Circuit courts in Muskegon and Ottawa counties will soon benefit from a plan that was led in the Michigan House by Rep. Greg VanWoerkom.

Legislation signed this week by Gov. Whitmer will allow the 14th Circuit Court – which covers Muskegon County – to add a judge effective Jan. 1, 2023. The new law also allows an additional judge in the 20^th Circuit Court, which covers Ottawa County.

The changes are contained in Senate Bill 694, sponsored by Sen. Jon Bumstead, which becomes Public Act 8 of 2022. The legislation was approved with unanimous bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. The law includes provisions that mirror House Bill 5428, which is sponsored by VanWoerkom.

VanWoerkom championed the House’s efforts to add judges for the region, supported by testimony from Judge Gregory Pittman, chief judge of the 14^th Circuit Court and Muskegon County Probate Court, and Muskegon County Circuit Court Administrator Sandra Vanderhyde.

“This is an excellent example of working together to meet a growing need in our community,” said VanWoerkom, of Norton Shores. “Additional judges will be a huge help in both Muskegon and Ottawa counties, making the court system more effective and efficient.”

The additional judges were recommended by the State Court Administrative Office, which reviews the judicial needs of the state every two years. The review looks at population trends, the type and number of cases handled by specific courts, and related data.

Circuit courts handle a wide variety of criminal, civil and family-related cases. An additional judge in each county could help handle a rise in probate cases necessitated by a growing and aging population. It also will help handle specialty court cases and criminal cases.

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