The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 292 concerning St. Joseph County courts authored and presented by Sen. Zakas. The bill adds additional magistrates for the circuit court and superior court. The Committee adopted an amendment by consent to section 1 of the bill to provide that political affiliation could not be considered in appointing the magistrates. Judge Jenny Pitts Manier, St. Joseph Superior Court, testified in support of the bill, which the Committee passed as amended 8-0.
Read the bill at http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2015/bills/senate/292.