INDIANAPOLIS -- A bill has been introduced that would eliminate all fire protection districts and territories across Indiana except for Marion County. Under the current language of House Bill 1233, which was authored by Rep. Karen Engleman (R-District 70), the county executive would assume the duties of township trustees in providing fire protection and emergency services. Counties would be tasked with adopting a fire plan, with the county emergency management director functioning as the county fire chief. Additionally, all township governments would be dissolved except for Marion County. The bill also stipulates that incorporated towns with less than 1,000 inhabitants would be required to report their services and operating costs no later than Nov. 1, 2025, and every four years on Nov. 1. These incorporated towns would then be dissolved by the county legislative body if the town's operating costs were found to surpass the costs associated with delivering services to residents. The bill received its first reading on Jan. 9 in the House Committee on Local Government. Rep. Engleman is a member of the committee. The Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association shared its opposition to the proposed bill in a statement sent to FOX59/CBS4 Monday night. "House Bill 1233 eliminates township governments, dissolves fire territories and districts, and centralizes control under county leadership, risking slower response times and reduced local input. Contact your state representatives immediately to voice strong opposition to this bill and protect the safety and independence of our communities," IVFA said. If the bill is signed, it will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2027. The entire bill can be viewed here.