Revenues: If additional civil cases occur due to a community member, candidate, or
elected office who believe they are aggrieved by an alleged violation of the statute and court fees are
collected, revenue to the state General Fund will increase. The total revenue per case would range between
$100 and $122. The amount deposited will vary depending on whether the case is filed in a court of record
or a municipal court. The following linked document describes the fees and distribution of the revenue: Court
fees imposed in civil, probate, and small claims cases.
Explanation of Local Expenditures:
Explanation of Local Revenues: If additional cases occur due to a community member, candidate, or
elected office who believe they are aggrieved by an alleged violation of the statute, revenue will be collected
by certain local units. If the case is filed in a court of record, the county will receive $32 and qualifying
municipalities will receive a share of $3. If the case is filed in a municipal court, the county receives $20,
and the municipality will receive $37. The following linked document describes the fees and distribution of
the revenue: Court fees imposed in civil, probate, and small claims cases.
State Agencies Affected:
Local Agencies Affected: Trial courts, city and town courts.
Information Sources: Indiana Supreme Court, Indiana Trial Court Fee Manual
Fiscal Analyst: James Johnson, 317-232-9869.
HB 1287 2