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Committee unanimously advances bill to codify court marshals and expand judicial security
Summary
Sen. Baldwin and judicial representatives told the committee SB 291 would replace an older Supreme Court sheriff model with court marshals and authorize deputy marshals to protect judges, staff and proceedings; sponsors said current staffing is funded and the bill codifies existing practice. The committee advanced the bill 10–0.
Senator Baldwin and representatives of the judiciary presented Senate Bill 291 as a modernization of judicial security that would repeal the older Supreme Court sheriff statute, create a Supreme Court marshal and a Court of Appeals marshal, and authorize marshals to hire deputies to support security operations statewide. "This would modernize Indiana's judicial security structure and ensure judges can carry out their constitutional responsibilities without fear, intimidation, or disruption," a presenter said.
Judge (or court representative) Bradford explained the bill codifies arrangements already in practice: the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals have been funding security staff and the bill provides statutory recognition and a structure for those positions. Committee members asked about fiscal impacts and how on-the-ground coverage would work for judges who leave the building late; Bradford said Capitol Police remain available and courts have coordinated to provide officers and coverage in multiple buildings.
Committee members supported the measure after discussion and clarification about funding and deployment; the committee recorded a unanimous 10–0 vote to advance SB 291.
The bill will move on for further consideration; sponsors emphasized the bill is intended to enhance judge and staff safety without creating new unfunded obligations.
