New York Assembly Bill A08883

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/9/25
• Refer: 6/9/25
• Report Pass: 6/12/25
• Refer: 6/12/25
• Engrossed: 6/12/25

Caption

Provides that in the fourth judicial department, two new districts, fourteen and fifteen are added; makes related provisions.

Impact

The proposed changes will reassign current justices to the newly established districts, ensuring a smooth transition for legal proceedings. The bill stipulates that specific justices will serve in these new districts based on their existing terms, thereby maintaining continuity in judicial services. This reorganization is intended to enhance the efficiency of court operations, allowing for more localized administration and potentially reducing case backlogs in the affected areas.

Summary

Bill A08883 proposes the creation of two new judicial districts within the fourth judicial department of New York. Specifically, it seeks to establish the fourteenth judicial district, which will encompass Onondaga County, and the fifteenth judicial district, which will include Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Livingston, Niagara, Orleans, Steuben, and Wyoming counties. This initiative aims to reorganize the existing judicial structure to better accommodate the growing needs of the court system in these regions.

Contention

The bill may face scrutiny regarding its implications for judicial resources and staffing. Some concerns have been raised about whether the creation of these new districts will effectively meet the demands placed on the judicial system or if it could potentially spread resources too thin, particularly in terms of judicial personnel and financial support. Additionally, stakeholders might debate the appropriateness of such divisions and whether they adequately represent the populations and legal needs of the counties involved.