HB 1411 Summary

• Establishes a circuit and superior court staff attorney pilot program administered by the Indiana judicial center to provide assistance with preparing orders for complex motions (motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, and others designated by the judicial center).

• Requires the pilot program be available in at least five counties: two with populations under 50,000, two with populations between 50,000-200,000, and one with a population over 200,000.

• Allows parties filing complex motions and judges to petition for or request staff attorney assistance (provided by attorneys, senior judges, or third-year law students) to help draft judicial opinions explaining the court's reasoning.

• Permits the Indiana judicial center to charge fees to petitioning parties and determine eligibility based on the amount in controversy.

• Requires the Indiana judicial center to report to the commission on courts during the 2013 and 2014 legislative interims with data on program usage, costs, and recommendations for statewide expansion; the program expires June 30, 2015.