Bill > SB0712

This bill modifies the qualifications and appointment process for district court magistrates in Michigan. Currently, magistrates must be registered voters in the district where they are appointed, but the bill changes this requirement to allow magistrates to either reside in the county they are appointed to or be employed by that county. The bill applies to different classes of districts (first, second, and third), and specifically addresses the thirty-sixth district, which may have up to 6 magistrates appointed by the chief judge. The legislation also provides more flexibility for magistrates to serve temporarily in other counties within the same district or adjoining districts under certain circumstances, such as when a magistrate is absent or incapacitated. Additionally, the bill standardizes language throughout the text, replacing terms like "shall" with "must" and "person" with "individual," and clarifies the approval processes for magistrate appointments by county boards of commissioners and district governing bodies.

Justice

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0712