CERTIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT

HOUSE BILL 1668

Chapter 282, Laws of 2005

(partial veto)

59th Legislature
2005 Regular Session



ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS



EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/24/05

Passed by the House February 28, 2005
  Yeas 90   Nays 0

FRANK CHOPP
________________________________________    
Speaker of the House of Representatives


Passed by the Senate April 14, 2005
  Yeas 39   Nays 0


BRAD OWEN
________________________________________    
President of the Senate
 
CERTIFICATE

I, Richard Nafziger, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives of the State of Washington, do hereby certify that the attached is HOUSE BILL 1668 as passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on the dates hereon set forth.


RICHARD NAFZIGER
________________________________________    
Chief Clerk
Approved May 4, 2005, with the exception of Section 18, which is vetoed.







CHRISTINE GREGOIRE
________________________________________    
Governor of the State of Washington
 
FILED
May 4, 2005 - 3:47 p.m.







Secretary of State
State of Washington


_____________________________________________ 

HOUSE BILL 1668
_____________________________________________

Passed Legislature - 2005 Regular Session
State of Washington59th Legislature2005 Regular Session

By Representatives Lantz and Priest; by request of Board For Judicial Administration

Read first time 02/01/2005.   Referred to Committee on Judiciary.



     AN ACT Relating to the administrative office of the courts; amending RCW 2.14.110, 2.43.020, 2.43.030, 2.43.070, 2.56.010, 2.56.020, 2.56.030, 2.56.120, 2.56.150, 2.56.180, 2.68.020, 2.70.050, 3.46.030, 3.50.020, 3.66.010, 3.66.070, 9.73.230, 9.94A.855, 10.64.120, 10.98.080, 10.98.100, 10.98.160, 13.34.102, 13.40.430, 13.64.080, 13.70.130, 26.12.177, 26.12.802, 26.12.804, 26.18.210, 26.18.220, 26.19.011, 26.19.035, 26.19.050, 26.26.065, 26.50.030, 26.50.035, 35.20.030, 36.01.050, 36.18.018, 43.08.250, 43.70.540, 43.101.280, 46.20.286, 74.14C.100, and 82.14.310; amending 1983 c 199 s 2 (uncodified); and reenacting and amending RCW 9.94A.660 and 9.94A.850.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 2.14.110 and 1996 c 42 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     If a member dies, the amount of the accumulated contributions standing to the member's credit at the time of the member's death shall be paid to the member's estate, or such person or persons, trust, or organization as the member has nominated by written designation duly executed and filed with the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts. If there is no such designated person or persons still living at the time of the member's death, the member's accumulated contributions shall be paid to the member's surviving spouse as if in fact the spouse had been nominated by written designation or, if there is no such surviving spouse, then to the member's legal representatives.

Sec. 2   RCW 2.43.020 and 1989 c 358 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     As used in this chapter:
     (1) "Non-English-speaking person" means any person involved in a legal proceeding who cannot readily speak or understand the English language, but does not include hearing-impaired persons who are covered under chapter 2.42 RCW.
     (2) "Qualified interpreter" means a person who is able readily to interpret or translate spoken and written English for non-English-speaking persons and to interpret or translate oral or written statements of non-English-speaking persons into spoken English.
     (3) "Legal proceeding" means a proceeding in any court in this state, grand jury hearing, or hearing before an inquiry judge, or before (([an])) an administrative board, commission, agency, or licensing body of the state or any political subdivision thereof.
     (4) "Certified interpreter" means an interpreter who is certified by the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts.
     (5) "Appointing authority" means the presiding officer or similar official of any court, department, board, commission, agency, licensing authority, or legislative body of the state or of any political subdivision thereof.

Sec. 3   RCW 2.43.030 and 1990 c 183 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Whenever an interpreter is appointed to assist a non-English-speaking person in a legal proceeding, the appointing authority shall, in the absence of a written waiver by the person, appoint a certified or a qualified interpreter to assist the person throughout the proceedings.
     (a) Except as otherwise provided for in (b) of this subsection, the interpreter appointed shall be a qualified interpreter.
     (b) Beginning on July 1, 1990, when a non-English-speaking person is a party to a legal proceeding, or is subpoenaed or summoned by an appointing authority or is otherwise compelled by an appointing authority to appear at a legal proceeding, the appointing authority shall use the services of only those language interpreters who have been certified by the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts, unless good cause is found and noted on the record by the appointing authority. For purposes of chapter 358, Laws of 1989, "good cause" includes but is not limited to a determination that:
     (i) Given the totality of the circumstances, including the nature of the proceeding and the potential penalty or consequences involved, the services of a certified interpreter are not reasonably available to the appointing authority; or
     (ii) The current list of certified interpreters maintained by the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts does not include an interpreter certified in the language spoken by the non-English-speaking person.
     (c) Except as otherwise provided in this section, when a non-English-speaking person is involved in a legal proceeding, the appointing authority shall appoint a qualified interpreter.
     (2) If good cause is found for using an interpreter who is not certified or if a qualified interpreter is appointed, the appointing authority shall make a preliminary determination, on the basis of testimony or stated needs of the non-English-speaking person, that the proposed interpreter is able to interpret accurately all communications to and from such person in that particular proceeding. The appointing authority shall satisfy itself on the record that the proposed interpreter:
     (a) Is capable of communicating effectively with the court or agency and the person for whom the interpreter would interpret; and
     (b) Has read, understands, and will abide by the code of ethics for language interpreters established by court rules.

Sec. 4   RCW 2.43.070 and 1989 c 358 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Subject to the availability of funds, the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts shall establish and administer a comprehensive testing and certification program for language interpreters.
     (2) The administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts shall work cooperatively with community colleges and other private or public educational institutions, and with other public or private organizations to establish a certification preparation curriculum and suitable training programs to ensure the availability of certified interpreters. Training programs shall be made readily available in both eastern and western Washington locations.
     (3) The administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts shall establish and adopt standards of proficiency, written and oral, in English and the language to be interpreted.
     (4) The administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts shall conduct periodic examinations to ensure the availability of certified interpreters. Periodic examinations shall be made readily available in both eastern and western Washington locations.
     (5) The administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts shall compile, maintain, and disseminate a current list of interpreters certified by the office ((of the administrator for the courts)).
     (6) The administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts may charge reasonable fees for testing, training, and certification.

Sec. 5   RCW 2.56.010 and 1984 c 20 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     There shall be a state office to be known as the administrative office of ((administrator for)) the courts. The executive officer of the administrative office of the courts is the administrator for the courts, who shall be appointed by and hold office at the pleasure of the supreme court of this state ((from a list of five persons submitted by the governor of the state of Washington, and shall hold office at the pleasure of the appointing power. He shall not be over the age of sixty years at the time of his appointment. He shall receive a)). The administrator's salary ((to)) shall be fixed by the supreme court.

Sec. 6   RCW 2.56.020 and 1957 c 259 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The administrator for the courts, with the approval of the chief justice of the supreme court of this state, shall appoint and fix the compensation of such assistants as are necessary to enable ((him to perform)) performance of the power and duties vested in ((him. During his term of office or employment,)) the administrative office of the courts.
     (2) N
either the administrator nor any assistant shall engage ((directly or indirectly)) in the private practice of law ((in this state)) except as otherwise provided for in this section.
     (3) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, nothing in this section prohibits the administrator or any assistant from:
     (a) Performing legal services for himself or herself or his or her immediate family; or
     (b) Performing legal services of a charitable nature.
     (4) The legal services identified in subsection (3) of this section may not be performed if they would interfere with the duties of the administrator or any assistant and no services that are performed shall be deemed within the scope of employment
.

