Bill > SB226

This bill modifies Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 51.020 to remove existing restrictions on the establishment of justice of the peace districts within counties. Currently, the law prohibits creating a justice of the peace district that includes portions of the county seat or cities where circuit courts regularly hold court, with some exceptions for smaller counties. The bill eliminates these geographical limitations, allowing county courts or boards of county commissioners more flexibility in defining justice of the peace districts. Previously, counties were limited to no more than six justice of the peace districts, and there were specific rules about which cities could or could not be included in these districts. The bill maintains the existing provision that allows counties to require justices of the peace to be members of the Oregon State Bar. This change effectively gives local jurisdictions greater discretion in organizing their justice of the peace districts, potentially improving judicial resource allocation and accessibility across different parts of a county.

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https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB226