Sec. 15. (a) Not more than thirty (30) days after the expiration of the one hundred twenty (120) day period for filing a petition, plans that have been published in accordance with section 14 of this chapter, whether the plans were initiated by the governing body or in connection with a petition, shall be submitted to the state board.

     (b) The state board shall:

(1) review a plan;

(2) revise a plan, if possible, to:

(A) cure ambiguities; and

(B) ensure that the plan complies with the limitations set out in section 8 of this chapter;

(3) if a plan provides for electoral districts, verify that the districts are, as near as practicable, equal in population according to the decennial census immediately preceding the first petition or resolution initiating the plan; and

(4) certify a plan, with revisions, to the governing body and to the clerk.

The state board may combine plans if the state board determines that the plans are substantially similar. In making its determinations, the commission may, but is not obligated to, hold hearings and shall make an investigation as it considers necessary. If the state board holds a hearing, the state board may hear the evidence through hearing examiners, who do not have to be members of the state board. The state board shall send a certified record of its determinations to the governing body, the clerk, and the county election board.

     (c) Not more than sixty (60) days after receiving a plan submitted by a governing body under section 14 of this chapter, the state board shall publish notice of the plan in accordance with section 14 of this chapter, unless the state board determines that the plan or the petition does not meet the requirements of this chapter.

[Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-4-10.1-9.]

As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.7.