Indy Standard

The Indiana House has approved a bill sponsored by State Representative Alex Zimmerman, aiming to maintain access to pro-bono legal services. Currently, there is a $1 fee that assists in screening and training pro-bono attorneys, which is set to expire on July 1. Zimmerman's legislation proposes removing the sunset clause, allowing the courts to continue collecting this fee.

Zimmerman emphasized the importance of the fee: "This small fee is a big help in ensuring Hoosiers have access to pro-bono attorneys," he stated. "This fee is less than a cup of coffee in the morning but keeping this program active can help ensure everyone has access to legal help."

In 2022, over 290,000 hours of pro-bono legal work were provided in Indiana. Zimmerman believes that by eliminating the sunset clause, residents requiring legal assistance will continue to benefit from reduced-cost services.

House Bill 1478 now advances to the Senate for further deliberation. More information about the bill and legislative sessions can be found at iga.in.gov.