# Ind. Code § 36-8-3.5-3: Establishment; separate systems

> Indiana · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T36_A8_C3.5_S36-8-3.5-3

## Section

- **Citation:** Ind. Code § 36-8-3.5-3
- **Heading:** Establishment; separate systems
- **Jurisdiction:** Indiana
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Indiana Code / Title 36 / Article 8 / Chapter 3.5 / Section 36-8-3.5-3

## Text

Sec. 3. (a) The legislative body of a unit (other than a township) may, by ordinance, establish a merit system under this chapter for the police or fire department of the unit. The legislative body of a township may, by resolution, establish a merit system under this chapter for the township's fire department. Before the merit system takes effect, however, the system must be approved by a majority of the active members of the department in a referendum.

(b) The legislative body shall specify in the adopting ordinance or resolution which of the provisions of this chapter that are left to its discretion are being adopted.

(c) If a merit system is established under this chapter for each department of a unit, each department has a separate merit system.

[Local Government Recodification Citation: New.]

As added by Acts 1981, P.L.316, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.180-2002, SEC.2.

## Nearby sections

- [Ind. Code § 36-8-3.5-0.1 Application of chapter](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T36_A8_C3.5_S36-8-3.5-0.1.md)
- [Ind. Code § 36-8-3.5-0.2 "Commission"](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T36_A8_C3.5_S36-8-3.5-0.2.md)
- [Ind. Code § 36-8-3.5-0.3 "Department"](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T36_A8_C3.5_S36-8-3.5-0.3.md)
- [Ind. Code § 36-8-3.5-0.4 "District"](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T36_A8_C3.5_S36-8-3.5-0.4.md)
- [Ind. Code § 36-8-3.5-0.5 "Governing board"](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T36_A8_C3.5_S36-8-3.5-0.5.md)
- [Ind. Code § 36-8-3.5-0.6 "Territory"](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T36_A8_C3.5_S36-8-3.5-0.6.md)
- [Ind. Code § 36-8-3.5-1 Retention of existing systems; establishment of new system](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T36_A8_C3.5_S36-8-3.5-1.md)
- [Ind. Code § 36-8-3.5-1.1 District; territory; establishment of system](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T36_A8_C3.5_S36-8-3.5-1.1.md)
- [Ind. Code § 36-8-3.5-2 Repealed](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T36_A8_C3.5_S36-8-3.5-2.md)
- [Ind. Code § 36-8-3.5-3 Establishment; separate systems](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T36_A8_C3.5_S36-8-3.5-3.md)
- [Ind. Code § 36-8-3.5-4 Approval or rejection of system by members; notice; voting; subsequent proposals](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T36_A8_C3.5_S36-8-3.5-4.md)
- [Ind. Code § 36-8-3.5-5 Request to establish system; referendum](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T36_A8_C3.5_S36-8-3.5-5.md)
- [Ind. Code § 36-8-3.5-5.5 Establishment of system for eligible departments; resolution to reject system; dissolution](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T36_A8_C3.5_S36-8-3.5-5.5.md)
- [Ind. Code § 36-8-3.5-6 Merit commission; establishment; appointment of members; qualifications; oath](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T36_A8_C3.5_S36-8-3.5-6.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_IN_T36_A8_C3.5_S36-8-3.5-3. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.