MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has signed a bill eliminating two Judicial Courts in Shelby County.
The Bill, House 2002/ Senate 2517, eliminates Criminal Court Division nine immediately, while Division seven of the Circuit Court would be eliminated on September 1, 2024.
The bill also creates an additional trial court in the 19 judicial district, which encompasses Montgomery and Robertson counties, in central Tennessee, north of Nashville.
All cases pending for both of the courts that would be eliminated are to 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 were in the minority who 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.