Baldwin’s Judicial Security Bill Heads to Governor
A bill authored by State Sen. Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville) that would modernize Indiana’s judicial security framework unanimously passed the Senate and will now goes to the governor’s desk.
Under Senate Enrolled Act 291, the existing Supreme Court Sheriff model would be repealed and replaced with a dedicated Supreme Court Marshal. The Court of Appeals would also be allowed to create their own marshal system, which would provide security for the Court of Appeals and Tax Court. The marshals would be appointed by court leadership and be authorized to hire deputy marshals who would serve at the pleasure of the Chief Justice or Chief Judge.
“Indiana’s judges do excellent work, and they must be able to do their job without fear, intimidation and disruption.” Baldwin said. “Senate Enrolled Act 291 would ensure our judges and courts are protected by modernizing how we protect our judicial officials, and the need for this legislation is only emphasized by the January shooting of Judge Steve Meyer and his wife at their home.”
Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Marshals would be tasked with:
· Protecting justices, judges, court staff, facilities and judicial residencies;
· Maintaining security systems at the Statehouse and judicial offices;
· Keeping order during court proceedings;
· Providing security assessments, education and guidance to trial courts;
· Coordinating security for court-related events across the state; and
· Serving as the liaison between the courts and law enforcement agencies.
The bill would give marshals limited police power while on duty, allowing them to carry weapons, temporarily detain individuals to address security threats, and have access to law enforcement intelligence like criminal history records and threat assessments.
SEA 291 now heads to governor for further consideration.
Baldwin represents Senate District 20, which includes Noblesville, Carmel, Cicero and unincorporated areas of Hamilton County.