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Subcommittee approves creation of a 33rd Judicial District; referral sent to full judiciary
Summary
On March 23, 2026 the subcommittee voted unanimously to send House Bill 2501 to the full judiciary committee after adopting an amendment. The sponsor said the bill would split the 15th Judicial District and create a 33rd Judicial District effective 09/01/2030.
The Civil Justice Subcommittee voted on March 23, 2026 to send House Bill 2501, as amended, to the full judiciary committee (clerk reported 7 ayes, 0 nos). Members adopted an amendment during the subcommittee consideration before the referral.
Chairman Farmer, the bill sponsor, explained the measure would split the current 15th Judicial District and create a new 33rd Judicial District composed of Jackson, Macon, Smith and "Troublesdale" Counties, leaving Wilson County as a stand-alone county within the 15th Judicial District. He said the change would not take effect until Sept. 1, 2030, noting that sitting judges and public defenders could not be altered during their current terms.
When asked whether the bill merely realigned boundaries or added a new district, Chairman Farmer replied, "This would be adding an additional judicial district within the state." The committee then voted to refer the bill to the full judiciary committee. The clerk recorded 7 ayes and 0 nos.
Next steps: House Bill 2501 will be considered by the full judiciary committee; the sponsor indicated the effective date is Sept. 1, 2030, and that personnel changes are contingent on term expirations.
