Judicial Administration

April 5, 2012 | Category: Administration

Allen Circuit Court
S.E.A. 152, P.L. 39-2012
Effective July 1, 2013
Converts the Allen Circuit Court hearing officer to a magistrate on July 1, 2013.

Court established alcohol and drug services programs, problem solving courts, pro bono legal services filing fee, protection orders

H.E.A. 1049, P.L. 136-2012
Effective July 1, 2012
Provides that the cap on the fees for program services provided to a person participating in a court established alcohol and drug services program does not include fees for education or treatment and rehabilitation services. Authorizes a person to participate in a problem solving court as a condition of an informal adjustment program in a child in need of services proceeding. Eliminates an individual’s agreement to the conditions of participation if the case for which the individual is referred to the problem solving court involves a nonsuspendible sentence as a precondition to the placement of the individual in a problem solving court. Authorizes a problem solving court in addition to the clerk to collect program fees. Imposes, until July 1, 2017, a pro bono legal services fee of $1 on parties who file certain civil actions, small claims actions, and probate actions. Requires the pro bono legal services fees to be transferred to the Indiana Bar Foundation. Requires the Indiana Bar Foundation to: (1) deposit in an appropriate account and otherwise manage the fees the foundation receives in the same manner it deposits and manages the net earnings the foundation receives from IOLTA accounts; and (2) use the fees the foundation receives to assist or establish approved pro bono legal services programs. Specifies that the handling and expenditure of the pro bono legal services fees received by the Indiana Bar Foundation are subject to audit by the State Board of Accounts.

Johnson Superior Court and Wabash City Court

H.E.A. 1092, P.L. 74-2012

Effective July 1, 2012

Adds a fourth judge to the Johnson Superior Court as of January 1, 2015. Prohibits the Auditor of State from paying the part of the total salary and benefits that would otherwise be paid by the State for the fourth judge of the Johnson Superior Court until the Auditor of State receives a resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of Johnson County that sets forth the board’s determination that a building in existence on January 1, 2012, has been rehabilitated and is ready as a place for the new court to hold sessions. Provides that the Wabash City Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the Wabash Circuit Court in civil cases in which the amount in controversy does not exceed $1,500.

Other bill of interest:

Administrative Law Judge Study

H.E.A. 1273, P.L. 83-2012