INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Eric Holcomb asked the Indiana Supreme Court to clarify whether he needs to fill the 30-day vacancy left when Attorney General Curtis Hill’s law license is suspended next week.
Beginning May 18, Hill’s law license will be suspended for 30 days, the court ruled Monday. The suspension was for violating two Indiana rules of professional conduct, due to sexual misconduct allegations from an Indianapolis party in 2018.
In Holcomb’s request to the court, he notes, “What is not clear under Indiana law is what happens with the Attorney General is not duly authorized to practice law, and thus, unable to fulfill his statutory duties and responsibilities.”
In its opinion on the suspension, the Indiana Supreme Court did not address what happens in the 30 days while Hill’s license is suspended.
Hill released a statement Monday through his office, announcing his replacement as his chief deputy until his license is reinstated. But it’s unclear if he can even do that.
“Attorney General Hill’s proposal that one of his deputies will perform his required duties during his suspension is not expressly allowed under Indiana law,” Holcomb’s letter states.
If there is a vacancy in a state office, the governor fills the role. But whether this situation counts as a “vacancy” is unclear.
Holcomb also requested the court make a decision quickly, as Hill’s suspension begins next week.
