The Gist
State Representative, 52nd District
Photo of Ben Smaltz
Ben SmaltzOfficial portrait — Indiana General Assembly

Ben Smaltz

Candidate for State Representative, 52nd District

RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Occupation
President and owner of Taylor Rental
Lives in
Auburn
Campaign website
electsmaltz.com

State representative for House District 52 (DeKalb County and parts of Noble and Steuben counties) since 2012 and chair of the House Rules and Legislative Procedures Committee; president of his family's business, Taylor Rental Company. Previously served 10 years on the DeKalb County Council, seven as its president.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — Indiana General Assembly

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Authored ending tax exemptions for unused nonprofit hospital property.In office

    As introduced, it applies to property owned by a nonprofit hospital (other than a critical access or county hospital) that is not being used for revenue-producing health care services. Smaltz is the first-listed author of House Bill 1384 (2026); described here as introduced. The bill was not enacted.

    House Bill 1384 (2026 session), "Nonprofit hospital property taxes": introduced version

    Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov

    “is not exempt from property taxation if, after 10 years from the date of purchase of the property by the nonprofit hospital”
    House Bill 1384 (2026 session): bill details and actions

    Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov

    Report

Public safety

Education

Government & transparency

  • Authored a bill redrawing Indiana's congressional districts mid-decade.In office

    As introduced, it would also establish new Indiana congressional districts, with the current districts expiring on the date of the 2026 general election. Smaltz is the first-listed author of House Bill 1032 (2026); described here as introduced. The bill was not enacted.

    House Bill 1032 (2026 session), "Redistricting": introduced version

    Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov

    “Allows the general assembly to amend congressional districts at a time other than the first regular session”
    House Bill 1032 (2026 session): bill details and actions

    Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov

    Report

  • Authored moving city and town elections to even-numbered years.In office

    The version that passed instead had the secretary of state study local election scheduling and vote centers. Smaltz is the first-listed author of House Bill 1633 (2025); described here as introduced. Enacted (as amended) as Public Law 108-2025.

    House Bill 1633 (2025 session), "Municipal elections": introduced version

    Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov

    “Moves elections of city and town officers to even-numbered years.”
    House Bill 1633 (2025 session): bill details and actions

    Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov

    Report

Other issues in this race

Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Ben Smaltz on them.

  • Economy & jobsNo documented position found.
  • Environment & parksNo documented position found.
  • Health & human servicesNo documented position found.

All sources (16)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.