Sec. 5. (a) A tax area must be initially established not later than July 1, 2024, according to the procedures set forth for the establishment of an economic development area under IC 36-7-15.1. A tax area may be changed or the terms governing the tax area revised in the same manner as the establishment of the initial tax area.

     (b) In establishing or changing the terms of the tax area or revising the terms governing the tax area, the commission must make the following findings instead of the findings required for the establishment of economic development areas:

(1) That a project to be undertaken or that has been undertaken in the tax area is for a facility.

(2) That the project to be undertaken or that has been undertaken in the tax area will benefit the public health and welfare and will be of public utility and benefit.

(3) That the project to be undertaken or that has been undertaken in the tax area will protect or increase state and local tax bases and tax revenues.

     (c) The tax area established by the commission under this chapter is a special taxing district authorized by the general assembly to enable the county to provide special benefits to taxpayers in the tax area by promoting economic development that is of public use and benefit.

As added by P.L.109-2019, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.11-2021, SEC.1.