Indy Standard

The Indiana House of Representatives has unanimously passed legislation introduced by State Representative Chris Jeter to expand the judicial capacity in Hamilton County. The bill proposes the creation of two new superior courts and the appointment of two additional magistrates.

Representative Jeter emphasized the need for more judicial officers due to significant population growth in Hamilton County over the past decade. "Due to the steady and continued growth in Hamilton County over the last decade, there's a need for more judicial officers," stated Jeter, who is also the chair of the House Judiciary Committee. "This is a proactive step to ensure our court system has the resources needed to continue serving Hoosiers with timely access to their constitutional rights."

House Bill 1144 specifies that two new judges would be elected for Hamilton Superior Court in November 2026, while current judges would gain authority to appoint two additional magistrates. According to Jeter, magistrates are hired rather than elected and handle minor civil and criminal cases. They play a role in easing judicial caseloads by performing various duties such as administering oaths, conducting hearings and trials, and imposing sentences.

Data from the Indiana Judicial Branch's 2023 Weighted Caseload Study highlighted Hamilton County's critical need for more judicial officers, ranking it first in this requirement.

The bill will now proceed to the Senate for further evaluation. Additional information on legislative sessions can be accessed through iga.in.gov.