INDIANA — Indiana Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush will present her annual State of the Judiciary address to Governor Mike Braun and a joint session of the Indiana General Assembly next week.
The formal address is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. ET in the chamber of the Indiana House of Representatives.
As required by Article 7, Section 3 of the Indiana Constitution, the Chief Justice must provide lawmakers with a yearly update on the “condition of the courts.” This 2026 address marks a continuation of Chief Justice Rush’s leadership since being appointed to the state’s highest court in 2012 and being named the state’s first female Chief Justice in 2014.
Theme: Justice in the Heartland
This year’s address, titled “Justice in the Heartland,” will spotlight the vital roles of two key groups in the legal system: prosecutors and public defenders. Chief Justice Rush is expected to emphasize their shared duty to resolve legal disputes fairly and efficiently under the rule of law.
Key pillars of the judiciary’s 2026 agenda include:
- Increasing Public Safety: Strengthening local court responses to criminal activity.
- Protecting Families: Enhancing services for families in crisis and the foster care system.
- Reducing Recidivism: Expanding problem-solving courts that focus on mental health and addiction recovery to prevent repeat offenses.
A Focus on Mental Health and Technology
While the 2026 address will center on “Heartland” public servants, it follows a year of significant progress in court technology and behavioral health initiatives. In recent public appearances, Chief Justice Rush has highlighted that Indiana’s courts are moving toward a more transparent, digital-first system, including live-streamed hearings and easier online access to court calendars.
She has also been a vocal advocate for improving how the state handles mental health crises within the legal system, frequently noting that “judges have made progress but still have work to do” regarding addiction and public health.
The State of the Judiciary will be accessible to all Hoosiers through the following platforms:
- Online: Streamed live at courts.in.gov.
- Television: Broadcast by Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations (check local listings).
The Supreme Court has confirmed that sign language interpretation will be provided to ensure the event is accessible to people with disabilities.
