Zimmerman's Bill to Help Ensure Access to Pro-Bono Legal Services Moves to Senate

The bill would remove a sunset clause set to expire on July 1.

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana House passed State Rep. Alex Zimmerman's (R-North Vernon) bill to help ensure access to pro-bono legal services.

Zimmerman said currently there is a $1 fee for pro-bono legal services that goes toward helping screen and train pro-bono attorneys that is set to expire on July 1. His bill would remove the sunset clause, meaning the $1 fee would still be collected by the courts.

"This small fee is a big help in ensuring Hoosiers have access to pro-bono attorneys," Zimmerman said. "This fee is less than a cup of coffee in the morning but keeping this program active can help ensure everyone has access to legal help."

Zimmerman said in 2022 more than 290,000 hours of pro-bono legal work was done in Indiana. By removing the sunset clause, Zimmerman said Hoosiers needing legal services would still have access to it at reduced cost.

House Bill 1478 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. To learn more about the bill and watch session, visit iga.in.gov.