The Senate Judiciary Committee heard Sen. Grooms’ SB 42 concerning the pro bono legal services fee. Sen. Grooms explained that the bill extends the $1.00 fee in civil actions including small claims cases for another five years, through July 1, 2022.
A representative of the Indiana Bar Foundation explained that the extension was needed because current low interest rates keep the Foundation’s pro bono capitalization from providing sufficient operating revenues. Representatives of the Indiana State Bar Association and Doxpop supported the bill, which the Committee passed 10-0.
Read the bill at https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2017/bills/senate/42