SB 203 - Henry County Courts

• Establishes a unified Henry circuit court with three judges by combining the current circuit court judge and two superior court judges, effective July 1, 2011.

• Designates the three divisions as Henry circuit court No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3, with dockets for small claims, misdemeanor, criminal, juvenile, civil, and probate matters.

• Requires the three circuit court judges to select a presiding judge from among themselves who shall submit annual budgets, ensure efficient court operations, and make required judicial appointments.

• Transfers all cases and matters pending in the Henry superior courts as of June 30, 2011, to the Henry circuit court on July 1, 2011, treating transferred cases as if originally filed in circuit court.

• Abolishes the Henry superior courts effective July 1, 2011, and repeals provisions establishing and operating the superior court, with superior court judges entitled to serve on the unified circuit court through expiration of their existing terms.