The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1307, authored by Rep. Fine, pertaining to Lake County city and town jurisdiction. The bill raises the limit of the amount in controversy from $3,000 to $6,000 in Lake County city and town courts with concurrent civil jurisdiction with the circuit court. An amendment, adopted by consent, added the Crown Point City Court to the … [Read more...] about Lake County city and town jurisdiction
Judicial Administration
Greene County courts magistrate
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1367, authored by Rep. Ubelhor, adding a Greene County courts magistrate. Lilia Judson, Executive Director of State Court Administration, provided background testimony on judicial weighted caseload measures. Judge Felts, Allen Circuit Court, and Judge Pera, Lake Superior Court, testified on behalf of the Indiana Judges … [Read more...] about Greene County courts magistrate
Magistrates
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1416, authored by Rep. Speedy and Rep. Kirchhofer, authorizing magistrates to perform additional judicial duties. The bill allows magistrates to: (1) approve and accept criminal plea agreements; (2) approve agreed settlements concerning civil matters; and (3) approve decrees of dissolution, settlement agreements, and any other … [Read more...] about Magistrates
Vanderburgh Circuit Court magistrate
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 122 authored by Sen. Becker and Sen. Tomes, pertaining to a Vanderburgh Circuit Court magistrate. The bill was prepared by the Interim Study Committee on the Courts and Judiciary. This bill authorizes the Vanderburgh Circuit Court to add a second magistrate. This matter was heard and approved last year by this Committee but was held for … [Read more...] about Vanderburgh Circuit Court magistrate
Magistrates and criminal trials
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 137 authored by Sen. Randolph and Sen. Tomes regarding magistrates and criminal trials. This bill requires the elected circuit or superior court judge, rather than a magistrate, to preside over a criminal trial or sentencing hearing if the defendant so requests in writing no later than 10 days after the omnibus date. An amendment was adopted … [Read more...] about Magistrates and criminal trials