STATEHOUSE (Jan. 14, 2026) – The Indiana House of Representatives advanced State Rep. Michael Aylesworth's (R-Hebron) legislation to address judge shortages in rural areas by easing residency requirements.
According to the American Bar Association, there are only 2.3 lawyers for every 1,000 Hoosiers. Indiana's constitution currently requires a city or town court judge to live in the county in which they work. Aylesworth said his legislation would add a constitutional amendment to expand the area city or town judges can reside in to include neighboring counties, cities or towns.
"We have seen the need for lawyers and judges in rural communities grow over the last few years," Aylesworth said. "This legislation is a simple way to ensure that lawyers who could later serve as judges wouldn't have to move just to provide essential legal services to neighboring communities."
House Bill 1019 is the last step in the legislative process required to amend the state constitution. In 2023, it was originally passed as a resolution in the 122nd legislative session and again in the 124th session in 2025. If passed into law this year, it will appear as a question on the general election ballot in November.
House Bill 1019 now goes to the Senate for further consideration. To learn more and follow legislative proceedings, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
