The House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code heard Rep. Speedy’s HB 1625 on appointment of magistrates. Rep. Speedy explained that this bill continues a multi-year program to convert Marion Superior commissioner positions into magistrate appointments. The bill increases the number of authorized Marion Superior magistrates from 16 to 20. Marion Superior Judge Tim Oakes testified i … [Read more...] about Appointment of magistrates
Judicial Administration
Marion County judicial selection
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1036 on Marion County judicial selection authored by Reps. Steuerwald and Bosma. The bill provides for merit selection of the Marion County trial court judges, outlines the members of the selection committee, and appointment and retention process. The Committee adopted by consent a technical amendment. Testimony on the … [Read more...] about Marion County judicial selection
Shelby County magistrate
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1053 on the Shelby County magistrate authored by Reps. Eberhart and Steuerwald. The bill permits Shelby County to appoint a magistrate. The bill was amended by consent to have the appointment made by all three judges not just by the superior court judges. Judge Charles O’Connor, Shelby Circuit Court, testified in support of the b … [Read more...] about Shelby County magistrate
Clark County magistrate
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1176 on Clark County magistrate authored by Reps. Stemler and Steuerwald. The bill permits Clark County to appoint an additional magistrate. Judge Vicki Carmichael, Clark Circuit Court #4, testified in support of the bill. The bill passed 13-0. Read the bill at: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2017/bills/house/1176 … [Read more...] about Clark County magistrate
Pro bono legal services fee
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 Fou … [Read more...] about Pro bono legal services fee