MA H1673

Requires chief justice approval for registers of probate to appoint, manage, and remove first assistant registers and assistant registers, who serve 3-year terms across all 14 Massachusetts counties.

Eliminates administrative deputy assistant register positions, though current holders may continue serving at the pleasure of their county's register of probate with no official judicial duties.

Establishes assistant judicial case manager positions by county, ranging from 1 (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire) to 8 (Middlesex), appointed by first justices with chief justice approval.

Creates tiered deputy assistant register compensation: 10% of the county register's annual salary for senior positions and 5% for junior positions, with grandfathered employees retaining 15% compensation.

Authorizes county-specific deputy assistant register allocations, from 2 positions (Dukes, Nantucket) to 9 positions (Middlesex), all requiring chief justice approval for designation and removal.