MI SB1351

Reduces Court of Appeals judgeships from 7 to 6 judges per district, effective on a date determined under section 303a, with transition provisions based on incumbent judges and vacancies as of March 25, 2012.

Eliminates vacant judgeships first, then reduces judgeships as incumbents retire or do not seek reelection until each of the 4 districts reaches 6 judges.

Reorganizes Oakland County district courts: Creates 45th district (Huntington Woods, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak Township) with 2 judges effective July 1, 2012; abolishes 45th-b district with its judges transferring to 45th district.

Reduces 44th district (Royal Oak and Berkley) from 3 judges to 2 judges beginning January 3, 2015, and ultimately to 1 judge when additional vacancies occur or judges do not seek reelection.

Reduces 48th and 50th district judgeships: 48th district from 3 to 2 judges and 50th district from 4 to 3 judges based on future vacancies or retirements; modifies 52nd district fourth division from 3 to 2 judges effective January 1, 2013.

Changes 65th-a district (Clinton County) effective January 1, 2015 to have the probate judge serve as district judge instead of maintaining a separate judge position.