The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 222 authored by Senator Carrasco on the civil legal aid fund. This bill aims to eliminate a formula in the civil legal aid statute to change how funds are distributed and limit how civil legal aid providers can use the funds. The bill was amended to require that the civil legal aid dollars not be used to initiate or participate in the … [Read more...] about Civil legal aid fund
Judicial Administration
Marion County small claims court jurisdiction, venue, and fees
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 327 authored by Sen. Freeman on Marion County small claims court fees. The bill: The Committee amended the bill to: Hon. Cheryl Rivera, Perry Township Small Claims Court, testified in opposition. Hon. Kimberly Bacon, Lawrence Township Small Claims Court, testified in support of the bill. The amended bill passed 10-2 and was … [Read more...] about Marion County small claims court jurisdiction, venue, and fees
Prosecutors
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1006 on prosecutors. authored by Rep. Jeter. The bill creates a reimbursement structure for prosecutors who pay deputies a certain percentage of the chief prosecutor, for that salary. Additionally, the bill creates an oversight board to establish rules for and determine when a prosecutor is not in compliance. If a prosecutor … [Read more...] about Prosecutors
Courts and court officers
The House Ways and Means Committee heard HB 1144 on courts and court officers authored by Rep. Jeter. The bill adds two superior courts to Hamilton County and allows the judges of Hamilton circuit and superior courts to jointly appoint two additional magistrates to serve the Hamilton County courts. The bill was amended by consent to do the following: The amended bill passed … [Read more...] about Courts and court officers
Pro bono legal services fee
The House Judiciary Committee heard HB 1478 on pro bono legal services fee authored by Rep. Zimmerman and co-authored by Rep. Bascom. The bill removes the July 1, 2025, sunset provision for pro bono legal services fees. The Indiana Bar Foundation and Doxpop, LLC testified in support of the bill. The bill passed 10-0. Read the bill at … [Read more...] about Pro bono legal services fee