FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 2407

                         C 165 L 00

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Authorizing judges pro tempore whenever a judge serves on a commission, board, or committee.

Sponsors:  Representatives Lantz, Esser and Haigh; by request of Board for Judicial Administration.

House Committee on Judiciary

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Background:

The courts of the state are authorized to appoint judges pro tempore to temporarily serve in the absence of a regular judge, or if necessary for the administration of justice or to deal with an excess caseload.  Judges pro tempore are usually attorneys or retired judges.  Compensation for judges pro tempore appointed for the supreme court, court of  appeals, and superior court is established in statute.  Compensation for district and municipal court judges pro tempore is determined by the local legislative authority.

A district court is specifically authorized to appoint a judge pro tempore while a regular judge is serving on a judicial commission established by the Legislature or the chief justice of the supreme court.  Each district court judge is authorized up to 15 days for service on such commissions without reduction in salary.

Summary of Bill:

A judge pro tempore may be appointed when a court of appeals, superior court, or municipal court judge serves on a judicial commission, board, or committee established by the Legislature or the chief justice of the supreme court.

Votes on Final Passage:

House960

Senate441

Effective:June 8, 2000