Changes to judge selection and other new laws impacting Indianapolis
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Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
Now that the legislative session is over, Indianapolis will start feeling the impact of new laws.
The big picture: Every year, the Indiana General Assembly passes legislation that has an outsized impact on the capital city, and this year was no different.
- Some of the issues addressed were schools in Indianapolis, Marion County judges and road funding for the city.
State of play: Marion County is one of several counties that don't elect their judges.
- Rather, they're appointed by the governor from recommendations made by a selection committee.
- Among the 14 members of the selection committee were four representatives from legal organizations, including the local bar associations, the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association and the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana.
- Those seats have been eliminated from the committee and given, two each, to the governor and chief justice of the Indiana Supreme Court.
How it works: When there's a vacancy on the court, the selection committee sends its recommendations to the governor.
- HB 1303 also deletes a requirement that the committee consider the diversity of Marion County when making those recommendations.
What they're saying: "The meddling in Marion County never stops," Rep. Greg Porter (D-Indianapolis)," said. "This is not happening anywhere else. Whose county is next?"
- "Indianapolis is a majority-minority community. The Black community has a different, strained relationship with the criminal justice system. Our Black judges and lawyers have been essential to navigating that relationship."
- Porter called the move "judicial Jim Crow" and said he doesn't trust Gov. Mike Braun with the appointments.
Between the lines: Other bills don't single out Indianapolis, but they could be a bigger deal for the Circle City.
- One bans camping on public property, impacting the city's unhoused population.
- Another allows the governor to send a military police force into a community without local consent.
The other side: It's not all been bad news for Indianapolis.
- A bill that would have loosened billboard restrictions within the I-465 loop was defeated, and a road funding measure the city opposed was amended to be more palatable.
What's next: Braun has a week to sign or veto bills after they're sent to him before they become law automatically.