Sec. 7   RCW 2.56.030 and 2002 c 49 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     The administrator for the courts shall, under the supervision and direction of the chief justice:
     (1) Examine the administrative methods and systems employed in the offices of the judges, clerks, stenographers, and employees of the courts and make recommendations, through the chief justice, for the improvement of the same;
     (2) Examine the state of the dockets of the courts and determine the need for assistance by any court;
     (3) Make recommendations to the chief justice relating to the assignment of judges where courts are in need of assistance and carry out the direction of the chief justice as to the assignments of judges to counties and districts where the courts are in need of assistance;
     (4) Collect and compile statistical and other data and make reports of the business transacted by the courts and transmit the same to the chief justice to the end that proper action may be taken in respect thereto;
     (5) Prepare and submit budget estimates of state appropriations necessary for the maintenance and operation of the judicial system and make recommendations in respect thereto;
     (6) Collect statistical and other data and make reports relating to the expenditure of public moneys, state and local, for the maintenance and operation of the judicial system and the offices connected therewith;
     (7) Obtain reports from clerks of courts in accordance with law or rules adopted by the supreme court of this state on cases and other judicial business in which action has been delayed beyond periods of time specified by law or rules of court and make report thereof to supreme court of this state;
     (8) Act as secretary of the judicial conference referred to in RCW 2.56.060;
     (9) Submit annually, as of February 1st, to the chief justice, a report of the activities of the administrator's office for the preceding calendar year including activities related to courthouse security;
     (10) Administer programs and standards for the training and education of judicial personnel;
     (11) Examine the need for new superior court and district court judge positions under ((a weighted caseload)) an objective workload analysis ((that takes into account the time required to hear all the cases in a particular court and the amount of time existing judges have available to hear cases in that court)). The results of the ((weighted caseload)) objective workload analysis shall be reviewed by the board for judicial administration which shall make recommendations to the legislature. It is the intent of the legislature that ((weighted caseload)) an objective workload analysis become the basis for creating additional district and superior court positions, and recommendations should address that objective;
     (12) Provide staff to the judicial retirement account plan under chapter 2.14 RCW;
     (13) Attend to such other matters as may be assigned by the supreme court of this state;
     (14) Within available funds, develop a curriculum for a general understanding of child development, placement, and treatment resources, as well as specific legal skills and knowledge of relevant statutes including chapters 13.32A, 13.34, and 13.40 RCW, cases, court rules, interviewing skills, and special needs of the abused or neglected child. This curriculum shall be completed and made available to all juvenile court judges, court personnel, and service providers and be updated yearly to reflect changes in statutes, court rules, or case law;
     (15) Develop, in consultation with the entities set forth in RCW 2.56.150(3), a comprehensive statewide curriculum for persons who act as guardians ad litem under Title 13 or 26 RCW. The curriculum shall be made available July 1, 1997, and include specialty sections on child development, child sexual abuse, child physical abuse, child neglect, clinical and forensic investigative and interviewing techniques, family reconciliation and mediation services, and relevant statutory and legal requirements. The curriculum shall be made available to all superior court judges, court personnel, and all persons who act as guardians ad litem;
     (16) Develop a curriculum for a general understanding of crimes of malicious harassment, as well as specific legal skills and knowledge of RCW 9A.36.080, relevant cases, court rules, and the special needs of malicious harassment victims. This curriculum shall be made available to all superior court and court of appeals judges and to all justices of the supreme court;
     (17) Develop, in consultation with the criminal justice training commission and the commissions established under chapters 43.113, 43.115, and 43.117 RCW, a curriculum for a general understanding of ethnic and cultural diversity and its implications for working with youth of color and their families. The curriculum shall be available to all superior court judges and court commissioners assigned to juvenile court, and other court personnel. Ethnic and cultural diversity training shall be provided annually so as to incorporate cultural sensitivity and awareness into the daily operation of juvenile courts statewide;
     (18) Authorize the use of closed circuit television and other electronic equipment in judicial proceedings. The administrator shall promulgate necessary standards and procedures and shall provide technical assistance to courts as required;
     (19) Develop a Washington family law handbook in accordance with RCW 2.56.180;
     (20) Administer state funds for improving the operation of the courts and provide support for court coordinating councils, under the direction of the board for judicial administration
.

Sec. 8   RCW 2.56.120 and 1986 c 158 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts, in cooperation with appropriate legislative committees and legislative staff, shall establish a procedure for the provision of judicial impact notes on the effect legislative bills will have on the workload and administration of the courts of this state. The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts and the office of financial management shall coordinate the development of judicial impact notes with the preparation of fiscal notes under chapters 43.88A and 43.132 RCW.
     (2) The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts shall provide a judicial impact note on any legislative proposal at the request of any legislator. The note shall be provided to the requesting legislator and copies filed with the appropriate legislative committees in accordance with subsection (3) of this section when the proposed legislation is introduced in either house.
     (3) When a judicial impact note is prepared and approved by the ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts, copies of the note shall be filed with:
     (a) The chairperson of the committee to which the bill was referred upon introduction in the house of origin;
     (b) The senate committee on ways and means;
     (c) The house of representatives committee on ways and means;
     (d) The senate judiciary committee;
     (e) The house of representatives judiciary committee; and
     (f) The office of financial management.
     (4) This section shall not prevent either house of the legislature from acting on any bill before it as otherwise provided by the state Constitution, by law, and by the rules and joint rules of the senate and house of representatives, nor shall the lack of any judicial impact note as provided in this section or any error in the accuracy thereof affect the validity of any measure otherwise duly passed by the legislature.

Sec. 9   RCW 2.56.150 and 1996 c 249 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The administrator for the courts shall review the advisability and feasibility of the statewide mandatory use of court-appointed special advocates as described in RCW 26.12.175 to act as guardians ad litem in appropriate cases under Titles 13 and 26 RCW. The review must explore the feasibility of obtaining various sources of private and public funding to implement statewide mandatory use of court-appointed special advocates, such as grants and donations, instead of or in combination with raising court fees or assessments.
     (2) The administrator shall also conduct a study on the feasibility and desirability of requiring all persons who act as guardians ad litem under Titles 11, 13, and 26 RCW to be certified as qualified guardians ad litem prior to their eligibility for appointment.
     (3) In conducting the review and study the administrator shall consult with: (a) The presidents or directors of all public benefit nonprofit corporations that are eligible to receive state funds under RCW 43.330.135; (b) the attorney general, or a designee; (c) the secretary of the department of social and health services, or a designee; (d) the superior court judges association; (e) the Washington state bar association; (f) public defenders who represent children under Title 13 or 26 RCW; (g) private attorneys who represent parents under Title 13 or 26 RCW; (h) professionals who evaluate families for the purposes of determining the custody or placement decisions of children; (i) the office of financial management; (j) persons who act as volunteer or compensated guardians ad litem; and (k) parents who have dealt with guardians ad litem in court cases. For the purposes of studying the feasibility of a certification requirement for guardians ad litem acting under Title 11 RCW the administrator shall consult with the advisory group formed under RCW 11.88.090.
     (4) The ((office of the)) administrator ((for the courts)) shall also conduct a review of problems and concerns about the role of guardians ad litem in actions under Titles 11, 13, and 26 RCW and recommend alternatives to strengthen judicial oversight of guardians ad litem and ensure fairness and impartiality of the process. The ((office of the)) administrator ((for the courts)) must accept and obtain comments from parties designated in subsection (3) of this section.

Sec. 10   RCW 2.56.180 and 2003 c 225 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts ((will)) shall create a handbook explaining the sections of Washington law pertaining to the rights and responsibilities of marital partners to each other and to any children during a marriage and a dissolution of marriage. The handbook may also be provided in videotape or other electronic form.
     (2) The handbook created under subsection (1) of this section ((will)) shall be provided by the county auditor when an individual applies for a marriage license under RCW 26.04.140.
     (3) The information contained in the handbook created under subsection (1) of this section ((will)) shall be reviewed and updated annually. The handbook must contain the following information:
     (a) Information on prenuptial agreements as contracts and as a means of structuring financial arrangements and other aspects of the marital relationship;
     (b) Information on shared parental responsibility for children, including establishing a residential schedule for the child in the event of the dissolution of the marriage;
     (c) Information on notice requirements and standards for parental relocation;
     (d) Information on child support for minor children;
     (e) Information on property rights, including equitable distribution of assets and premarital and postmarital property rights;
     (f) Information on spousal maintenance;
     (g) Information on domestic violence, child abuse, and neglect, including penalties;
     (h) Information on the court process for dissolution;
     (i) Information on the effects of dissolution on children;
     (j) Information on community resources that are available to separating or divorcing persons and their children.

Sec. 11   RCW 2.68.020 and 1994 c 8 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     There is created an account in the custody of the state treasurer to be known as the judicial information system account. The administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts shall maintain and administer the account, in which shall be deposited all moneys received from in-state noncourt users and any out-of-state users of the judicial information system and moneys as specified in RCW 2.68.040 for the purposes of providing judicial information system access to noncourt users and providing an adequate level of automated services to the judiciary. The legislature shall appropriate the funds in the account for the purposes of the judicial information system. The account shall be used for the acquisition of equipment, software, supplies, services, and other costs incidental to the acquisition, development, operation, and administration of information services, telecommunications, systems, software, supplies, and equipment, including the payment of principal and interest on items paid in installments.

