(Statehouse) – More than half of Indiana’s 92 counties have fewer than one lawyer per 1,000 residents. There’s a bill lawmakers are reviewing at the Statehouse to try and address that.
State Representative Chris Jeter of Fishers wrote the bill. He says it would provide additional funding across the state for deputy prosecutors.
“House Bill 1006 makes a once-in-a generation investment toward the state’s criminal justice system. The bill would support law and order by reimbursing qualified and participating counties up to 50% of the salary and benefits packages of their deputy prosecutors. This bill will ensure Indiana’s courts and criminal justice system continue to function properly, retain the best talent, and protect public safety for all Hoosiers,” said Jeter.
One of the bill’s co-authors is State Representative Andrew Ireland of Indianapolis. He says it would help retain prosecuting attorneys and support more competitive wages by creating the prosecution fund that the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council could use to reimburse qualified counties up to 50% for the costs of both prosecution and public defender services.
“Our public prosecutors play a pivotal role in protecting our communities, keeping violent criminals off the streets, and providing justice for victims of crime. We need to ensure these officials are adequately compensated when upholding law and order,” said Ireland.
The bill would also create a Prosecutor Review Board to examine prosecutors who refuse to prosecute criminal laws. If the board deems a prosecutor as noncompliant, the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council would withhold the funding.
The bill passed the House and is being reviewed by the Senate.
(Story by Network Indiana)
