67TH DISTRICT COURT:  CITY OF FENTON

Senate Bill 471 (S-3) as passed by the Senate

Sponsor:  Sen. Dave Robertson

House Committee:  Judiciary

Senate Committee:  Judiciary

Complete to 2-8-16

SUMMARY:

Senate Bill 471 would amend the Revised Judicature Act (MCL 600.8134) to clarify that the fourth division of the 67^th Judicial District includes the City of Fenton.

The City of Fenton, which is in Genesee County, annexed just under 10 acres of land located in Oakland County in 2004.  Since that time, some housing has been developed on the annexed parcel, with the potential for more.  This has reportedly created uncertainty as to which judicial district has jurisdiction over matters in the Oakland County parcels annexed to the City of Fenton, and in which judicial election the residents of the annexed parcels may vote.

Currently, the 67^th Judicial District consists of Genesee County, except for the City of Flint.  The district is divided into four election districts.  The fourth division consists of the cities of Fenton, Grand Blanc, and Swartz Creek and the townships of Fenton, Argentine, Grand Blanc, Mundy, Gaines, and Clayton. 

Public Act 60 of 2014 allows the governing bodies of Genesee County and the City of Flint to approve by resolutions the consolidation of the 67^th district and the 68^th district (which consists of the City of Flint).  If the consolidation is approved, the 68^th district will be abolished and the 67^th district will consist of Genesee County and be divided into five election divisions.  As with the current 67^th district, the fourth division will consist of the Cities of Fenton, Grand Blanc, and Swartz Creek and the townships of Argentine, Clayton, Fenton, Gaines, Grand Blanc, and Mundy.  The fifth division will consist of Flint.

Under Senate Bill 471, the fourth division of the 67^th district, either as it exists currently or as it may be consolidated with the current 68^th district, would include the City of Fenton, which is located in both Genesee County and Oakland County. 

 FISCAL IMPACT:

SB 471 would have no fiscal impact on the state or on local units of government.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Robin Risko

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.