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Lawmakers OK Bill Trimming Court Sizes

LANSING (AP) - Michigan lawmakers have approved legislation that will allow for reducing the number of judgeships in the state through attrition.

An estimated 45 judgeships on district and circuit courts would be eliminated through the legislation approved Thursday. The bill comes after staffing recommendations made earlier this year by the State Court Administrative Office.

The reduced judge count would come in many areas of the state.

The bill passed by a 101-4 vote in the House and a 33-5 vote in the Senate. Gov. Rick Snyder would have to sign the measure for it to become law.

Lawmakers still haven't decided whether to change the number of judges on the Michigan Court of Appeals.

© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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