LANSING, Mich. — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jon Bumstead to restructure the judicial districts within Newaygo, Lake, Mason, and Oceana counties is heading to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after the Senate finalized the bill Tuesday.
“I worked closely with local judges and court administrators to restructure the courts in Newaygo, Lake, Mason, and Oceana counties so that we can both improve judges’ workloads and help ensure the best access to justice for West Michigan residents while maintaining efficiency,” said Bumstead, R-Newaygo. “I appreciate the support of my colleagues in approving the bill and am hopeful Gov. Whitmer will sign it into law soon.”
Currently, Newaygo and Oceana counties share the same judicial courts, and Mason and Lake counties share the same courts. Under the legislation, the judicial courts will be restructured so Newaygo and Lake counties will share their courts, and Mason and Oceana counties will share judicial courts.
Every two years the State Court Administrative Office releases a Judicial Resource Recommendations report based on its review of the needs of the Michigan judiciary. The 2019 report identified issues with the judicial districts of Newaygo, Lake, Mason, and Oceana counties.
Senate Bill 654 now goes to the governor for consideration.
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