The House Ways and Means Committee heard SB 256 concerning courts and judicial officers sponsored by Reps. McNamara, Steuerwald, and Torr. The bill was amended by consent and now provides: The interim committee on courts and the judiciary (committee) shall review, consider, and make recommendations concerning requests for new courts, new judicial officers, and changes in … [Read more...] about Courts and judicial officers
Judicial Administration
Criminal law matters
The Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law heard HB 1132 concerning criminal law matters sponsored by Sens. Freeman, Young, and Houchin. The bill amends Ind. Code § 35-47-2-18 by replacing “handgun” with “firearm” to conform to federal law on alteration or obliteration of markings on firearms and also requires the affidavit by law enforcement regarding the seizure of firear … [Read more...] about Criminal law matters
Court matters
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 1313 on court matters. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Koch and provides the following: That a magistrate has the same powers as a judge, except the power of judicial mandate. Repeals certain sections that enumerate the powers for magistrates. Repeals the judicial technology oversight committee. Increases the filing limit for the small … [Read more...] about Court matters
Courts and judicial officers
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 256 on courts and judicial officers sponsored by Reps. McNamara, Steuerwald, and Torr for amend and vote. The bill provides: The interim committee on courts and the judiciary (committee) shall review, consider, and make recommendations concerning requests for new courts, new judicial officers, and changes in jurisdiction of … [Read more...] about Courts and judicial officers
Elkhart County courts
The House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code heard SB 187 authored by Sen. Doriot allowing the Elkhart County courts to consolidate the courts in one central location. Specifically, the bill provides that the board of county commissioners shall provide the circuit court clerk with an office at: (1) the county seat; or (2) in Elkhart County, any other place in the county as the … [Read more...] about Elkhart County courts