A8883

The Senate passed Assembly Bill 8883, which restructures judicial districts in Western New York to create separate districts for Erie County, Onondaga County, and Monroe County, on a 38-21 party-line vote. Sponsor Sen. Gianaris argued the measure addresses severe underrepresentation of judges of color in the Fourth Department, where only 2 of 67 judges are Black and none are Asian or Hispanic, despite significant populations of color in the region. The bill takes effect in 2026 and will result in two additional Regents appointed from Western New York, since Regents are apportioned by judicial district. Opponents, led by Sen. Palumbo and Sen. Walczyk, contended the bill was politically motivated and rushed through with minimal public input, with the Unified Court System and Onondaga County Bar Association both urging deferral to the next session. Sen. Palumbo argued the redistricting amounts to gerrymandering that denies residents adequate representation, noting Erie County will gain three extra judges despite having fewer residents than other districts. Supporters including Sen. Bailey, an attorney of color, emphasized the importance of judicial diversity, arguing that young lawyers and people of color deserve the opportunity to appear before judges who reflect their communities. The bill was introduced Monday and voted on Thursday, meeting the three-day aging requirement on the final day of the legislative session.