Sec. 12   RCW 2.70.050 and 1996 c 221 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) All powers, duties, and functions of the supreme court and the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts pertaining to appellate indigent defense are transferred to the office of public defense.
     (2)(a) All reports, documents, surveys, books, records, files, papers, or written material in the possession of the supreme court or the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts pertaining to the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall be delivered to the custody of the office of public defense. All cabinets, furniture, office equipment, motor vehicles, and other tangible property employed by the supreme court or the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts in carrying out the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall be made available to the office of public defense. All funds, credits, or other assets held in connection with the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall be assigned to the office of public defense.
     (b) Any appropriations made to the supreme court or the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts for carrying out the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall, on June 6, 1996, be transferred and credited to the office of public defense.
     (c) Whenever any question arises as to the transfer of any personnel, funds, books, documents, records, papers, files, equipment, or other tangible property used or held in the exercise of the powers and the performance of the duties and functions transferred, the director of financial management shall make a determination as to the proper allocation and certify the same to the state agencies concerned.
     (3) All employees of the supreme court or the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts engaged in performing the powers, functions, and duties transferred are transferred to the jurisdiction of the office of public defense. All employees classified under chapter 41.06 RCW, the state civil service law, are assigned to the office of public defense to perform their usual duties upon the same terms as formerly, without any loss of rights, subject to any action that may be appropriate thereafter in accordance with the laws and rules governing state civil service.
     (4) All rules and all pending business before the supreme court or the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts pertaining to the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall be continued and acted upon by the office of public defense. All existing contracts and obligations shall remain in full force and shall be performed by the office of public defense.
     (5) The transfer of the powers, duties, functions, and personnel of the supreme court or the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts shall not affect the validity of any act performed before June 6, 1996.
     (6) If apportionments of budgeted funds are required because of the transfers directed by this section, the director of financial management shall certify the apportionments to the agencies affected, the state auditor, and the state treasurer. Each of these shall make the appropriate transfer and adjustments in funds and appropriation accounts and equipment records in accordance with the certification.
     (7) Nothing contained in this section may be construed to alter any existing collective bargaining unit or the provisions of any existing collective bargaining agreement until the agreement has expired or until the bargaining unit has been modified by action of the personnel board as provided by law.

Sec. 13   RCW 3.46.030 and 2000 c 111 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     A municipal department shall have exclusive jurisdiction of matters arising from ordinances of the city, and no jurisdiction of other matters except as conferred by statute. A municipal department participating in the program established by the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts pursuant to RCW 2.56.160 shall have jurisdiction to take recognizance, approve bail, and arraign defendants held within its jurisdiction on warrants issued by any court of limited jurisdiction participating in the program.

Sec. 14   RCW 3.50.020 and 2000 c 111 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     The municipal court shall have exclusive original jurisdiction over traffic infractions arising under city ordinances and exclusive original criminal jurisdiction of all violations of city ordinances duly adopted by the city in which the municipal court is located and shall have original jurisdiction of all other actions brought to enforce or recover license penalties or forfeitures declared or given by such ordinances or by state statutes. The municipal court shall also have the jurisdiction as conferred by statute. The municipal court is empowered to forfeit cash bail or bail bonds and issue execution thereon; and in general to hear and determine all causes, civil or criminal, including traffic infractions, arising under such ordinances and to pronounce judgment in accordance therewith. A municipal court participating in the program established by the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts pursuant to RCW 2.56.160 shall have jurisdiction to take recognizance, approve bail, and arraign defendants held within its jurisdiction on warrants issued by any court of limited jurisdiction participating in the program.

Sec. 15   RCW 3.66.010 and 2000 c 111 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The justices of the peace elected in accordance with chapters 3.30 through 3.74 RCW are authorized to hold court as judges of the district court for the trial of all actions enumerated in chapters 3.30 through 3.74 RCW or assigned to the district court by law; to hear, try, and determine the same according to the law, and for that purpose where no special provision is otherwise made by law, such court shall be vested with all the necessary powers which are possessed by courts of record in this state; and all laws of a general nature shall apply to such district court as far as the same may be applicable and not inconsistent with the provisions of chapters 3.30 through 3.74 RCW. The district court shall, upon the demand of either party, impanel a jury to try any civil or criminal case in accordance with the provisions of chapter 12.12 RCW. No jury trial may be held in a proceeding involving a traffic infraction.
     (2) A district court participating in the program established by the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts pursuant to RCW 2.56.160 shall have jurisdiction to take recognizance, approve bail, and arraign defendants held within its jurisdiction on warrants issued by any other court of limited jurisdiction participating in the program.

Sec. 16   RCW 3.66.070 and 2002 c 59 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) All criminal actions shall be brought in the district where the alleged violation occurred: PROVIDED, That (a) the prosecuting attorney may file felony cases in the district in which the county seat is located, (b) with the consent of the defendant criminal actions other than those arising out of violations of city ordinances may be brought in or transferred to the district in which the county seat is located, (c) if the alleged violation relates to driving, or being in actual physical control of, a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug and the alleged violation occurred within a judicial district which has been designated an enhanced enforcement district under RCW 2.56.110, the charges may be filed in that district or in a district within the same county which is adjacent to the district in which the alleged violation occurred, and (d) a district court participating in the program established by the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts pursuant to RCW 2.56.160 shall have jurisdiction to take recognizance, approve bail, and arraign defendants held within its jurisdiction on warrants issued by any other court of limited jurisdiction participating in the program.
     (2) In the event of an emergency created by act of nature, civil unrest, technological failure, or other hazardous condition, temporary venue for court of limited jurisdiction matters may be had in a court district not impacted by the emergency. Such emergency venue is appropriate only for the duration of the emergency.
     (3) A criminal action commenced under a local ordinance or state statute is deemed to be properly heard by the court of original jurisdiction even though the hearing may take place by video or other electronic means as approved by the supreme court and the defendant is appearing by an electronic method from a location outside the court's geographic jurisdiction or boundaries.

Sec. 17   RCW 9.73.230 and 1989 c 271 s 204 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) As part of a bona fide criminal investigation, the chief law enforcement officer of a law enforcement agency or his or her designee above the rank of first line supervisor may authorize the interception, transmission, or recording of a conversation or communication by officers under the following circumstances:
     (a) At least one party to the conversation or communication has consented to the interception, transmission, or recording;
     (b) Probable cause exists to believe that the conversation or communication involves the unlawful manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell, controlled substances as defined in chapter 69.50 RCW, or legend drugs as defined in chapter 69.41 RCW, or imitation controlled substances as defined in chapter 69.52 RCW; and
     (c) A written report has been completed as required by subsection (2) of this section.
     (2) The agency's chief officer or designee authorizing an interception, transmission, or recording under subsection (1) of this section, shall prepare and sign a written report at the time of authorization indicating:
     (a) The circumstances that meet the requirements of subsection (1) of this section;
     (b) The names of the authorizing and consenting parties, except that in those cases where the consenting party is a confidential informant, the name of the confidential informant need not be divulged;
     (c) The names of the officers authorized to intercept, transmit, and record the conversation or communication;
     (d) The identity of the particular person or persons, if known, who may have committed or may commit the offense;
     (e) The details of the particular offense or offenses that may have been or may be committed and the expected date, location, and approximate time of the conversation or communication; and
     (f) Whether there was an attempt to obtain authorization pursuant to RCW 9.73.090(2) and, if there was such an attempt, the outcome of the attempt.
     (3) An authorization under this section is valid in all jurisdictions within Washington state and for the interception of communications from additional persons if the persons are brought into the conversation or transaction by the nonconsenting party or if the nonconsenting party or such additional persons cause or invite the consenting party to enter another jurisdiction.
     (4) The recording of any conversation or communication under this section shall be done in such a manner that protects the recording from editing or other alterations.
     (5) An authorization made under this section is valid for no more than twenty-four hours from the time it is signed by the authorizing officer, and each authorization shall independently meet all of the requirements of this section. The authorizing officer shall sign the written report required under subsection (2) of this section, certifying the exact date and time of his or her signature. An authorization under this section may be extended not more than twice for an additional consecutive twenty-four hour period based upon the same probable cause regarding the same suspected transaction. Each such extension shall be signed by the authorizing officer.
     (6) Within fifteen days after the signing of an authorization that results in any interception, transmission, or recording of a conversation or communication pursuant to this section, the law enforcement agency which made the interception, transmission, or recording shall submit a report including the original authorization under subsection (2) of this section to a judge of a court having jurisdiction which report shall identify (a) the persons, including the consenting party, who participated in the conversation, and (b) the date, location, and approximate time of the conversation.
     In those cases where the consenting party is a confidential informant, the name of the confidential informant need not be divulged.
     A monthly report shall be filed by the law enforcement agency with the administrator for the courts indicating the number of authorizations granted, the date and time of each authorization, interceptions made, arrests resulting from an interception, and subsequent invalidations.
     (7)(a) Within two judicial days of receipt of a report under subsection (6) of this section, the court shall make an ex parte review of the authorization, but not of the evidence, and shall make a determination whether the requirements of subsection (1) of this section were met. If the court determines that any of the requirements of subsection (1) of this section were not met, the court shall order that any recording and any copies or transcriptions of the conversation or communication be destroyed. Destruction of recordings, copies, or transcriptions shall be stayed pending any appeal of a finding that the requirements of subsection (1) of this section were not met.
     (b) Absent a continuation under (c) of this subsection, six months following a determination under (a) of this subsection that probable cause did not exist, the court shall cause a notice to be mailed to the last known address of any nonconsenting party to the conversation or communication that was the subject of the authorization. The notice shall indicate the date, time, and place of any interception, transmission, or recording made pursuant to the authorization. The notice shall also identify the agency that sought the authorization and shall indicate that a review under (a) of this subsection resulted in a determination that the authorization was made in violation of this section.
     (c) An authorizing agency may obtain six-month extensions to the notice requirement of (b) of this subsection in cases of active, ongoing criminal investigations that might be jeopardized by sending the notice.
     (8) In any subsequent judicial proceeding, evidence obtained through the interception or recording of a conversation or communication pursuant to this section shall be admissible only if:
     (a) The court finds that the requirements of subsection (1) of this section were met and the evidence is used in prosecuting an offense listed in subsection (1)(b) of this section; or
     (b) The evidence is admitted with the permission of the person whose communication or conversation was intercepted, transmitted, or recorded; or
     (c) The evidence is admitted in a prosecution for a "serious violent offense" as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 in which a party who consented to the interception, transmission, or recording was a victim of the offense; or
     (d) The evidence is admitted in a civil suit for personal injury or wrongful death arising out of the same incident, in which a party who consented to the interception, transmission, or recording was a victim of a serious violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030.
     Nothing in this subsection bars the admission of testimony of a party or eyewitness to the intercepted, transmitted, or recorded conversation or communication when that testimony is unaided by information obtained solely by violation of RCW 9.73.030.
     (9) Any determination of invalidity of an authorization under this section shall be reported by the court to the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts.
     (10) Any person who intentionally intercepts, transmits, or records or who intentionally authorizes the interception, transmission, or recording of a conversation or communication in violation of this section, is guilty of a class C felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.
     (11) An authorizing agency is liable for twenty-five thousand dollars in exemplary damages, in addition to any other damages authorized by this chapter or by other law, to a person whose conversation or communication was intercepted, transmitted, or recorded pursuant to an authorization under this section if:
     (a) In a review under subsection (7) of this section, or in a suppression of evidence proceeding, it has been determined that the authorization was made without the probable cause required by subsection (1)(b) of this section; and
     (b) The authorization was also made without a reasonable suspicion that the conversation or communication would involve the unlawful acts identified in subsection (1)(b) of this section.

