51^ST DISTRICT JUDGESHIP REDUCTION                                                             S.B. 728:

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 728 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Senator Dave Robertson

Committee:  Judiciary

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Revised Judicature Act to eliminate one judgeship in the 51^st judicial district. The 51^st district consists of Waterford Township in Oakland County and currently has two judges.

MCL 600.8123                                                         Legislative Analyst:  Patrick Affholter

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have a positive fiscal impact on the State and local units of government. According to the State Court Administrative Office, each district court judgeship has a cost to the State of $157,303, which includes salary, retirement contributions up to 7%, and the employer share of FICA taxes (OASI and Medicare). The local court system pays for the remaining judgeship costs, including fringe benefits (health care and additional staff), facility costs, and overhead. The costs for local district courts differ by location, but to the extent that the court could reduce staff or equipment costs, it would realize savings.

Date Completed:  2-9-16                                                      Fiscal Analyst:  Ryan Bergan

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.