Authorizes the appointment of an additional acting village justice by villages

BILL NUMBER:S6312

Title of bill

An act to amend the village law, in relation to authorizing the appointment of an additional acting village justice by villages

Purpose

This bill would allow for in the event that a village has one justice, it may provide for an additional acting village justice if the village justice requests one, or if the justice or acting justice is absent or unable to serve.

Summary of provisions

Section one amends section 3-301 of the village law to allow a village that has one justice, may by unanimous resolution of its board of trustees, to authorize the appointment of a second acting village justice to serve when requested by the village justice or in the absence or inability of the village justice or acting village justice to serve.

Section two is the effective date.

Justification

Villages in New York are often lacking the appropriate number of justices which has resulted in overburdening existing justices with unworkable caseloads, delaying justice to residents who rely on the courts to resolve their disputes. By authorizing villages to provide for an additional acting village justice, it would ensure that village courts have the capacity to fairly and efficiently adjudicate cases.

Legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

None to the State.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.