2003 Senate Bill 823 / 2004 Public Act 492

Revise the number of judges

Introduced in the Senate

Nov. 4, 2003

Introduced by Sen. Alan L. Cropsey (R-33)

To revise the number of judges authorized in various court districts, and convert part-time probate judges in several low-population counties into full time judges with the authority and title of a district judge in addition to probate judge.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Dec. 4, 2003

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Jan. 14, 2004

Referred to the Committee on Appropriations

Nov. 10, 2004

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) previously recommended by the Committee on Judiciary be rejected. With the recommendation that the substitute (S-5) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Nov. 30, 2004

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises many details and provisions. See Senate-passed bill description for details.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Dec. 2, 2004

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

To convert part-time probate judges in Alcona, Baraga, Benzie, Iron, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ontonagon, Oscoda, and Presque Isle Counties to full-time status; and give the jurisdiction and authority of a district judge to these judges and to the probate judges in Barry, Berrien, Isabella, Otsego, and Van Buren counties. Also, to provide that the state would pay the full cost of ballot questions on creating probate districts, rather than half the cost.

Received in the House

Dec. 2, 2004

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Dec. 7, 2004

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the amendments be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 8, 2004

Amendment offered

To remove the provision that gives the jurisdiction and authority of a district judge to the probate judges in Otsego, and Van Buren, Barry and Berrien Counties.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Jim Howell (R-94)

To remove language referring to the second judicial district (Ontonagon and Gogebic counties) and the third judicial district (Iron and Dickinson counties).

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 98 to 8 (details)

To convert part-time probate judges in Iron and Ontonagon counties to full-time status; and give the jurisdiction and authority of a district judge to these judges and to the probate judges in Alcona, Baraga, Benzie, Missaukee, Montmorency, 20 Oscoda, and Presque Isle. Also, to provide that the state would pay the full cost of ballot questions on creating probate districts, rather than half the cost.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 8, 2004

To concur with the House-passed version of the bill.

Passed in the Senate 35 to 0 (details)

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Dec. 27, 2004