     *Sec. 18   RCW 9.94A.660 and 2002 c 290 s 20 and 2002 c 175 s 10 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
     (1) An offender is eligible for the special drug offender sentencing alternative if:
     (a) The offender is convicted of a felony that is not a violent offense or sex offense and the violation does not involve a sentence enhancement under RCW 9.94A.533 (3) or (4);
     (b) The offender has no current or prior convictions for a sex offense or violent offense in this state, another state, or the United States;
     (c) For a violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act under chapter 69.50 RCW or a criminal solicitation to commit such a violation under chapter 9A.28 RCW, the offense involved only a small quantity of the particular controlled substance as determined by the judge upon consideration of such factors as the weight, purity, packaging, sale price, and street value of the controlled substance; and
     (d) The offender has not been found by the United States attorney general to be subject to a deportation detainer or order and does not become subject to a deportation order during the period of the sentence.
     (2) If the standard sentence range is greater than one year and the sentencing court determines that the offender is eligible for this alternative and that the offender and the community will benefit from the use of the alternative, the judge may waive imposition of a sentence within the standard sentence range and impose a sentence that must include a period of total confinement in a state facility for one-half of the midpoint of the standard sentence range. During incarceration in the state facility, offenders sentenced under this subsection shall undergo a comprehensive substance abuse assessment and receive, within available resources, treatment services appropriate for the offender. The treatment services shall be designed by the division of alcohol and substance abuse of the department of social and health services, in cooperation with the department of corrections.
     The court shall also impose:
     (a) The remainder of the midpoint of the standard range as a term of community custody which must include appropriate substance abuse treatment in a program that has been approved by the division of alcohol and substance abuse of the department of social and health services;
     (b) Crime-related prohibitions including a condition not to use illegal controlled substances;
     (c) A requirement to submit to urinalysis or other testing to monitor that status; and
     (d) A term of community custody pursuant to RCW 9.94A.715 to be imposed upon failure to complete or administrative termination from the special drug offender sentencing alternative program.
     The court may prohibit the offender from using alcohol or controlled substances and may require that the monitoring for controlled substances be conducted by the department or by a treatment alternatives to street crime program or a comparable court or agency-referred program. The offender may be required to pay thirty dollars per month while on community custody to offset the cost of monitoring. In addition, the court shall impose three or more of the following conditions:
     (i) Devote time to a specific employment or training;
     (ii) Remain within prescribed geographical boundaries and notify the court or the community corrections officer before any change in the offender's address or employment;
     (iii) Report as directed to a community corrections officer;
     (iv) Pay all court-ordered legal financial obligations;
     (v) Perform community restitution work;
     (vi) Stay out of areas designated by the sentencing court;
     (vii) Such other conditions as the court may require such as affirmative conditions.
     (3) If the offender violates any of the sentence conditions in subsection (2) of this section or is found by the United States attorney general to be subject to a deportation order, a violation hearing shall be held by the department unless waived by the offender.
     (a) If the department finds that conditions have been willfully violated, the offender may be reclassified to serve the remaining balance of the original sentence.
     (b) If the department finds that the offender is subject to a valid deportation order, the department may administratively terminate the offender from the program and reclassify the offender to serve the remaining balance of the original sentence.
     (4) The department shall determine the rules for calculating the value of a day fine based on the offender's income and reasonable obligations which the offender has for the support of the offender and any dependents. These rules shall be developed in consultation with the ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts, the office of financial management, and the commission.
     (5) An offender who fails to complete the special drug offender sentencing alternative program or who is administratively terminated from the program shall be reclassified to serve the unexpired term of his or her sentence as ordered by the sentencing court and shall be subject to all rules relating to earned release time. An offender who violates any conditions of supervision as defined by the department shall be sanctioned. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, reclassifying the offender to serve the unexpired term of his or her sentence as ordered by the sentencing court. If an offender is reclassified to serve the unexpired term of his or her sentence, the offender shall be subject to all rules relating to earned release time.
     *Sec. 18 was vetoed. See message at end of chapter.

