This bill amends the Revised Judicature Act of 1961 by updating the jurisdiction and responsibilities of probate judges in several counties, specifically adding the counties of Arenac, Crawford, and Iron to the list of counties where probate judges will also serve as district judges. Additionally, it introduces the county of Antrim as a new district court, known as the ninety-ninth district, where the probate judge will serve as the district judge. The bill also modifies the structure of the eighty-sixth district court, confirming that the current judges will remain in their positions while reducing the number of judges from three to two upon the occurrence of a vacancy.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the process for creating new judicial districts and judgeships, requiring approval from district control units and specifying the conditions under which such approvals are valid. It clarifies that the creation of the ninety-ninth judicial district does not require district control unit approval, streamlining the establishment of this new court. The amendments will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 600.810