The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard Rep. Richardson’s HB 1141 pertaining to judgment dockets. This bill was prepared at the request of the Supreme Court Records Management Committee to clarify changes made last session to the judgment docket. The bill specifies that the clerk of the circuit court is the official keeper of the judgment docket and shall keep the j … [Read more...] about Judgment dockets
Judicial Administration
Magistrates and criminal trials
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 137, Sen. Bray’s bill on magistrates and criminal trials. This bill provides that a magistrate may not preside over a criminal trial or sentencing hearing if the defendant timely requests that the elected circuit court or superior court judge preside. The amendment, adopted by consent, requires that the same magistrate must preside over the t … [Read more...] about Magistrates and criminal trials
Court staff attorney pilot project
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1039 authored by Rep. Washburne and Rep. DeLaney on the court staff attorney pilot project. This bill establishes a two-year pilot circuit and superior court assistance project administered by the Indiana Judicial Center to handle complex motions. The bill provides for legal assistance from an attorney, senior judge, or third … [Read more...] about Court staff attorney pilot project
Vanderburgh circuit court magistrate
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1058, authored by Rep. Washburne and Rep. McNamara, adding a Vanderburgh circuit court 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 … [Read more...] about Vanderburgh circuit court magistrate
Clark circuit court magistrate
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1110, authored by Rep. Stemler and Rep. Steuerwald, adding a Clark circuit court 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 as to the duties and … [Read more...] about Clark circuit court magistrate