Governor questions court if Hill suspension requires appointment of new AG

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has asked the Indiana Supreme Court to clarify whether its decision to suspend Attorney General Curtis Hill's law license for 30 days creates a vacancy in the office of the AG.

The governor filed the emergency motion on Tuesday, one day after the Indiana Supreme Court released its decision suspending Hill for 30 days as of May 18 for violations of the Indiana Professional Conduct Rules 8.4 (b) and 8.4 (d).

The governor wants the court to clarify whether suspending Hill's license for 30 days makes him ineligible to fulfill the duties of his office. If so, that would create a vacancy, which would need to be filled by the governor.

After the Indiana Supreme Court's decision was released on Monday, Hill said he accepted responsibility and said his deputy would be taking over during his suspension.

The governor says having a deputy perform the legal duties required during Hill's suspension is not allowed under Indiana law. He alleges there is nothing in Indiana Code that allows a deputy to ascend to the role of Attorney General.