New York Assembly Bill A09391

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/19/25
• Refer: 12/19/25

Caption

Relates to the residence of the part-time judge of the city court of Tonawanda; authorizes the part-time judge of the Tonawanda city court to reside anywhere in Erie county or Niagara county provided such part-time judge's term of office commenced during the two thousand twenty-six calendar year.

Impact

The primary impact of A09391 is on local governance and the judicial system in Tonawanda. By allowing judges to reside in a broader area, it acknowledges the need for flexibility in the appointment of judges, which could lead to a more diverse pool of candidates. Ultimately, this bill seeks to address practical challenges that judges may face, potentially improving the overall efficiency of the city's judicial system.

Summary

Bill A09391 proposes amendments to the Uniform City Court Act, specifically regarding the residency requirements for part-time judges of the Tonawanda City Court. Under this bill, the part-time judge can reside anywhere within Erie or Niagara counties, provided that their term of office began during the calendar year 2026. This change aims to provide greater flexibility in residency for judges, potentially making the position more accessible to qualified candidates who may not reside exclusively in Tonawanda.

Contention

While supporters argue that this change will enhance the selection process for part-time judges, there may be concerns regarding the implications of such a shift in residency requirements. Detractors could argue that this could dilute the community representation of judges, as they may not be fully vested in the localities they are serving. Thus, while intended to modernize the appointment process, A09391 may generate discussions about community ties and representation in the judicial system.