Sec. 19   RCW 9.94A.850 and 2002 c 290 s 22, 2002 c 237 s 16, and 2002 c 175 s 16 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
     (1) A sentencing guidelines commission is established as an agency of state government.
     (2) The legislature finds that the commission, having accomplished its original statutory directive to implement this chapter, and having expertise in sentencing practice and policies, shall:
     (a) Evaluate state sentencing policy, to include whether the sentencing ranges and standards are consistent with and further:
     (i) The purposes of this chapter as defined in RCW 9.94A.010; and
     (ii) The intent of the legislature to emphasize confinement for the violent offender and alternatives to confinement for the nonviolent offender.
     The commission shall provide the governor and the legislature with its evaluation and recommendations under this subsection not later than December 1, 1996, and every two years thereafter;
     (b) Recommend to the legislature revisions or modifications to the standard sentence ranges, state sentencing policy, prosecuting standards, and other standards. If implementation of the revisions or modifications would result in exceeding the capacity of correctional facilities, then the commission shall accompany its recommendation with an additional list of standard sentence ranges which are consistent with correction capacity;
     (c) Study the existing criminal code and from time to time make recommendations to the legislature for modification;
     (d)(i) Serve as a clearinghouse and information center for the collection, preparation, analysis, and dissemination of information on state and local adult and juvenile sentencing practices; (ii) develop and maintain a computerized adult and juvenile sentencing information system by individual superior court judge consisting of offender, offense, history, and sentence information entered from judgment and sentence forms for all adult felons; and (iii) conduct ongoing research regarding adult and juvenile sentencing guidelines, use of total confinement and alternatives to total confinement, plea bargaining, and other matters relating to the improvement of the adult criminal justice system and the juvenile justice system;
     (e) Assume the powers and duties of the juvenile disposition standards commission after June 30, 1996;
     (f) Evaluate the effectiveness of existing disposition standards and related statutes in implementing policies set forth in RCW 13.40.010 generally, specifically review the guidelines relating to the confinement of minor and first-time offenders as well as the use of diversion, and review the application of current and proposed juvenile sentencing standards and guidelines for potential adverse impacts on the sentencing outcomes of racial and ethnic minority youth;
     (g) Solicit the comments and suggestions of the juvenile justice community concerning disposition standards, and make recommendations to the legislature regarding revisions or modifications of the standards. The evaluations shall be submitted to the legislature on December 1 of each odd-numbered year. The department of social and health services shall provide the commission with available data concerning the implementation of the disposition standards and related statutes and their effect on the performance of the department's responsibilities relating to juvenile offenders, and with recommendations for modification of the disposition standards. The administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts shall provide the commission with available data on diversion, including the use of youth court programs, and dispositions of juvenile offenders under chapter 13.40 RCW; and
     (h) Not later than December 1, 1997, and at least every two years thereafter, based on available information, report to the governor and the legislature on:
     (i) Racial disproportionality in juvenile and adult sentencing, and, if available, the impact that diversions, such as youth courts, have on racial disproportionality in juvenile prosecution, adjudication, and sentencing;
     (ii) The capacity of state and local juvenile and adult facilities and resources; and
     (iii) Recidivism information on adult and juvenile offenders.
     (3) Each of the commission's recommended standard sentence ranges shall include one or more of the following: Total confinement, partial confinement, community supervision, community restitution, and a fine.
     (4) The standard sentence ranges of total and partial confinement under this chapter, except as provided in RCW 9.94A.517, are subject to the following limitations:
     (a) If the maximum term in the range is one year or less, the minimum term in the range shall be no less than one-third of the maximum term in the range, except that if the maximum term in the range is ninety days or less, the minimum term may be less than one-third of the maximum;
     (b) If the maximum term in the range is greater than one year, the minimum term in the range shall be no less than seventy-five percent of the maximum term in the range, except that for murder in the second degree in seriousness level XIV under RCW 9.94A.510, the minimum term in the range shall be no less than fifty percent of the maximum term in the range; and
     (c) The maximum term of confinement in a range may not exceed the statutory maximum for the crime as provided in RCW 9A.20.021.
     (5)(a) Not later than December 31, 1999, the commission shall propose to the legislature the initial community custody ranges to be included in sentences under RCW 9.94A.715 for crimes committed on or after July 1, 2000. Not later than December 31 of each year, the commission may propose modifications to the ranges. The ranges shall be based on the principles in RCW 9.94A.010, and shall take into account the funds available to the department for community custody. The minimum term in each range shall not be less than one-half of the maximum term.
     (b) The legislature may, by enactment of a legislative bill, adopt or modify the community custody ranges proposed by the commission. If the legislature fails to adopt or modify the initial ranges in its next regular session after they are proposed, the proposed ranges shall take effect without legislative approval for crimes committed on or after July 1, 2000.
     (c) When the commission proposes modifications to ranges pursuant to this subsection, the legislature may, by enactment of a bill, adopt or modify the ranges proposed by the commission for crimes committed on or after July 1 of the year after they were proposed. Unless the legislature adopts or modifies the commission's proposal in its next regular session, the proposed ranges shall not take effect.
     (6) The commission shall exercise its duties under this section in conformity with chapter 34.05 RCW.

Sec. 20   RCW 9.94A.855 and 1999 c 143 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:
     The commission shall appoint a research staff of sufficient size and with sufficient resources to accomplish its duties. The commission may request from the office of financial management, the indeterminate sentence review board, ((administrator for)) the administrative office of the courts, the department of corrections, and the department of social and health services such data, information, and data processing assistance as it may need to accomplish its duties, and such services shall be provided without cost to the commission. The commission shall adopt its own bylaws.
     The salary for a full-time executive officer, if any, shall be fixed by the governor pursuant to RCW 43.03.040.

Sec. 21   1983 c 199 s 2 (uncodified) is amended to read as follows:
     The administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts shall notify all courts of the requirements contained in RCW 10.40.200. The judicial council shall recommend to the supreme court appropriate court rules to ensure compliance with the requirements of RCW 10.40.200. Until court rules are promulgated, the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts shall develop and distribute forms necessary for the courts to comply with RCW 10.40.200.

Sec. 22   RCW 10.64.120 and 1996 c 298 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Every judge of a court of limited jurisdiction shall have the authority to levy upon a person a monthly assessment not to exceed one hundred dollars for services provided whenever the person is referred by the court to the misdemeanant probation department for evaluation or supervision services. The assessment may also be made by a judge in superior court when such misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor cases are heard in the superior court.
     (2) For the purposes of this section the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts shall define a probation department and adopt rules for the qualifications of probation officers based on occupational and educational requirements developed by an oversight committee. This oversight committee shall include a representative from the district and municipal court judges association, the misdemeanant corrections association, the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts, and associations of cities and counties. The oversight committee shall consider qualifications that provide the training and education necessary to (a) conduct presentencing and postsentencing background investigations, including sentencing recommendations to the court regarding jail terms, alternatives to incarceration, and conditions of release; and (b) provide ongoing supervision and assessment of offenders' needs and the risk they pose to the community.
     (3) It shall be the responsibility of the probation services office to implement local procedures approved by the court of limited jurisdiction to ensure collection and payment of such fees into the general fund of the city or county treasury.
     (4) Revenues raised under this section shall be used to fund programs for probation services and shall be in addition to those funds provided in RCW 3.62.050.

Sec. 23   RCW 10.98.080 and 1985 c 201 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     The section shall promptly furnish a state identification number to the originating agency and to the prosecuting attorney who received a copy of the arrest and fingerprint form. In the case of juvenile felony-like adjudications, the section shall furnish, upon request, the state identification number to the juvenile information section of the ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts.

Sec. 24   RCW 10.98.100 and 1985 c 201 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     The section shall administer a compliance audit at least once annually for each prosecuting attorney, district and municipal court, and originating agency to ensure that all disposition reports have been received and added to the criminal offender record information described in RCW 43.43.705. The section shall prepare listings of all arrests charged and listed in the criminal offender record information for which no disposition report has been received and which has been outstanding for more than nine months since the date of arrest. Each prosecuting attorney, district and municipal court, and originating agency shall be furnished a list of outstanding disposition reports. Cases pending prosecution shall be considered outstanding dispositions in the compliance audit. Within forty-five days, the prosecuting attorney, district and municipal court, and originating agency shall provide the section with a current disposition report for each outstanding disposition. The section shall assist prosecuting attorneys with the compliance audit by cross-checking outstanding cases with the ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts and the department of corrections. The section may provide technical assistance to prosecuting attorneys, district or municipal courts, or originating agencies for their compliance audits. The results of compliance audits shall be published annually and distributed to legislative committees dealing with criminal justice issues, the office of financial management, and criminal justice agencies and associations.

Sec. 25   RCW 10.98.160 and 2003 c 104 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     In the development and modification of the procedures, definitions, and reporting capabilities of the section, the department, the office of financial management, and the responsible agencies and persons shall consider the needs of other criminal justice agencies such as the ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts, local law enforcement agencies, local jails, the sentencing guidelines commission, the indeterminate sentence review board, the clemency board, prosecuting attorneys, and affected state agencies such as the office of financial management and legislative committees dealing with criminal justice issues. The Washington integrated justice information board shall review and provide recommendations to state justice agencies and the courts for development and modification of the statewide justice information network.

Sec. 26   RCW 13.34.102 and 2000 c 124 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) All guardians ad litem must comply with the training requirements established under RCW 2.56.030(15), prior to their appointment in cases under Title 13 RCW, except that volunteer guardians ad litem or court-appointed special advocates may comply with alternative training requirements approved by the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts that meet or exceed the statewide requirements.
     (2)(a) Each guardian ad litem program for compensated guardians ad litem shall establish a rotational registry system for the appointment of guardians ad litem. If a judicial district does not have a program the court shall establish the rotational registry system. Guardians ad litem shall be selected from the registry except in exceptional circumstances as determined and documented by the court. The parties may make a joint recommendation for the appointment of a guardian ad litem from the registry.
     (b) In judicial districts with a population over one hundred thousand, a list of three names shall be selected from the registry and given to the parties along with the background information as specified in RCW 13.34.100(3), including their hourly rate for services. Each party may, within three judicial days, strike one name from the list. If more than one name remains on the list, the court shall make the appointment from the names on the list. In the event all three names are stricken the person whose name appears next on the registry shall be appointed.
     (c) If a party reasonably believes that the appointed guardian ad litem lacks the necessary expertise for the proceeding, charges an hourly rate higher than what is reasonable for the particular proceeding, or has a conflict of interest, the party may, within three judicial days from the appointment, move for substitution of the appointed guardian ad litem by filing a motion with the court.
     (d) The superior court shall remove any person from the guardian ad litem registry who misrepresents his or her qualifications pursuant to a grievance procedure established by the court.
     (3) The rotational registry system shall not apply to court-appointed special advocate programs.

Sec. 27   RCW 13.40.430 and 2003 c 207 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts shall collect such data as may be necessary to monitor any disparity in processing or disposing of cases involving juvenile offenders due to economic, gender, geographic, or racial factors that may result from implementation of section 1, chapter 373, Laws of 1993. The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts may, in consultation with juvenile courts, determine a format for the collection of such data and a schedule for the reporting of such data and shall keep a minimum of five years of data at any given time.

