Breen Celebrates Next Step in Stable, Fair Court Funding

Passage of bipartisan bills will avert fiscal cliff for judiciary

LANSING, Mich., April 18, 2024 — State Rep. Kelly Breen (D-Novi), chair of the House Judiciary Committee, applauded the passage of House Bills 5534 and 5392, which combine to extend the current funding system for local trial courts and require state officials to develop recommendations for a more just and stable source of revenue.

“It was wrong of us to balance the budget of the court system on the backs of defendants, too many of whom are already struggling to get by,” Breen said. “I’m proud to play a role in creating recommendations for a new system that will alleviate the burden on defendants and enable Michigan trial courts to continue operating.”

The funding structure for local courts has an expiration date of May 1, upon which the courts would essentially come to a standstill. HB 5392, sponsored by state Rep. Sarah Lightner (R-Springport), extends the expiration date to Dec. 31, 2026. Breen’s HB 5534 requires the State Court Administrative Office to develop plans for a new funding structure, which legislators would be required to enact before they take effect.

“This sunset has been extended numerous times. Instead of once again kicking the can down the road, we’re laying the groundwork for a permanent, stable and just solution for the Michigan court system,” Breen said. “I want to thank my Republican co-sponsor and all the members of the House who voted for this sensible, long overdue step in making our judicial system work better for the people of our state.”