SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5045

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As of January 12, 2001

Title:  An act relating to election of supreme court justices.

Brief Description:  Providing for election of supreme court justices from nine judicial districts.

Sponsors:  Senators McCaslin and T. Sheldon.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Judiciary:  1/18/01.

______________________________________________________________________________SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Staff:  Dick Armstrong (786‑7460)

Background:  SJR 8202 amends the Washington State Constitution regarding the manner in which Supreme Court justices are elected.  The constitutional amendment provides for the election of Supreme Court justices from nine Supreme Court judicial districts.

If the constitutional amendment is approved by the voters in the next general election, it is necessary for implementing legislation to be enacted also.

Summary of Bill:  Prior to January 1, 2003, the Secretary of State, in cooperation with the Chief Justice, is to assign by lot each Supreme Court judicial position to one of the nine judicial districts.

Beginning with the general election in November 2004, three justices from three different Supreme Court judicial districts are to be elected at each biennial general election.

If SJR 8202 is not approved and ratified by the voters, the statutory implementing legislation is void in its entirety.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 9, 2001.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.