Sec. 28   RCW 13.64.080 and 1993 c 294 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
     The administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts shall prepare and distribute to the county court clerks appropriate forms for minors seeking to initiate a petition of emancipation.

Sec. 29   RCW 13.70.130 and 1989 1st ex.s. c 17 s 15 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts may apply for and receive funds from federal, local, and private sources for carrying out the purposes of this chapter.

Sec. 30   RCW 26.12.177 and 2000 c 124 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) All guardians ad litem and investigators appointed under this title must comply with the training requirements established under RCW 2.56.030(15), prior to their appointment in cases under Title 26 RCW, except that volunteer guardians ad litem or court-appointed special advocates may comply with alternative training requirements approved by the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts that meet or exceed the statewide requirements.
     (2)(a) Each guardian ad litem program for compensated guardians ad litem shall establish a rotational registry system for the appointment of guardians ad litem and investigators under this title. If a judicial district does not have a program the court shall establish the rotational registry system. Guardians ad litem and investigators under this title shall be selected from the registry except in exceptional circumstances as determined and documented by the court. The parties may make a joint recommendation for the appointment of a guardian ad litem from the registry.
     (b) In judicial districts with a population over one hundred thousand, a list of three names shall be selected from the registry and given to the parties along with the background information as specified in RCW 26.12.175(3), including their hourly rate for services. Each party may, within three judicial days, strike one name from the list. If more than one name remains on the list, the court shall make the appointment from the names on the list. In the event all three names are stricken the person whose name appears next on the registry shall be appointed.
     (c) If a party reasonably believes that the appointed guardian ad litem lacks the necessary expertise for the proceeding, charges an hourly rate higher than what is reasonable for the particular proceeding, or has a conflict of interest, the party may, within three judicial days from the appointment, move for substitution of the appointed guardian ad litem by filing a motion with the court.
     (d) Under this section, within either registry referred to in (a) of this subsection, a subregistry may be created that consists of guardians ad litem under contract with the department of social and health services' division of child support. Guardians ad litem on such a subregistry shall be selected and appointed in state-initiated paternity cases only.
     (e) The superior court shall remove any person from the guardian ad litem registry who misrepresents his or her qualifications pursuant to a grievance procedure established by the court.
     (3) The rotational registry system shall not apply to court-appointed special advocate programs.

Sec. 31   RCW 26.12.802 and 1999 c 397 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts shall conduct a unified family court pilot program.
     (1) Pilot program sites shall be selected through a request for proposal process, and shall be established in no more than three superior court judicial districts.
     (2) To be eligible for consideration as a pilot project site, judicial districts must have a statutorily authorized judicial complement of at least five judges.
     (3) The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts shall develop criteria for the unified family court pilot program. The pilot program shall include:
     (a) All case types under Title 13 RCW, chapters 26.09, 26.10, 26.12, 26.18, 26.19, 26.20, 26.26, 26.50, 26.27, and 28A.225 RCW;
     (b) Unified family court judicial officers, who volunteer for the program, and meet training requirements established by local court rule;
     (c) Case management practices that provide a flexible response to the diverse court-related needs of families involved in multiple areas of the justice system. Case management practices should result in a reduction in process redundancies and an efficient use of time and resources, and create a system enabling multiple case type resolution by one judicial officer or judicial team;
     (d) A court facilitator to provide assistance to parties with matters before the unified family court; and
     (e) An emphasis on providing nonadversarial methods of dispute resolution such as a settlement conference, evaluative mediation by attorney mediators, and facilitative mediation by nonattorney mediators.
     (4) The administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts shall publish and disseminate a state-approved listing of definitions of nonadversarial methods of dispute resolution so that court officials, practitioners, and users can choose the most appropriate process for the matter at hand.
     (5) The administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts shall provide to the judicial districts selected for the pilot program the computer resources needed by each judicial district to implement the unified family court pilot program.
     (6) The administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts shall conduct a study of the pilot program measuring improvements in the judicial system's response to family involvement in the judicial system. The administrator for the courts shall report preliminary findings and final results of the study to the governor, the chief justice of the supreme court, and the legislature on a biennial basis. The initial report is due by July 1, 2000, and the final report is due by December 1, 2004.

Sec. 32   RCW 26.12.804 and 1999 c 397 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     The judges of the superior court judicial districts with unified family court pilot programs shall adopt local court rules directing the program. The local court rules shall comply with the criteria established by the ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts and shall include:
     (1) A requirement that all judicial officers hearing cases in unified family court:
     (a) Complete an initial training program including the topic areas of childhood development, domestic violence, cultural awareness, child abuse and neglect, chemical dependency, and mental illness; and
     (b) Subsequent to the training in (a) of this subsection, annually attend a minimum of eight hours of continuing education of pertinence to the unified family court;
     (2) Case management that is based on the practice of one judge or judicial team handling all matters relating to a family;
     (3) An emphasis on coordinating or consolidating, to the extent possible, all cases before the unified family court relating to a family; and
     (4) Programs that provide for record confidentiality to protect the confidentiality of court records in accordance with the law. However law enforcement agencies shall have access to the records to the extent permissible under the law.

Sec. 33   RCW 26.18.210 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 2 s 22 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts shall develop a child support order summary report form to provide for the reporting of summary information in every case in which a child support order is entered or modified either judicially or administratively. The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts shall attempt to the greatest extent possible to make the form simple and understandable by the parties. The form shall indicate the following:
     (a) The county in which the order was entered and the cause number;
     (b) Whether it was a judicial or administrative order;
     (c) Whether the order is an original order or from a modification;
     (d) The number of children of the parties and the children's ages;
     (e) The combined monthly net income of parties;
     (f) The monthly net income of the father as determined by the court;
     (g) The monthly net income of the mother as determined by the court;
     (h) The basic child support obligation for each child as determined from the economic table;
     (i) Whether or not the court deviated from the child support for each child;
     (j) The reason or reasons stated by the court for the deviation;
     (k) The amount of child support after the deviation;
     (l) Any amount awarded for day care;
     (m) Any other extraordinary amounts in the order;
     (n) Any amount ordered for postsecondary education;
     (o) The total amount of support ordered;
     (p) In the case of a modification, the amount of support in the previous order;
     (q) If the change in support was in excess of thirty percent, whether the change was phased in;
     (r) The amount of the transfer payment ordered;
     (s) Which parent was ordered to make the transfer payment; and
     (t) The date of the entry of the order.
     (2) The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts shall make the form available to the parties.

Sec. 34   RCW 26.18.220 and 1992 c 229 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts shall develop not later than July 1, 1991, standard court forms and format rules for mandatory use by litigants in all actions commenced under chapters 26.09, 26.10, and 26.26 RCW effective January 1, 1992. The administrator for the courts shall develop mandatory forms for financial affidavits for integration into the worksheets. The forms shall be developed and approved not later than September 1, 1992. The parties shall use the mandatory form for financial affidavits for actions commenced on or after September 1, 1992. The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts has continuing responsibility to develop and revise mandatory forms and format rules as appropriate.
     (2) A party may delete unnecessary portions of the forms according to the rules established by the ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts. A party may supplement the mandatory forms with additional material.
     (3) A party's failure to use the mandatory forms or follow the format rules shall not be a reason to dismiss a case, refuse a filing, or strike a pleading. However, the court may require the party to submit a corrected pleading and may impose terms payable to the opposing party or payable to the court, or both.
     (4) The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts shall distribute a master copy of the forms to all county court clerks. The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts and county clerks shall distribute the mandatory forms to the public upon request and may charge for the cost of production and distribution of the forms. Private vendors may distribute the mandatory forms. Distribution may be in printed or electronic form.

Sec. 35   RCW 26.19.011 and 1991 sp.s. c 28 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
     (1) "Basic child support obligation" means the monthly child support obligation determined from the economic table based on the parties' combined monthly net income and the number of children for whom support is owed.
     (2) "Child support schedule" means the standards, economic table, worksheets, and instructions, as defined in this chapter.
     (3) "Court" means a superior court judge, court commissioner, and presiding and reviewing officers who administratively determine or enforce child support orders.
     (4) "Deviation" means a child support amount that differs from the standard calculation.
     (5) "Economic table" means the child support table for the basic support obligation provided in RCW 26.19.020.
     (6) "Instructions" means the instructions developed by the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts pursuant to RCW 26.19.050 for use in completing the worksheets.
     (7) "Standards" means the standards for determination of child support as provided in this chapter.
     (8) "Standard calculation" means the presumptive amount of child support owed as determined from the child support schedule before the court considers any reasons for deviation.
     (9) "Support transfer payment" means the amount of money the court orders one parent to pay to another parent or custodian for child support after determination of the standard calculation and deviations. If certain expenses or credits are expected to fluctuate and the order states a formula or percentage to determine the additional amount or credit on an ongoing basis, the term "support transfer payment" does not mean the additional amount or credit.
     (10) "Worksheets" means the forms developed by the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts pursuant to RCW 26.19.050 for use in determining the amount of child support.

