Indiana lawmakers propose special prosecutor unit to address lawyer shortage and caseloads

The Indiana General Assembly's Corrections and Criminal Law Meeting on March 11, 2025, focused on the pressing issue of prosecutorial shortages and the introduction of a special prosecutor unit. The proposed legislation aims to address the challenges faced by Indiana's prosecutors, who are currently managing heavy caseloads with a dwindling number of experienced attorneys.

One of the key discussions centered around House Bill 1006, which seeks to establish a special prosecutor unit and fund. This initiative is seen as a necessary step to support local prosecutors, especially in smaller counties where resources are limited. The bill's proponents argue that it will provide essential assistance in complex cases, such as high-profile criminal investigations, without undermining the existing prosecutor's office.

Courtney Curtis, Assistant Executive Director for the Indiana Prosecuting Attorney's Council, highlighted the significant lawyer shortage affecting the state. With only about 800 prosecutors handling the workload of approximately 1,200, the strain on the system is evident. Curtis noted that many experienced prosecutors are leaving for better-paying positions, exacerbating the issue. The average salary for deputy prosecutors is currently lower than that of many private sector attorneys, making recruitment and retention increasingly difficult.

The meeting also addressed concerns regarding the funding structure for the proposed special prosecutor unit. Questions were raised about how counties would manage the financial implications of hiring additional deputy prosecutors. The bill requires counties to contribute to the funding, ensuring they have a vested interest in maintaining adequate staffing levels.

As the committee prepares for further discussions and potential amendments to the bill, the urgency of addressing the prosecutor shortage remains a top priority. The outcome of this legislation could significantly impact public safety and the efficiency of the criminal justice system in Indiana. The committee plans to continue gathering testimony and will revisit the bill in the coming weeks, aiming to finalize a solution that balances the needs of local prosecutors with the state's budgetary constraints.