HB 1181 Summary

• Adds a second judge to the Owen circuit court, establishing a unified court with two judges effective January 1, 2015.

• The second judge will be elected at the general election on November 4, 2014, with the term beginning January 1, 2015.

• The circuit court will maintain five dockets: small claims/misdemeanor, criminal, juvenile, civil, and probate, with judge assignments determined by court rule.

• Requires the two judges to select a presiding judge who submits annual budgets to Owen County's fiscal body and ensures efficient court operations.

• Authorizes judges to adopt administrative rules governing case load allocation, indigent representation, budgetary matters, personnel management, and cooperative efforts with other courts.