Adds three additional family court judges to the county of Richmond; adds three additional judges to the civil court of the county of Richmond.
Summary
This bill increases the number of judges in two New York City courts. It amends the Family Court Act to raise the number of Family Court judges in New York City to 67 and requires that Richmond County (Staten Island) have at least three resident Family Court judges. It also amends the New York City Civil Court Act to add three additional Civil Court judges elected from Richmond County, alongside the existing additional judges allocated to New York, Bronx, Kings, and Queens counties.
The bill is structured to take effect immediately, but the new judicial positions would be filled at the November 4, 2025 election, with terms beginning January 1, 2026. The measure also specifies that these positions are to be elected countywide within New York City and filled under existing party and independent nomination rules. In practical terms, the bill would expand judicial capacity in Family Court and Civil Court, with a particular focus on increasing representation for Richmond County.
Impact
The bill would amend two state statutes: section 121 of the Family Court Act and subdivision 2-b of section 102-a of the New York City Civil Court Act. It would increase the authorized number of Family Court judges in New York City and expand the number of Civil Court judges, while creating a specific residency and allocation requirement for Richmond County. The change would affect judicial elections, court administration, and the distribution of judges across New York City counties, especially Staten Island.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears neutral and administrative rather than controversial. The measure is framed as a court-capacity and local representation adjustment, suggesting a practical intent to address judicial workload and county representation. No opposition or support was documented in the provided context.
Contention
The main point of contention implied by the bill is the redistribution of judicial seats, particularly the addition of three Richmond County judges and the requirement that Richmond County have at least three resident Family Court judges. This could raise questions about county-by-county allocation, fairness among New York City boroughs, and whether the added judges are needed based on caseloads. However, no explicit objections, amendments, or competing viewpoints were included in the provided transcripts or voting history.
Same As
Adds three additional family court judges to the county of Richmond; adds three additional judges to the civil court of the county of Richmond.
Increases the number of family court judges in the city of New York to seventy-two; provides for two additional family court judges for each of Westchester and Rockland counties and an additional family court judge for each of Erie and Niagara counties.
Increases the number of family court judges in the city of New York to seventy-two; provides for two additional family court judges for each of Westchester and Rockland counties and an additional family court judge for each of Erie and Niagara counties.