Bill > SB0524

This bill modifies Indiana Code 36-4-9-11 regarding the requirements for appointing the head of a city's law department, specifically changing residency requirements. Currently, the law requires the head of a law department in second and third class cities to be an attorney admitted to practice law in Indiana, with additional residency stipulations. The bill expands the residency requirement by allowing the department head to be a resident of either the city's county or a contiguous county, with a special exception for third class cities in counties with populations under 7,000, where the department head can be a resident of Indiana generally. This change provides more flexibility in hiring by broadening the pool of potential candidates for the position of corporation counsel or city attorney while maintaining the requirement that the individual be a licensed attorney in Indiana. The modification will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving local governments time to adapt to the new residency guidelines.

Government Affairs

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/524/details