Key Topics

1. Judicial Funding Needs
   • Integrated Case Management Systems (Odyssey):
     
     • The judiciary highlighted challenges with fragmented systems across Indiana’s counties. There are over 20 case management systems currently in use, causing inefficiencies like delayed release orders and missed public safety notifications.
     • Proposal: Expand Odyssey to all 92 counties to create a unified system, costing approximately $3 million per year initially, with $1 million in ongoing maintenance costs.
     • Scrutiny: Committee members questioned overlaps between Odyssey and existing systems funded by the Sheriff’s Association. Specific concerns were raised about redundancies and whether federal grants could continue supporting the program.
   • Safe Baby Courts:
     • Aimed at addressing child abuse and neglect cases under CHINS (Children in Need of Services). These courts are modeled on evidence-based approaches and will be incorporated into the 24 family recovery courts already operating in Indiana.
     • Funding Request: $1.5 million.
     • Scrutiny: Questions centered on measurable outcomes from family recovery courts and the expected improvements this funding would bring.
   • Court Security:
     • Judges reported increased threats, including to their families. Many counties lack even basic security measures like metal detectors.
     • Proposal: Establish a matching grant program to fund local court security measures.
     • Scrutiny: Committee members asked about the balance of county vs. state responsibilities and whether existing budgets could absorb these costs.
2. Education Programs
   • Appeals on Wheels:
     • The program has reached over 700 schools and civic groups, enhancing public understanding of the judiciary. Requests were made for an Assistant Director of Communications to expand its reach.
     • Scrutiny: While the program was widely praised, the need for additional staff was questioned, given its already high efficiency.
   • Higher Education Retention:
     • A focus was placed on performance-based funding to improve college completion rates, particularly for low-income and first-generation students.
     • Discussion included the role of college success grants and how universities are tasked with ensuring continuity of such programs after state funding expires.
     • Scrutiny: Concerns were raised about universities prioritizing out-of-state enrollments over Hoosier students to maintain financial stability, which some constituents perceived as unfair.
3. Criminal Justice Initiatives
   • System Navigators for DCS Cases:
     • Pilots showed success in reducing out-of-home placements by over a month and decreasing case length significantly. These navigators, often social workers, assist families in navigating the complexities of the child welfare system.
     • Scrutiny: Committee members asked about scaling these pilots statewide and questioned the long-term funding model for sustaining the program.
   • High-Tech Crime Units:
     • Ten units analyze digital evidence from cases involving cell phones and other devices, benefiting both prosecution and defense.
     • Funding Request: Continuation of the $3 million annual allocation to support these units.
     • Scrutiny: Concerns about whether funding adequately covered the growing costs of tools and staff training. Members also explored disparities in output across the units.
4. Public Defender and Prosecutor Collaboration
   • Addressing Attorney Shortages:
     • Public defenders emphasized the challenges posed by increased caseloads and low pay compared to private-sector opportunities.
     • Proposal: Scholarships tied to public service and increased use of federal Title IV-E funds to incentivize public defense in underserved areas.
     • Scrutiny: Members questioned whether proposed solutions were sufficient to address long-term shortages, especially in rural counties.
   • Efficiency of the Commission on Court-Appointed Attorneys:
     • The commission shared data showing improved outcomes in counties adhering to its standards, such as lower recidivism rates and shorter jail stays. Still, many counties opt out due to reluctance to relinquish judicial control.
     • Scrutiny: Committee members probed why some counties resisted adopting standards and whether stronger incentives could be introduced.

Issues Probed or Scrutinized Extensively

1. Overlap and Redundancy in Funding:
   • The committee frequently scrutinized whether new funding requests, such as those for Odyssey or public defenders, duplicated efforts already covered by other state or federal programs.
2. Outcome-Based Accountability:
   • Many proposals, particularly for Safe Baby Courts and education initiatives, were challenged to demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes. Committee members sought assurances that investments would lead to tangible improvements.
3. In-State vs. Out-of-State Student Enrollment:
   • The practice of prioritizing out-of-state students for financial reasons sparked significant debate. Concerns were raised about whether this undermined opportunities for Indiana residents.
4. Public Defender Funding and Standards:
   • Reluctance from counties to adopt public defender board standards was a recurring theme. Members debated whether local control concerns outweighed the demonstrated benefits of improved case outcomes.
5. Sustainability of Pilot Programs:
   • The reliance on temporary grants and pilot funding was questioned. Members expressed concerns about long-term sustainability if programs prove successful but lack follow-up funding mechanisms.

Commission’s Funding Recommendations and Priorities

• The Commission is recommending a 1% base increase for public institutions in the first year and 2% in the second year, along with a 2% and 3% operating line item for performance funding. It is also requesting to maintain funding commitments for dual credit and the R&R formula.
• The top capital priority is to fund the number one project for each institution, totaling $464 million, primarily for renovation and deferred maintenance.
• The Commission is developing a new capital evaluation process and requesting to increase the review threshold for capital projects from $2 million to $4 million. Additionally, it is seeking an increase in funding for the children of disabled veterans program and IT system upgrades. The overall focus is on addressing deferred maintenance, supporting student success initiatives, and maintaining existing funding commitments.

Committee Actions and Votes

• Actions Taken:
  • Reviewed funding proposals for judiciary needs, public safety initiatives, and educational outreach programs.
  • Discussed ongoing pilots for system navigators and mediation programs in juvenile and DCS cases.
  • Considered fiscal impacts of maintaining and expanding programs such as Appeals on Wheels.
• Voting Outcomes:
  • No specific votes recorded in the transcript. Discussions were largely preparatory and focused on reviewing budget requests.

Additional Notes

• Key Observations:
  • Judiciary representatives emphasized the rising threats to judges and the need for better court security.
  • Public defenders highlighted challenges with attorney shortages and proposed innovative solutions like scholarships tied to public service.
  • Education commissioners stressed improving college completion rates and addressing low enrollment among in-state students.
• Innovative Programs:
  • The Appeals on Wheels program continues to set a national example for civics education and judicial transparency.
  • System Navigator pilots showed measurable success, including reduced case lengths and improved family outcomes.
• Strong Advocacy:
  • Judges and legal representatives provided compelling narratives on the necessity of funding reforms for public safety and child welfare.