AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- FAMILY COURT

This bill expands the authority of family court magistrates to hear contested divorce cases, which directly impacts individuals navigating divorce proceedings in family court. Previously, these contested matters were typically handled by judges, but the legislation now allows magistrates to preside over them as well. The change aims to increase judicial capacity within the family court system by broadening the types of cases magistrates can manage. Once enacted, the law takes effect immediately without requiring the governor's signature.