SB 712 Michigan Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Courts: district court; magistrate qualifications; modify. Amends secs. 8501 & 8507 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.8501 & 600.8507).

SB 712 updates qualifications for district court magistrates in Michigan by replacing the requirement that magistrates must be "registered electors" in their district with a new rule requiring them to either reside in or be employed by the appointing county (or an adjoining district under specific plans). This change applies to all magistrates except those in the thirty-sixth district, which maintains its existing limits. The bill does not alter appointment procedures (still requiring judge appointment and county approval) or magistrate duties, only the eligibility criteria. It focuses on ensuring magistrates have a local connection to the county they serve.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Nov 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Nov 13, 2025 Last action Jun 24, 2026

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What changed between versions

Senate Introduced Bill → Substitute (S-2) · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends the Revised Judicature Act to clarify how district court magistrates are appointed and qualified across different types of Michigan counties. The changes update eligibility rules to ensure magistrates are registered electors or residents of the specific districts they serve, define what constitutes an 'adjoining district,' and establish a strict cap of six magistrates for the thirty-sixth district.

Scope change

The bill expands the applicability of magistrate appointment rules to include specific definitions for 'adjoining districts' and clarifies the requirements for magistrates serving in multi-county districts and the thirty-sixth district.

ELIGIBILITY

Updated eligibility requirements for magistrates in third-class districts to require them to be registered electors in the district or an adjoining district, with a specific definition for 'adjoining district' added.

REQUIREMENT

Revised the appointment process for magistrates in counties with fewer than two district judges to require judge recommendation and county board approval before assuming duties.

Modified the rules for the thirty-sixth district to explicitly limit the number of magistrates to six and clarify the chief judge's authority to appoint successors.

Updated Section 8507 to clarify that magistrates must be registered electors in the county where they are appointed and must take an oath and file a bond before assuming office.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'adjoining district' to clarify that it includes districts sharing a border or those involved in a concurrent jurisdiction plan.

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Full legislative history

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Key actions

Committee

Jun 24, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE WITH SUBSTITUTE (S-2)

upper

Jun 23, 2026

Upper · Passed

REPORTED FAVORABLY WITH SUBSTITUTE (S-2) 6/18/2026

upper

Nov 13, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CIVIL RIGHTS, JUDICIARY, AND PUBLIC SAFETY

upper

Nov 13, 2025

Introduced

INTRODUCED BY SENATOR MICHELE HOITENGA

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors