HB 5539 Summary

• Modifies Supreme Court term scheduling to post specific dates on the Judicial Branch website rather than automatically convening on the first Tuesday of each month, and allows special sessions to be held as needed.

• Changes Supreme Court panel composition from a "full court" to a five or seven-judge panel and removes provisions allowing the Chief Court Administrator to participate in constituting a full court.

• Requires that when the Supreme Court is evenly divided, the case must be reconsidered with an odd number of judges who can review electronic recordings or transcripts of prior oral arguments.

• Expands the Court Support Services Division's role in behavioral health partnerships and victim services, and designates family relations counselors employed by the Judicial Department as mandated reporters of child abuse or neglect.

• Grants the Chief Justice and Chief Court Administrator authority to take necessary actions during major disasters, emergencies, or public health emergencies to ensure continued court operations and essential judicial business.