Fri, June 5, 2026 at 9:59 PM UTC
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Lawmakers passed a bill for the second time Friday that would potentially make Erie County its own judicial district.
The bill was initially introduced but not passed into law last year by Assemblyman Jon Rivera, who said it would provide better representation for rural counties.
Opponents called the proposal a power grab by majority Democrats.
Governor Kathy Hochul neither signed nor vetoed the initial bill, an action known as a “pocket veto.”
If passed, the bill would also break out Monroe County and Onondaga County as their own judicial districts.
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Rachel Ross is a digital producer who joined WIVB in May 2026. Read more of her work at this link.
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