STATEHOUSE (Feb. 21, 2025) – The Indiana House of Representatives advanced legislation co-authored by State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) to strengthen public safety across the state by providing additional funding for deputy prosecutors.
According to Steuerwald, House Bill 1006 would encourage the retainment of prosecuting attorneys and support more competitive wages by creating the Public Prosecution Fund. The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council could use the funds to reimburse qualified counties up to 50% for the costs of prosecution and public defender services.
“For Indiana’s criminal justice system to operate effectively, we need to ensure that our public prosecutors have adequate support,” Steuerwald said. “These officials are essential to upholding public safety and the rule of law.”
Steuerwald said this funding could help increase salaries for deputy prosecutors and reduce turnover. According to the Indiana Supreme Court, nearly all 92 Hoosier counties have fewer lawyers per capita than the national average.
The legislation would also create the Special Prosecutor Unit within IPAC to increase the number of qualified special prosecutors. Currently, to become a special prosecutor, an individual must be a senior prosecutor with eight years of experience as either a prosecutor or deputy prosecutor. Steuerwald said this unit would allow prosecutors from other counties to assist in cases involving conflicts of interest or requiring additional legal resources.
House Bill 1006 would also create a prosecutor review board to examine prosecutors who refuse to prosecute criminal laws. If the board labels a prosecutor as noncompliant, the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council would withhold funding.
House Bill 1006 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. For more information, or to watch session and committees live, visit iga.in.gov.
State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) represents House District 40,
which includes a portion of Hendricks County.
