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Legislation introduced in both houses June 1 would establish an additional circuit court branch in the counties as of Aug. 1, 2010, said State Rep. Terry Musser, R-Melrose.
A recent study of the Wisconsin judicial system by a national firm concluded the state needs almost 18 more full-time judicial officers.
One of the biggest needs was Monroe County, which already has two circuit court judges.
The 18-month Judicial Needs Assessment Study showed Monroe County could use another 1.6 positions — the fourth-largest need in the state, behind Rock County at 2.1, Kenosha County at 2.0 and Milwaukee County at 1.7.
Musser said the proposed legislation would add additional circuit court judgeships to Monroe, Juneau, Barron, Chippewa, Dodge and St. Croix counties.
Musser explained that the Committee of Chief Judges examined the 2006 calendar year filing data and determined the ranking of counties with the greatest need. The primary factor in determining need was the workload per judge.
Musser said he will support the bill if it makes it to the Assembly floor for a vote.
Musser said the state must have the judges and personnel to handle the court demand.
No judgeships have been created in Wisconsin since August 2000, Musser said.
Although the proposal has a long road before it is passed, the Monroe County Board has already passed a resolution in support of establishing a new circuit court branch.
Since the counties would be responsible for paying expenses for courtrooms, court personnel and supplies, Musser said, it is vital to have county support.
The bills have been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Corrections and the Assembly Committee on Corrections and Courts.
