INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO) The Indiana Senate has approved a bill that would require libraries to seek additional approval if their budgets increase beyond a set threshold. Senate Bill 8, authored by Senators Gary Byrne, Chris Garten, and Ryan Mishler, would require libraries projecting more than a three percent increase in their budgets to obtain approval from a county, city, or town fiscal body.

Supporters of the bill say it is designed to increase financial oversight. However, library officials argue the measure adds unnecessary steps, noting that libraries already must seek county approval for budget overages, bonds, or taking on debt under existing law.

Some county leaders have also raised questions about the proposal, pointing to current processes that already provide fiscal review and oversight. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process as debate continues over whether the additional approval requirement is needed.