[This post has been amended.] The Senate Appropriations Committee heard HB 1144 on courts and court officers sponsored by Sen. Brown and Sen. Koch and authored by Rep. Jeter for amend and vote. The bill: The bill was amended by consent to: The amended bill passed 11-0. Read the bill at: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1144 … [Read more...] about Courts and court officers
court fees
Pro bono legal services fee
The Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee heard HB 1478 on pro bono legal services fee sponsored by Sen. Koch, Sen. Charbonneau, and Sen. Pol. Author Rep. Zimmerman introduced the bill which removes the sunset provision for pro bono legal services fees. The Indiana Bar Foundation and Doxpop, LLC testified in support of the bill. The bill passed 12-0. Read the bill at: … [Read more...] about Pro bono legal services fee
Courts and court officers
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HB 1144 on courts and court officers sponsored by Sen. Brown. Author Rep. Jeter gave background on the bill, which adds two new superior courts in Hamilton County (No. 8 and No. 9). The new Hamilton County judges will be elected during the November 2026 general election, take office on January 1, 2027, and serve a term of six years. In addition, … [Read more...] about Courts and court officers
Pro bono legal services fee
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HB 1478 on pro bono legal services fee sponsored by Senator Koch. Author Rep. Zimmerman summarized the bill noting that there is currently a $1.00 fee charged when certain civil actions are filed. The fee is transmitted to the Indiana Bar Foundation to assist in their funding pro bono legal services in Indiana. It does not fund any attorneys but … [Read more...] about Pro bono legal services fee
Marion County small claims court jurisdiction, venue, and fees
The Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee heard SB 327 on Marion County small claims court jurisdiction, venue, and fees authored by Sen. Freeman. The bill does the following: Sen. Freeman informed the committee that a second reading amendment is needed to address the jurisdiction issue. A lobbyist for the Marion County Small Claims Courts, and a representative from the … [Read more...] about Marion County small claims court jurisdiction, venue, and fees