SB 1283 would reorganize the Arizona Court of Appeals by eliminating Division Two as a separate division and converting the court into a single appellate court structure for administrative purposes. The bill amends several statutes governing the court’s composition, judicial qualifications, election/retention structure, and the duties of the chief judge, while preserving the ability for appellate judges to sit in different matters and transfer cases between divisions to balance caseloads. It also includes a transition provision allowing current Division Two judges to remain in office until their normal terms expire.
The bill further directs that any unexpended and unencumbered monies designated for Division Two be transferred for use by the reorganized court of appeals, and it instructs legislative staff to prepare conforming legislation for the next session. In effect, the measure would change the statutory framework for Arizona’s intermediate appellate court, but it does not immediately remove sitting judges or disrupt ongoing terms; instead, it phases the change in through administrative and funding reallocation provisions.
Impact
If enacted, SB 1283 would amend Arizona Revised Statutes sections 12-120, 12-120.01, 12-120.02, and 12-120.04 to eliminate the statutory distinction between Court of Appeals Division One and Division Two and to revise related provisions on judge residency, retention elections, and chief judge administration. It would also transfer remaining Division Two funds to the reorganized court of appeals and require future conforming legislation. The bill affects the structure and administration of the appellate judiciary, court funding, and the election/retention framework for appellate judges, while allowing current Division Two judges to serve out their terms.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill has generated some support but not broad consensus. It passed the Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee by a narrow 4-3 vote, indicating a divided committee, and then advanced through the Senate Rules Committee with a procedural favorable action. With no committee transcripts provided, the overall sentiment can only be inferred from the close committee vote: the proposal appears to be controversial or at least subject to significant scrutiny among legislators.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be the elimination of Division Two of the Court of Appeals and the associated restructuring of judicial representation and administration. Opponents may be concerned about reducing regional identity or altering the current balance of appellate judges between the Phoenix- and Tucson-based divisions, while supporters likely view the change as a way to streamline operations and better allocate judicial resources. The narrow Judiciary and Elections Committee vote suggests disagreement over whether the reorganization improves efficiency enough to justify changing the long-standing appellate court structure.