The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee recently approved State Rep. Donna Schaibley’s (R-Carmel) legislation opening up the opportunity for Hamilton County judges to appoint an additional magistrate.
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“It is amazing to see how much our county has grown over the past several years, but with an increasing population also comes a heavier workload for our judicial officers,” Schaibley said. “The committee’s vote is an encouraging step in the process to ensure Hamilton County has the resources it needs.”
According to Schaibley, the new magistrate would work with local circuit and superior courts to handle minor offenses or hold preliminary hearings for more serious crimes. She said the most recent data from The Weighted Caseload Measure shows Hamilton County has one judicial officer for every 29,432 people.
Hamilton County judges, commissioners, county councilors and the county prosecuting attorney support Schaibley’s legislation.
House Bill 1038 now moves to the House floor for further discussion.
State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) represents House District 24, which includes portions of Boone and Hamilton counties.