Senate Bill 166 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 16-2-506(28)(A), to establish an additional circuit court in the twenty-eighth judicial district, effective September 1, 2025. The bill stipulates that the governor will appoint a judge to serve in this new circuit court until September 1, 2026, or until a successor is elected and qualified. The election for this position will take place during the August 2026 general election, where voters will elect a judge to serve until September 1, 2030. Following this initial term, judges for the newly created circuit court will be elected for full eight-year terms.

The bill emphasizes the importance of timely judicial appointments and elections to ensure the effective functioning of the judicial system in the twenty-eighth judicial district. It is designed to enhance judicial capacity in the area, reflecting the growing needs of the community. The act will take effect upon becoming law, prioritizing public welfare.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-2-506(28)(A), 16-2-506