The bill amends Chapter 217 of the General Laws to improve the management and operation of probate registries, particularly focusing on the selection and appointment of first assistant registers and assistant registers across various counties. It establishes a structured appointment process, specifying the number of assistant registers allowed in each county with three-year terms, and requires approval from the chief justice of the probate and family court for these appointments. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the Essex, Franklin, and Norfolk probate courts to designate deputy assistant registers with powers equivalent to assistant registers, along with specific compensation adjustments based on the county register's salary.

Furthermore, the bill eliminates the positions of administrative deputy assistant registers and associate deputy registers, while allowing current employees in these roles to retain their positions until they are no longer designated. It also revises the compensation framework for deputy assistant registers, detailing additional salary percentages for those appointed in the Essex, Franklin, and Norfolk courts. The bill includes specific deletions and insertions, notably replacing previous sections 29K and 29L with new provisions that clarify the designation and compensation of deputy assistant registers, ensuring that current deputy assistant registers in Norfolk maintain their previous compensation until their designation ends.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 217-2