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Pulaski judge warns HB 1144 could eliminate local courts; commissioners back county pretrial grant support
Summary
Judge Coker warned House Bill 1144 could abolish several small county courts and end problem-solving court programs; the board approved a letter of support for the county’s pretrial grant application.
Judge Coker of Pulaski Superior Court addressed the joint meeting about House Bill 1144, saying the measure seeks to abolish several small county courts to create judicial positions for Hamilton County and warning that the change could limit local access to problem‑solving courts such as family treatment court, veterans court and drug court.
Coker said the bill was in the state Senate and that an amendment to remove Pulaski County was filed but that the speaker expects the measure to proceed to conference committee; he urged residents to contact legislators because the change would reduce local judicial resources and could imperil problem‑solving programs.
Separately, Coker asked for the commissioners’ signatures of support for the “1,006 Community Corrections Justice Reinvestment Grant application for the Pulaski County pretrial release program,” describing the pretrial program as required by state statute and Criminal Rule 26 and noting that assessments are performed within 48 hours (generally within 24 hours when not over a weekend). He said the pretrial officer, Natalia Gebka, is paid through grant funds provided by the Department of Correction.
A commissioner moved and a second was recorded to approve the letter of support for the grant application; the motion passed on a voice vote with “aye” recorded and no roll‑call tally provided in the transcript.
Judge Coker also encouraged calling legislators with imminent deadlines related to the bill; he said the committee process could conclude quickly.
