Establishes the fourteenth judicial district which shall consist of the counties of Putnam, Dutchess, Orange and Rockland.
Summary
This bill amends the Judiciary Law to create a new Fourteenth Judicial District in New York State, consisting of Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, and Rockland counties. It also revises the composition of the Ninth Judicial District so that it would consist only of Westchester County. The bill updates related provisions governing the state’s judicial departments and the number of Supreme Court justices assigned to each district.
The bill further reallocates existing Supreme Court justices between the reconstituted Ninth Judicial District and the new Fourteenth Judicial District, specifying which named justices would serve in each district for the remainder of their terms. It includes a savings clause preserving the act’s remaining provisions if any part is found invalid, and it sets an effective date of January 1, 2026.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would change New York’s judicial district map and alter the statutory allocation of Supreme Court justices by district. It would reduce the Ninth Judicial District from five counties to one county and create a separate Fourteenth Judicial District for the four Hudson Valley counties currently grouped with Westchester. The measure would affect court administration, judicial assignments, and the statutory framework governing the organization of the state Supreme Court in those counties.
Sentiment
The available record shows the bill was introduced and referred to the Judiciary Committee, but there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided. As a result, there is no documented public debate or formal vote history in the supplied materials to indicate support or opposition. Based on the text alone, the bill appears to be a structural court-organization measure rather than a policy dispute bill.
Contention
The main substantive issue is the proposed redrawing of judicial district boundaries, especially the separation of Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, and Rockland from Westchester County. Potential points of contention include whether the new district is necessary, how it would affect judicial workload and representation, and how existing judges and court employees would be reassigned. The bill expressly protects the rights, privileges, and compensation of current officers and employees, suggesting that transition and staffing effects may be a concern even if no opposition is documented in the provided materials.
Relates to the metropolitan transit authority; provides that the members from the counties of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Rockland shall each cast one vote apiece, instead of one collective vote.
Directs the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority to implement a toll discount plan for residents of Orange, Rockland, Dutchess and Putnam counties who commute to work in the city of New York while the central business district tolling program is in effect; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.
Grants each of the representatives of the counties of Dutchess, Putnam, Orange and Rockland a vote during the proceedings of the metropolitan transportation authority.
Grants each of the representatives of the counties of Dutchess, Putnam, Orange and Rockland a vote during the proceedings of the metropolitan transportation authority.
Grants each of the representatives of the counties of Dutchess, Putnam, Orange and Rockland a vote during the proceedings of the metropolitan transportation authority.
Relating to the authority of the Wood County Central Hospital District of Wood County, Texas, to provide brain and memory care services to residents of the hospital district through the creation and operation of brain and memory health care services districts.