KENT COUNTY, Mich. — A new judge will be added to the 63rd District Court in Kent County following the signing of House Bill 4920. County officials say the additional judge will help with the increased caseload the county has been seeing.
According to officials, the county has seen 26,541 new case filings over the past five years. This places more strain on the 63rd District Court judges than other district or state courts.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the bill adding the new judge on Tuesday.
“Kent County residents deserve prompt judicial proceedings, and we’ve helped ensure that today. Allowing for an additional judge in the 63rd District Court will help those in need receive the justice they deserve in a timely manner,” said state Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming). "This bill will have a lasting, positive impact on the lives of Kent County residents, especially as we continue to see our county grow and be a desirable location in Michigan."
The new judge position was approved by the Kent County Board of Commissioners in October.
Officials are hoping the addition will help ease the strain, which they are calling "unsustainable."
“The addition of a new judge to the bench reflects our commitment to delivering a justice system that residents expect and deserve," said Chief Judge Jeffrey J. O’Hara. "This crucial step will ensure that cases are handled more efficiently and with the timeliness our community rightfully demands."
The new judge will be selected through an election. Filings will be accepted through April 23. The primary election is Aug. 6, and the general election is Nov. 5.
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