Reps. Fahrbach, Ferrari, Sen. Kissel: Legislature Approves Consolidation Of Suffield, East Granby Probate Courts

State Representatives Ruth C. Fahrbach, R-61st District, Richard F. Ferrari, R-62nd District, and State Senator John A. Kissel, R-7, today announced that both chambers of the General Assembly have approved legislation to consolidate the probate courts of Suffield and East Granby. Senate Bill 152, An Act Establishing The Suffield-East Granby Probate District now goes to Governor M. Jodi Rell who is expected to sign the bill as soon as it reaches her desk.

The Boards of Selectman of Suffield and East Granby have publicly supported SB 152. The Legislature’s Program Review and Investigations Committee also recently issued a report recommending the state encourage communities to merge probate courts when possible.

“Efforts to mandate the establishment of consolidated probate districts have been rejected by many municipalities particularly by smaller and rural towns like Suffield and East Granby,” said Rep. Fahrbach. “This voluntary consolidation is evidence of how state and local government can work well together and I’m pleased our towns have responded positively in support of this new probate court district.”

“The communities of East Granby and Suffield are a good fit for this new probate district. Merging the existing facilities and creating a new consolidated district will enable the court to make improvements that will result in a more streamlined operation,” said Rep. Ferrari, who co-sponsored the legislation.

“Local leaders from both communities have reviewed this proposal and have agreed that the consolidation of the probate courts will be beneficial to each town,” said Sen. Kissel, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee. “Through their cooperation and the cooperation of the legislature’s Judiciary Committee we were able to move this matter forward in an efficient manner.”