Bryan County; State Court; provide for a chief judge and an associate judge

Bryan County court adds a second judge

The law gives Bryan County’s State Court one full-time chief judge and one part-time associate judge. The current judge becomes chief judge and finishes the current term. Later chief judges are elected at the general election before the term ends, serving four-year terms starting January 1 afterward. The chief judge manages the court’s budget, schedule, policies, rules, and standing orders. The Governor appoints the first associate judge for January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028. Voters elect a successor in 2028 for January 1, 2029, through December 31, 2032. Both judges remain in office until their successors are elected and qualified. Both have the existing judge’s powers, duties, authority, and legal protections, and must follow state qualification and discipline rules. The associate judge cannot practice law in this court. Pay is set by local act, and the county can add salary supplements. The chief judge receives legally required benefits, and the county treasury pays all costs of both positions. The law takes effect upon the Governor’s approval or becoming law without approval.