Subcommittee approves bill to add judicial district; sends measure to full Judiciary Committee

The Tennessee House Civil Justice Subcommittee on March 23 voted to refer House Bill 2501, as amended, to the full Judiciary Committee after adopting amendment drafting code 16290.

Chairman Farmer explained that the bill would split the current 15th Judicial District and create a new judicial district composed of Jackson, Macon, Smith and Trousdale counties, while leaving Wilson County as a standalone county within the 15th Judicial District. Farmer told the subcommittee the changes would not take effect until Sept. 1, 2030, because sitting state court judges and public defenders remain in office for their current terms.

The chair recognized Representative Johnson, who asked whether the proposal simply realigns districts or adds one. Chairman Farmer replied, “This would be adding an additional judicial district within the state.” The amendment (16290) was adopted by voice vote and, with no objections recorded, the clerk reported 7 ayes and 0 nos; the subcommittee sent House Bill 2501, as amended, to the full Judiciary Committee.

The transcript did not include additional detail about how judicial assignments, budget impacts or court staffing would be handled; those specifics were not provided on the record.