This bill amends the Revised Judicature Act of 1961 by updating the jurisdiction and responsibilities of probate judges in specific counties in Michigan. Notably, it adds the counties of Crawford and Iron to the list of counties where probate judges have the jurisdiction, powers, duties, and title of a district judge. Additionally, it introduces the county of Antrim as having a probate judge who will also serve as a district judge. The bill also modifies the structure of the eighty-sixth district court, establishing the eighty-sixth-A district in Antrim County and the eighty-sixth-B district encompassing Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties, while reducing the number of judges in the eighty-sixth-B district from three to two.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the process for creating new judicial districts and judgeships, requiring approval from district control units and stipulating that resolutions for new districts must be filed within specific timeframes. It clarifies that the creation of new districts does not impose additional financial obligations on the state beyond existing salary payments for judges. The bill also specifies that the reformation of certain judicial districts does not require district control unit approval, streamlining the process for judicial district changes. The amendments will take effect 12 months after the bill is enacted into law.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 600.810
House Introduced Bill: 600.810
As Passed by the House: 600.810