Bill > SB0017

This bill makes significant changes to how Lake County superior court judges are selected, transitioning from an appointed to an elected system. Specifically, the bill provides that the sixteen Lake County superior court judges will now be elected at general elections every six years, instead of being appointed by a judicial nominating commission. The bill repeals the existing provisions related to judicial appointments and introduces a new system where judges must be residents of Lake County, admitted to practice law in Indiana, and will be nominated through the same process as other superior court judges. The transition is designed to be gradual, with the change not taking effect until the general election immediately preceding the expiration of the current judges' terms. The current judges will continue to serve until their terms naturally expire, ensuring continuity in the court. The bill also removes several existing provisions related to judicial retention votes, political activities of judges, and the judicial nominating commission, effectively ending the previous appointment system for Lake County superior court judges.

Government Affairs

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/17/details