SB 2333

Present law establishes an advisory task force to review the composition of Tennessee's current judicial districts. By no later than January 1, 2027, the task force must complete its findings and publish a proposed statewide judicial redistricting plan. On or before December 31, 2027, following submission of the proposed redistricting plan, it is the duty of the general assembly to (i) r eapportion the judicial districts codified in Tennessee Code Annotated to provide reasonable and timely access to Tenne ssee's circuit, chancery, and criminal courts and (ii) p romote the efficient utilization of publicly funded resources allocated for the courts. If the legislature fails to pass legislation as described above , then present law requires the funding for each judicial district that has a disproportionately high number of judges, as determined by the comptroller of the treasury, to be reduced by 10% during the subsequent fiscal year . However, such provision is subject to appropriations in the general appropriations act. The comptroller of the treasury must determine which judicial districts have a disproportionately high number of judges based on the most recent census data and weighted caseload report and provide the determination to the finance, ways and means committees of the house of representatives and senate. This bill removes the requirements described in this paragraph.