House Bill 4749, introduced by Representative Roth, would change how district and probate services are provided to Antrim County to improve local access to courts and court-administered services. The committee heard sponsor remarks and extended testimony from Judge Stacy Truesdale, who described geographic barriers and service issues that make it difficult for residents to access courts located in Traverse City.

Judge Truesdale told the committee the proposal was developed in consultation with court administrators, judges who serve the three-county district (Antrim, Leelanau, Grand Traverse), county commissioners and SCALE (court administrative body). She said the change would allow Antrim County residents to receive services within their county, reduce travel burdens for defendants and witnesses, and improve turnaround times for filings and communications. Testimony acknowledged the county may incur additional local costs, but county commissioners and court administrators support the change.

Committee members asked about implementation timing; Judge Truesdale said SCALE requested a one-year implementation window from the date of signing to allow operational and budget planning. The committee read stakeholder cards from the Michigan Association of Counties and SCALE in support. No roll-call vote to report the bill was recorded in the transcript during this hearing segment; testimony was taken and the bill was discussed for the record.