STATEHOUSE (Feb. 20, 2024) – The Indiana House of Representatives on Wednesday advanced State Rep. Chris Jeter's (R-Fishers) legislation to strengthen public safety across the state by providing additional funding for deputy prosecutors.
According to Jeter, House Bill 1006 would encourage the retainment of prosecuting attorneys and support more competitive wages by creating the Public Prosecution Fund. The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council could use the funds to reimburse qualified counties up to 50% for the costs of prosecution and public defender services.
"House Bill 1006 would make a once-in-a-generation investment toward the state’s criminal justice system," Jeter said. "The bill would support law and order by reimbursing qualified and participating counties up to 50% of the salary and benefits packages of deputy prosecutors to ensure Indiana’s courts and criminal justice system protects public safety and all Hoosiers."
Jeter said this funding could help increase salaries for deputy prosecutors and reduce turnover. According to the Indiana Supreme Court, nearly all 92 Hoosier counties have fewer lawyers per capita than the national average.
Jeter said his proposal would also create the Special Prosecutor Unit within IPAC to increase the number of qualified special prosecutors. Currently, to become a special prosecutor, an individual must be a senior prosecutor with eight years of experience as either a prosecutor or deputy prosecutor. Jeter said this unit would allow prosecutors from other counties to assist in cases involving conflicts of interest or requiring additional legal resources.
House Bill 1006 would also create a prosecutor review board to examine prosecutors who refuse to prosecute criminal laws. If the board labels a prosecutor as noncompliant, the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council would withhold funding.
"Law and order have long been the basis of Indiana’s society, and we believe funding should be based on upholding Hoosier values and these principles," Jeter said.
House Bill 1006 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. For more information, or to watch session and committees live, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88,
which includes portions of Hamilton, Hancock, Madison and Marion counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
