New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08418

Introduced
6/9/25  

Caption

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

Impact

The introduction of these new judicial districts is likely to affect local governance and the judicial landscape significantly. The modifications to the judiciary law are intended to enhance judicial efficiency and ensure that the judicial system adequately serves the population within these newly defined districts. The transition will also require careful planning and implementation to ensure current justices and court employees are integrated into the new structure without disruption to court operations. Additionally, increasing the number of judicial districts may ultimately alleviate burdens on existing courts and lead to more timely adjudication of cases.

Summary

Bill S08418 proposes the creation of two new judicial districts in New York State, specifically the fourteenth and fifteenth judicial districts. The fourteenth district will be comprised of Onondaga County, while the fifteenth district will consist of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Livingston, Niagara, Orleans, Steuben, and Wyoming Counties. This reorganization is aimed at streamlining judicial administration and improving access to justice for residents in these counties. The proposed districts are set to be enacted officially in January 2027, with provisions for elections of justices to take place in November 2026.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the allocation of resources and the jurisdiction of the newly formed districts. Some stakeholders could raise concerns about whether the establishment of these new districts adequately addresses existing judicial gaps, or if it simply redistributes the burdens without resolving underlying systemic issues. The bill might also encounter scrutiny over the logistics involved in the transition of duties and responsibilities among justices. Stakeholders will need to ensure that the justice system remains effective and accessible for all residents in the impacted counties, and balance the expected benefits against any potential disruptions during the implementation phase.

Companion Bills

NY A08883

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

Previously Filed As

NY S09444

Creates the fourteenth judicial district consisting of the county of Erie and a supreme court library at Erie.

NY A10421

Creates the fourteenth judicial district consisting of the county of Erie and a supreme court library at Erie.

NY A10088

Establishes the fourteenth judicial district which shall consist of the counties of Putnam, Dutchess, Orange and Rockland.

NY S09397

Establishes the fourteenth judicial district which shall consist of the counties of Putnam, Dutchess, Orange and Rockland.

NY A10159

Enacts the "regents modernization act" to require the board of regents shall be at all times at least four times more than the number of the then existing judicial districts of the state and shall not be less than fifteen; makes related provisions.

NY S00350

Provides that for any legal challenge to the constitutionality of a provision of the election law, venue shall be brought in the following designated court in the judicial department within which at least one plaintiff is located: first judicial department: New York county; second judicial department: Westchester county; third judicial department: Albany county; and fourth judicial department: Erie county.

NY A05874

Provides that for any legal challenge to the constitutionality of a provision of the election law, venue shall be brought in the following designated court in the judicial department within which at least one plaintiff is located: first judicial department: New York county; second judicial department: Westchester county; third judicial department: Albany county; and fourth judicial department: Erie county.

NY S06019

Relates to the criminal sale of a controlled substance to a person less than fourteen years of age.

NY A06709

Relates to the criminal sale of a controlled substance to a person less than fourteen years of age.

NY S08619

Provides for temporary authorization of certain registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to practice at children's camps between June fifteenth and September fifteenth of each year.

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