Sec. 36   RCW 26.19.035 and 1992 c 229 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Application of the child support schedule. The child support schedule shall be applied:
     (a) In each county of the state;
     (b) In judicial and administrative proceedings under this title or Title 13 or 74 RCW;
     (c) In all proceedings in which child support is determined or modified;
     (d) In setting temporary and permanent support;
     (e) In automatic modification provisions or decrees entered pursuant to RCW 26.09.100; and
     (f) In addition to proceedings in which child support is determined for minors, to adult children who are dependent on their parents and for whom support is ordered pursuant to RCW 26.09.100.
     The provisions of this chapter for determining child support and reasons for deviation from the standard calculation shall be applied in the same manner by the court, presiding officers, and reviewing officers.
     (2) Written findings of fact supported by the evidence. An order for child support shall be supported by written findings of fact upon which the support determination is based and shall include reasons for any deviation from the standard calculation and reasons for denial of a party's request for deviation from the standard calculation. The court shall enter written findings of fact in all cases whether or not the court: (a) Sets the support at the presumptive amount, for combined monthly net incomes below five thousand dollars; (b) sets the support at an advisory amount, for combined monthly net incomes between five thousand and seven thousand dollars; or (c) deviates from the presumptive or advisory amounts.
     (3) Completion of worksheets. Worksheets in the form developed by the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts shall be completed under penalty of perjury and filed in every proceeding in which child support is determined. The court shall not accept incomplete worksheets or worksheets that vary from the worksheets developed by the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts.
     (4) Court review of the worksheets and order. The court shall review the worksheets and the order setting support for the adequacy of the reasons set forth for any deviation or denial of any request for deviation and for the adequacy of the amount of support ordered. Each order shall state the amount of child support calculated using the standard calculation and the amount of child support actually ordered. Worksheets shall be attached to the decree or order or if filed separately shall be initialed or signed by the judge and filed with the order.

Sec. 37   RCW 26.19.050 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 2 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts shall develop and adopt worksheets and instructions to assist the parties and courts in establishing the appropriate child support level and apportionment of support. The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts shall attempt to the greatest extent possible to make the worksheets and instructions understandable by persons who are not represented by legal counsel.
     (2) The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts shall develop and adopt standards for the printing of worksheets and shall establish a process for certifying printed worksheets. The administrator may maintain a register of sources for approved worksheets.
     (3) The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts should explore methods to assist pro se parties and judges in the courtroom to calculate support payments through automated software, equipment, or personal assistance.

Sec. 38   RCW 26.26.065 and 1992 c 229 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Effective January 1, 1992, a party shall not file any pleading with the clerk of the court in an action commenced under this chapter unless on forms approved by the ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts.
     (2) The parties shall comply with requirements for submission to the court of forms as provided in RCW 26.18.220.

Sec. 39   RCW 26.50.030 and 1996 c 248 s 12 are each amended to read as follows:
     There shall exist an action known as a petition for an order for protection in cases of domestic violence.
     (1) A petition for relief shall allege the existence of domestic violence, and shall be accompanied by an affidavit made under oath stating the specific facts and circumstances from which relief is sought. Petitioner and respondent shall disclose the existence of any other litigation concerning the custody or residential placement of a child of the parties as set forth in RCW ((26.27.090)) 26.27.281 and the existence of any other restraining, protection, or no-contact orders between the parties.
     (2) A petition for relief may be made regardless of whether or not there is a pending lawsuit, complaint, petition, or other action between the parties except in cases where the court realigns petitioner and respondent in accordance with RCW 26.50.060(4).
     (3) Within ninety days of receipt of the master copy from the ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts, all court clerk's offices shall make available the standardized forms, instructions, and informational brochures required by RCW 26.50.035 and shall fill in and keep current specific program names and telephone numbers for community resources. Any assistance or information provided by clerks under this section does not constitute the practice of law and clerks are not responsible for incorrect information contained in a petition.
     (4) No filing fee may be charged for proceedings under this section. Forms and instructional brochures shall be provided free of charge.
     (5) A person is not required to post a bond to obtain relief in any proceeding under this section.

Sec. 40   RCW 26.50.035 and 2000 c 119 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts shall develop and prepare instructions and informational brochures required under RCW 26.50.030(4), standard petition and order for protection forms, and a court staff handbook on domestic violence and the protection order process. The standard petition and order for protection forms must be used after September 1, 1994, for all petitions filed and orders issued under this chapter. The instructions, brochures, forms, and handbook shall be prepared in consultation with interested persons, including a representative of the state domestic violence coalition, judges, and law enforcement personnel.
     (a) The instructions shall be designed to assist petitioners in completing the petition, and shall include a sample of standard petition and order for protection forms.
     (b) The informational brochure shall describe the use of and the process for obtaining, modifying, and terminating a domestic violence protection order as provided under this chapter, an antiharassment no-contact order as provided under chapter 9A.46 RCW, a domestic violence no-contact order as provided under chapter 10.99 RCW, a restraining order as provided under chapters 26.09, 26.10, 26.26, and 26.44 RCW, an antiharassment protection order as provided by chapter 10.14 RCW, and a foreign protection order as defined in chapter 26.52 RCW.
     (c) The order for protection form shall include, in a conspicuous location, notice of criminal penalties resulting from violation of the order, and the following statement: "You can be arrested even if the person or persons who obtained the order invite or allow you to violate the order's prohibitions. The respondent has the sole responsibility to avoid or refrain from violating the order's provisions. Only the court can change the order upon written application."
     (d) The court staff handbook shall allow for the addition of a community resource list by the court clerk.
     (2) All court clerks shall obtain a community resource list from a domestic violence program, defined in RCW 70.123.020, serving the county in which the court is located. The community resource list shall include the names and telephone numbers of domestic violence programs serving the community in which the court is located, including law enforcement agencies, domestic violence agencies, sexual assault agencies, legal assistance programs, interpreters, multicultural programs, and batterers' treatment programs. The court shall make the community resource list available as part of or in addition to the informational brochures described in subsection (1) of this section.
     (3) The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts shall distribute a master copy of the petition and order forms, instructions, and informational brochures to all court clerks and shall distribute a master copy of the petition and order forms to all superior, district, and municipal courts.
     (4) For purposes of this section, "court clerks" means court administrators in courts of limited jurisdiction and elected court clerks.
     (5) The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts shall determine the significant non-English-speaking or limited English-speaking populations in the state. The administrator shall then arrange for translation of the instructions and informational brochures required by this section, which shall contain a sample of the standard petition and order for protection forms, into the languages spoken by those significant non-English-speaking populations and shall distribute a master copy of the translated instructions and informational brochures to all court clerks by January 1, 1997.
     (6) The ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts shall update the instructions, brochures, standard petition and order for protection forms, and court staff handbook when changes in the law make an update necessary.

Sec. 41   RCW 35.20.030 and 2000 c 111 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
     The municipal court shall have jurisdiction to try violations of all city ordinances and all other actions brought to enforce or recover license penalties or forfeitures declared or given by any such ordinances. It is empowered to forfeit cash bail or bail bonds and issue execution thereon, to hear and determine all causes, civil or criminal, arising under such ordinances, and to pronounce judgment in accordance therewith: PROVIDED, That for a violation of the criminal provisions of an ordinance no greater punishment shall be imposed than a fine of five thousand dollars or imprisonment in the city jail not to exceed one year, or both such fine and imprisonment, but the punishment for any criminal ordinance shall be the same as the punishment provided in state law for the same crime. All civil and criminal proceedings in municipal court, and judgments rendered therein, shall be subject to review in the superior court by writ of review or on appeal: PROVIDED, That an appeal from the court's determination or order in a traffic infraction proceeding may be taken only in accordance with RCW 46.63.090(5). Costs in civil and criminal cases may be taxed as provided in district courts. A municipal court participating in the program established by the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts pursuant to RCW 2.56.160 shall have jurisdiction to take recognizance, approve bail, and arraign defendants held within its jurisdiction on warrants issued by any court of limited jurisdiction participating in the program.

Sec. 42   RCW 36.01.050 and 2000 c 244 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) All actions against any county may be commenced in the superior court of such county, or in the superior court of either of the two nearest judicial districts. All actions by any county shall be commenced in the superior court of the county in which the defendant resides, or in either of the two judicial districts nearest to the county bringing the action.
     (2) The determination of the nearest judicial districts is measured by the travel time between county seats using major surface routes, as determined by the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts.

