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Bill to add superior court in Tippecanoe County passes Senate

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 7, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sens. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) and Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon) that would add a seventh superior court in Tippecanoe County recently passed the Senate with a bipartisan vote of 48 to 1.

Senate Bill 568 would establish a new superior court to help address the increase of cases in and around Tippecanoe County.

Superior courts have general jurisdiction allowing them to hear all civil and criminal cases. Additionally, they are charged with establishing small claims and minor offense divisions.

“We have had a population increase of nearly 40,000 people since 2000,” Buchanan said. “Since our courts are now serving more people, I believe an additional superior court would help meet the needs of our community.”

Alting echoed the need for creating another superior court.

“Tippecanoe County has not requested a new court in 19 years,” Alting said. “It is important we keep our courts running smoothly by addressing the increased need resulting from the change in our population.”

Buchanan and Alting worked with Tippecanoe County Superior Court Judge Randy Williams and Marion County Superior Court Judge Clark Rogers on this legislation.

SB 568 will now move to the House of Representatives.

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For high-resolution photos of Buchanan and Alting, click here.