The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1058, authored by Rep. Washburne and Rep. McNamara, adding a Vanderburgh circuit court magistrate. Lilia Judson, Executive Director of State Court Administration provided background testimony on judicial weighted caseload measures. Judge Felts, Allen Circuit Court, and Judge Pera, Lake Superior Court, testified on behalf of the Indiana Judges Association as to the duties and responsibilities of magistrates in the judicial system. Testimony in support of the bill was heard by Judge Kiely, Vanderburgh Circuit Court, indicating both of the judicial officers of this court are currently operating at almost double capacity. The bill passed 11-0.
Read the bill at http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2015/bills/house/1058.