The Indiana House of Representatives on Tuesday approved allowing Hamilton County to hire an additional magistrate.
State Rep. Donna Schaibley’s bill allows Hamilton County to hire an additional court magistrate to help ease caseloads of the quickly-growing county. (Photo provided)
State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) said the new magistrate would preside over minor offenses and hold preliminary hearings for more serious crimes. Schaibley said Hamilton County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, which makes it more difficult for staff to keep up with the workload.
“Our judicial officers are in serious need of an extra set of hands to help speed up the trial process,” Schaibley said. “It is encouraging to see the swift action in the General Assembly to help provide Hamilton County with this much-needed resource.”
The most up to date data from the Weighted Caseload Measure shows Hamilton County has just one judicial officer for about 29,500 people. Schaibley said Hamilton County superior and circuit court judges, commissioners, council and prosecuting attorney support adding this position.
House Bill 1145 now heads to the Senate for further consideration. To learn more, visit iga.in.gov.