Bill > HB1006

This bill establishes a new Prosecutor Review Board and makes several changes to existing laws regarding criminal justice oversight and prosecution. The board, consisting of five members appointed by the board of directors of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Indiana, will be responsible for investigating prosecuting attorneys who potentially refuse to prosecute criminal laws. The board can conduct investigations if a prosecutor makes a public declaration to categorically refuse to prosecute a law or shows a pattern of refusal to enforce laws enacted by the general assembly. If the board determines a prosecutor is "noncompliant," they will issue a report to the Prosecuting Attorneys Council and the prosecutor. The bill also modifies existing reporting requirements for the criminal justice institute, requiring more detailed annual reports on various aspects of the criminal justice system, including juvenile court jurisdictions, recidivism rates, and mental health programs. Additionally, the bill amends the composition of the Indiana Commission on Court Appointed Attorneys, now requiring two of the chief justice's appointees to be trial court judges from counties receiving reimbursement for noncapital cases. The goal appears to be increasing accountability and transparency in the state's criminal justice system.