INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill could be removed from office if his law license is revoked over allegations of sexual misconduct, under an amendment expected to be heard Monday in the Indiana House of Representatives.
Rep. Tim Wesco, R-Osceola, has filed an amendment to create new qualifications for an Indiana attorney general. The candidate must not have been disbarred in Indiana or suspended from practicing law in Indiana for 30 or more days in the last five years.
"This is an impeachment in disguise," Rep. Ed Delaney, D-Indianapolis, said.
If it becomes law and Hill is removed, he would be unable to run again for the position for five years.
The attorney general's office released the following statement on the amendment:
“This raises some legal concerns – and this kind of rushed proposal lacks transparency and leaves no opportunity for public input.”
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In October, Hill’s case was discussed in a disciplinary trial, presided over by former Indiana Supreme Court Justice Myra Selby. Last month, Selby recommended Hill lose his law license for 60 days, without automatic reinstatement.
Hill is accused of inappropriately touching four women at a party at AJ’s Lounge on March 15, 2018.
Selby's report said Hill's conduct with four women at the 2018 party "offensive, invasive, damaging and embarrassing." The report goes on: "As Attorney General, he used his state office staff and others to engage in a public campaign to defend himself and intimidate the complainants."
The Indiana Supreme Court has the final saw on what, if any, punishment Hill faces.
Under Wesco’s amendment, an attorney general vacancy would be filled by the governor, who would choose somebody of the same political party as the previous officeholder.
The amendment to SB 178 passed the House on Second Reading, 83-9.
PREVIOUS |DAY 1: Four women recount accusations in first day | DAY 2: When Hill became 'defiant' over his allegations|DAY 3: Woman says Hill propositioned her for sex in 2016 |Curtis Hill Disciplinary Commission Hearing Day 4: Hill denies sexual touching: "It didn't happen." | Attorney General Curtis Hill is running for reelection in 2020
