A mistake doesn’t have to be a life sentence.

That’s the promise of Georgia’s First Offender Act, which is meant to give residents who find themselves facing their first misdemeanor or qualifying felony charge a chance to avoid the stigma that comes with having a criminal record.

Read the Source Article by clicking here. 

As federal officials consider whether to reclassify marijuana under federal drug law, a new study has found that more American teenagers seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder, known as CUD, are facing longer wait times before receiving care. Read full source article by clicking here.  

The Indiana Supreme Court appointed Aaron Hood as the Chief Administrative Officer for its Office of Judicial Administration and Kathryn Dolan as the Deputy CAO. Chief Justice Loretta Rush led a multifaceted national search to fill the positions. Along with her colleagues, she is confident that this leadership team will ensure transparency, innovation, and effective intergovernmental collaboration.

Rush said, “Aaron is a proven leader. My colleagues and I know that his commitment to the courts, financial stewardship, and integrity will maintain our service-oriented culture.” Hood has been interim CAO since January. He brings a decade of Court experience, most recently as Chief Financial and Chief Operating Officer. He also has city, county, state, and national leadership experience, including with the Indiana Department of Transportation, the Association of Government Accountants, and the State Judicial Branch Finance and HR Officers. Hood said, “I am focused on strengthening public confidence in the judicial branch and ensuring our operations continue to run smoothly with clarity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.”

The newly named Deputy CAO, Kathryn Dolan, brings 18 years of Court experience, having served as the Chief Public Information Officer. She is a recipient of the National Center for State Courts’ Distinguished Service Award and a past president of its Conference of Court Public Information Officers. “I’m dedicated to maintaining consistent policies, communicating effectively, and helping guide daily operations,” said Dolan.

OJA supports the efficient administration of the statewide court system under the direction of the Chief Justice. The office includes more than 240 lawyers, licensed professionals, administrative staff, and technology experts. It is a vital link to Indiana’s 600 judicial officers and 18,000 attorneys.

Beginning January 1, 2027, certain Healthy Indiana Plan members ages 19–64 will need to complete 80 hours each month through work, part time education, job training, or community service—unless exempt. To help raise awareness of these changes the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration has released a comprehensive partner toolkit, available at myfssa.in.gov. 

The partner toolkit includes social and print materials, FAQs, informational videos and more. FSSA is asking that our partners please share these materials through their networks to help inform HIP members of these changes. FSSA’s goal is to help ensure that all partners are equipped with consistent information and language to ensure clear and effective communication across all channels.

The toolkit will be updated with additional resources in the months leading up to January 1, start date. HIP members will begin receiving informational notices about HIP Work Requirements starting in July as well.

This district contains the following counties: Bartholomew, Brown, Clark, Crawford, Dearborn, Decatur, Floyd, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Lawrence, Monroe, Ohio, Orange, Ripley, Scott, Switzerland, and Washington

It is the responsibility of the District Representatives to communicate and collaborate with POPAI members in their district and bring forth any issues, concerns, and/or matters raised or pertaining to the district they represent.

District Representatives shall encourage membership and promote activities and educational opportunities provided by the Association.

Eligibility

• Must be a Certified Probation Officer POPAI Member working in District 7.
• Must have 2026 dues paid (or be in the process of paying)

The intent to run form can by found by clicking here.

To apply, submit these documents by July 31, 2026 at Noon Eastern Time to elections@gopopai.org:

1. Your Intent to Run document
2. The Chief Approval document (if you are not the Chief)
   
   Important: The applicant must submit all parts of the package together to avoid missing required elements. Someone will confirm receipt, but the Committee may not have time to check that both the Intent to Run Form and (if needed) Chief Approval are included. We cannot guarantee review of completeness if time is short.

File naming format (please rename by adding your name to both documents before sending) :

• Fred_Rogers_District7_July_2026.docx
• Fred_Rogers_District7_July_2026_Chief_Permission.docx

The Judicial Conference Board of Directors approved amendments to the Intrastate Transfer Rules to implement HEA 1687-2025. These updates, including new requirements for transferring sex and violent offenders, take effect July 1, 2026.

The updated rules can be found at this link. 

Hoosiers sleeping on public property could soon be hit with a max of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. It is one of more than 160 bills that got past the finish line during the legislative session, with dozens of them taking effect in July. Read Source Article by clicking here. 

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Division of Mental Health and Addiction will implement the Indiana Recovery Residence Registry on July 1, 2026. Learn more by clicking here. 

Ashley Dumas’ son has lived his whole life inside the prison’s maternal health unit. Read source article by clicking here.  

Roadmap for Change dives into the pressing need for transformation of the juvenile justice system.

The podcast examines historical and cultural roadblocks to reform and celebrate stories of progress from communities and jurisdictions working to make a difference. Listen to episodes by clicking here.