The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HB 1144 on courts and court officers sponsored by Sen. Brown. Author Rep. Jeter gave background on the bill, which adds two new superior courts in Hamilton County (No. 8 and No. 9). The new Hamilton County judges will be elected during the November 2026 general election, take office on January 1, 2027, and serve a term of six years. In addition, … [Read more...] about Courts and court officers
Judicial Administration
Civil legal aid fund
The House Judiciary Committee heard SB 222 on the civil legal aid fund sponsored by Rep. Jeter. Author Sen. Carrasco introduced the bill, explaining that it limits how a legal services provider may use funds from the civil legal aid fund. The bill also relocates a provision concerning fund distribution, repeals the distribution formula of the civil legal aid fund statute, and … [Read more...] about Civil legal aid fund
Pro bono legal services fee
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HB 1478 on pro bono legal services fee sponsored by Senator Koch. Author Rep. Zimmerman summarized the bill noting that there is currently a $1.00 fee charged when certain civil actions are filed. The fee is transmitted to the Indiana Bar Foundation to assist in their funding pro bono legal services in Indiana. It does not fund any attorneys but … [Read more...] about Pro bono legal services fee
Town and city court judges
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HJ 1 on town and city court judges, sponsored by Sen. Brown and authored by Rep. Aylesworth. Rep. Aylesworth introduced the bill which would permit the judge of a city or town court to reside in either 1.) the county in which the city or town court is located; or 2.) in the bordering Indiana county that is closest to the location of the … [Read more...] about Town and city court judges
Mid-Session: Judicial Administration
The following judicial administration bills passed out of their originating house: HJ 1 Town and city court judges SB 222 Civil legal aid fund SB 327 Marion County small claims court fees HB 1006 Prosecutors HB 1049 Public service attorney scholarships HB 1144 Courts and court officers HB 1478 Pro bono legal services fee The following bills died … [Read more...] about Mid-Session: Judicial Administration