Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has officially signed Senate Bill 158 into law last week, paving the way for a second judge to serve in the Adams County Court of Common Pleas. Sponsored by State Senator Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland), the bill received strong support from the Ohio General Assembly and addresses long-standing concerns about the county’s single-judge system.
Under the new arrangement, the second Common Pleas Judge and the current judge, Brett M Spencer, will share jurisdiction equally over all jurisdictions after the new Judge is elected in 2026. Starting February 9, 2029, the two judgeships will be distinctly divided into their respective domains: one for probate and juvenile cases, and the other for criminal and civil matters.
The cost of the additional judgeship is minimal for Adams County. According to the Ohio Legislative Services Commission, the state will cover most expenses, including an annual judicial salary of $169,575 beginning in 2027. The county’s share, based on census data, amounts to $4,946 annually.
“I am grateful for my colleagues’ support of this critical legislation and my friend Mike DeWine for signing the bill,” said State Representative Jean Schmidt. “I am confident that by adding another judge to the Adams County common pleas court, we will ensure our children receive the care and protection they deserve.” Schmidt also reminded the House Committee that heard the legislation last year that residents had traveled to Washington over a decade ago, during her time in Congress, to advocate for an additional judge. At the time, she explained to the group of Adams County constituents that the decision rested with the Ohio General Assembly, not Congress.
The Adams County Republican Party, which supported the addition of the judge, issued a statement: “Thanks to leaders in the Ohio General Assembly for realizing that Adams County truly needed an additional judge. We especially want to thank Representatives Pizzulli and Schmidt for fighting for our citizens from the start of this process and thanks to Senator Terry Johnson for his support in the Ohio Senate. We applaud the Governor for signing this measure.
“Additionally, we want to thank Democrats for their support on this as well. This measure passed 84-5 in the House of Representatives and 25-4 in the Ohio Senate.
The bipartisan nature of this vote sends a clear message that this bill was never about politics—it was about people, and most importantly, the children of Adams County. Now, the voters of Adams County will choose who their second Common Pleas Judge will be in the upcoming midterm election. To the families and children of Adams County, we have a message for you: help is on the way.”
Adams County is currently one of the few counties in Ohio operating with just one Common Pleas Judge, a limitation that has led to significant delays in hearings and case resolutions. The introduction of a second judge is expected to greatly improve the court’s efficiency, reducing wait times and ensuring more timely case management for families and individuals.
With this development, Adams County residents can look forward to enhanced access to justice and a more streamlined court system. The signing of Senate Bill 158 represents a milestone in addressing the county’s judicial needs, promising lasting benefits for the community. Adams County voters will have the opportunity to elect their second Common Pleas Judge during the upcoming midterm elections.
