The governor ceremonially signed into law on April 30 legislation authored by State Representative Michael Aylesworth to address the shortage of judges in rural Indiana by easing residency requirements through a constitutional amendment.
This issue is important because many rural communities struggle to fill judicial positions due to current rules requiring city or town court judges to live in the county where they work. According to the American Bar Association, there are only 2.3 lawyers for every 1,000 residents in Indiana, making it difficult for these areas to maintain a functioning justice system.
Aylesworth said, “Rural communities are hit the hardest by the growing judicial shortage our state is facing. By easing residency requirements, we are taking a necessary step to ensure our justice system is operating effectively for all Hoosiers.”
House Enrolled Act 1019 will add an amendment to Indiana’s constitution that expands where city or town judges can reside, allowing them also to live in neighboring cities or towns. The act represents the final legislative step required before amending the state constitution. It was first passed as a resolution during the 122nd legislative session in 2023 and again during the 124th session in 2025.
Now that it has been enacted into law this year, voters will see this proposal as a question on November’s general election ballot.