Sec. 43   RCW 36.18.018 and 1995 c 292 s 15 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) State revenue collected by county clerks under subsection (2) of this section must be transmitted to the appropriate state court. The administrative office of the ((state administrator for the)) courts shall retain fees collected under subsection (3) of this section.
     (2) For appellate review under RAP 5.1(b), two hundred fifty dollars must be charged.
     (3) For all copies and reports produced by the ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts as permitted under RCW 2.68.020 and supreme court policy, a variable fee must be charged.

Sec. 44   RCW 43.08.250 and 2003 1st sp.s. c 25 s 918 are each amended to read as follows:
     The money received by the state treasurer from fees, fines, forfeitures, penalties, reimbursements or assessments by any court organized under Title 3 or 35 RCW, or chapter 2.08 RCW, shall be deposited in the public safety and education account which is hereby created in the state treasury. The legislature shall appropriate the funds in the account to promote traffic safety education, highway safety, criminal justice training, crime victims' compensation, judicial education, the judicial information system, civil representation of indigent persons, winter recreation parking, drug court operations, and state game programs. During the fiscal biennium ending June 30, 2005, the legislature may appropriate moneys from the public safety and education account for purposes of appellate indigent defense and other operations of the office of public defense, the criminal litigation unit of the attorney general's office, the treatment alternatives to street crimes program, crime victims advocacy programs, justice information network telecommunication planning, treatment for supplemental security income clients, sexual assault treatment, operations of the administrative office of ((administrator for)) the courts, security in the common schools, alternative school start-up grants, programs for disruptive students, criminal justice data collection, Washington state patrol criminal justice activities, drug court operations, unified family courts, local court backlog assistance, financial assistance to local jurisdictions for extraordinary costs incurred in the adjudication of criminal cases, domestic violence treatment and related services, the department of corrections' costs in implementing chapter 196, Laws of 1999, reimbursement of local governments for costs associated with implementing criminal and civil justice legislation, the replacement of the department of corrections' offender-based tracking system, secure and semi-secure crisis residential centers, HOPE beds, the family policy council and community public health and safety networks, the street youth program, public notification about registered sex offenders, and narcotics or methamphetamine-related enforcement, education, training, and drug and alcohol treatment services.

Sec. 45   RCW 43.70.540 and 1995 c 399 s 76 are each amended to read as follows:
     The legislature recognizes that the state patrol, the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts, the sheriffs' and police chiefs' association, the department of social and health services, the department of community, trade, and economic development, the sentencing guidelines commission, the department of corrections, and the superintendent of public instruction each have comprehensive data and analysis capabilities that have contributed greatly to our current understanding of crime and violence, and their causes.
     The legislature finds, however, that a single health-oriented agency must be designated to provide consistent guidelines to all these groups regarding the way in which their data systems collect this important data. It is not the intent of the legislature by RCW 43.70.545 to transfer data collection requirements from existing agencies or to require the addition of major new data systems. It is rather the intent to make only the minimum required changes in existing data systems to increase compatibility and comparability, reduce duplication, and to increase the usefulness of data collected by these agencies in developing more accurate descriptions of violence.

Sec. 46   RCW 43.101.280 and 1993 c 415 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     The criminal justice training commission shall develop, in consultation with the ((administrator for)) administrative office of the courts and the commissions established under chapters 43.113, 43.115, and 43.117 RCW, a curriculum for a general understanding of ethnic and cultural diversity and its implications for working with youth of color and their families. The curriculum shall be developed by October 1, 1993. The commission shall ensure that ethnic and diversity training becomes an integral part of the training of law enforcement personnel so as to incorporate cultural sensitivity and awareness into the daily activities of law enforcement personnel.

Sec. 47   RCW 46.20.286 and 1996 c 199 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     The department of licensing shall adopt procedures in cooperation with the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts and the department of corrections to implement RCW 46.20.285.

Sec. 48   RCW 74.14C.100 and 1995 c 311 s 12 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall, within available funds, provide for ongoing training and consultation to department personnel to carry out their responsibilities effectively. Such training may:
     (a) Include the family unit as the primary focus of service; identifying family member strengths; empowering families; child, adult, and family development; stress management; and may include parent training and family therapy techniques;
     (b) Address intake and referral, assessment of risk, case assessment, matching clients to services, and service planning issues in the context of the home-delivered service model, including strategies for engaging family members, defusing violent situations, and communication and conflict resolution skills;
     (c) Cover methods of helping families acquire the skills they need, including home management skills, life skills, parenting, child development, and the use of community resources;
     (d) Address crisis intervention and other strategies for the management of depression, and suicidal, assaultive, and other high-risk behavior; and
     (e) Address skills in collaborating with other disciplines and services in promoting the safety of children and other family members and promoting the preservation of the family.
     (2) The department and the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts shall, within available funds, collaborate in providing training to judges, and others involved in the provision of services pursuant to this title, including service providers, on the function and use of preservation services.

Sec. 49   RCW 82.14.310 and 2001 2nd sp.s. c 7 s 915 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The county criminal justice assistance account is created in the state treasury. Beginning in fiscal year 2000, the state treasurer shall transfer into the county criminal justice assistance account from the general fund the sum of twenty-three million two hundred thousand dollars divided into four equal deposits occurring on July 1, October 1, January 1, and April 1. For each fiscal year thereafter, the state treasurer shall increase the total transfer by the fiscal growth factor, as defined in RCW 43.135.025, forecast for that fiscal year by the office of financial management in November of the preceding year.
     (2) The moneys deposited in the county criminal justice assistance account for distribution under this section, less any moneys appropriated for purposes under subsection (4) of this section, shall be distributed at such times as distributions are made under RCW 82.44.150 and on the relative basis of each county's funding factor as determined under this subsection.
     (a) A county's funding factor is the sum of:
     (i) The population of the county, divided by one thousand, and multiplied by two-tenths;
     (ii) The crime rate of the county, multiplied by three-tenths; and
     (iii) The annual number of criminal cases filed in the county superior court, for each one thousand in population, multiplied by five-tenths.
     (b) Under this section and RCW 82.14.320 and 82.14.330:
     (i) The population of the county or city shall be as last determined by the office of financial management;
     (ii) The crime rate of the county or city is the annual occurrence of specified criminal offenses, as calculated in the most recent annual report on crime in Washington state as published by the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, for each one thousand in population;
     (iii) The annual number of criminal cases filed in the county superior court shall be determined by the most recent annual report of the courts of Washington, as published by the administrative office of the ((administrator for the)) courts;
     (iv) Distributions and eligibility for distributions in the 1989-91 biennium shall be based on 1988 figures for both the crime rate as described under (ii) of this subsection and the annual number of criminal cases that are filed as described under (iii) of this subsection. Future distributions shall be based on the most recent figures for both the crime rate as described under (ii) of this subsection and the annual number of criminal cases that are filed as described under (iii) of this subsection.
     (3) Moneys distributed under this section shall be expended exclusively for criminal justice purposes and shall not be used to replace or supplant existing funding. Criminal justice purposes are defined as activities that substantially assist the criminal justice system, which may include circumstances where ancillary benefit to the civil or juvenile justice system occurs, and which includes (a) domestic violence services such as those provided by domestic violence programs, community advocates, and legal advocates, as defined in RCW 70.123.020, and (b) during the 2001-2003 fiscal biennium, juvenile dispositional hearings relating to petitions for at-risk youth, truancy, and children in need of services. Existing funding for purposes of this subsection is defined as calendar year 1989 actual operating expenditures for criminal justice purposes. Calendar year 1989 actual operating expenditures for criminal justice purposes exclude the following: Expenditures for extraordinary events not likely to reoccur, changes in contract provisions for criminal justice services, beyond the control of the local jurisdiction receiving the services, and major nonrecurring capital expenditures.
     (4) Not more than five percent of the funds deposited to the county criminal justice assistance account shall be available for appropriations for enhancements to the state patrol crime laboratory system and the continuing costs related to these enhancements. Funds appropriated from this account for such enhancements shall not supplant existing funds from the state general fund.


         Passed by the House February 28, 2005.
         Passed by the Senate April 14, 2005.
         Approved by the Governor May 4, 2005, with the exception of certain items that were vetoed.
         Filed in Office of Secretary of State May 4, 2005.

     Note: Governor's explanation of partial veto is as follows:

"I am returning, without my approval as to Section 18, House Bill No. 1668 entitled:

     "AN ACT Relating to the administrative office of the courts."

Section 18, which amends RCW 9.94A.660, presents an irreconcilable conflict with the provisions of Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 2015. Section 18 is rendered moot by language changes in Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 2015, and has no substantive effect on either bill.

For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 18 of House Bill No. 1668.

With the exception of Section 18, House Bill No. 1668 is approved."