MEMPHIS, Tenn. — On Wednesday, the Tennessee Senate passed a bill that, if approved by the governor, will eliminate two Judicial Courts in Shelby County. Criminal Court Division nine would be eliminated immediately, while Division seven of the Circuit Court would be eliminated on September of this year.
The Bill House 2002/ Senate 2517 passed in the House on Monday. Now that it was also approved in the Senate, it is headed to Governor Bill Lee desk to be signed or vetoed.
If signed, the bill would create an additional trial court in the 19 judicial district, which encompasses Montgomery and Robertson counties, in central Tennessee, north of Nashville.
But the bill would also eliminate part seven of the circuit court in Shelby County.
Both of this measures would go into effect on September 1 of 2024.
Lastly, the bill would eliminate part nine of Shelby County's criminal court. It would go into effect as soon as the bill is approved.
All cases pending for both of the courts that would be eliminated would be transferred to other courts within Shelby County.
This bill was controversial in Memphis.
On April 9, the Memphis City Council scheduled a resolution in opposition to the bill due to safety risks and concerns "for the swift administration of justice."
State Senators London Lamar and Brent Taylor both where in the minority that voted against the bill.
Overall, 22 senators voted in favor, while nine senators voted against.
The bill would increase state expenditures by $346,200 for the fiscal year of 2024-2025.