Brief Description: Increasing the number of superior court judges in Clallam and Cowlitz counties.

Sponsors: Senators Doumit, Zarelli and Hargrove.

Senate Committee on Judiciary
House Committee on Appropriations

Background: The number of superior court judges in each county is set by the Legislature. The state and counties share the costs of the superior courts. Retirement benefits and one-half of the salary of a superior court judge are paid by the state. The other half of the judge's salary and all other costs associated with a judicial position, such as court facilities and support staff costs, are paid by the counties.

Clallam county has two superior court judges. Cowlitz county has four superior court judges. Based on a workload analysis by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), an additional superior court judge is needed for each county.

Summary: The number of superior court judges in Clallam county is increased to three; the number of superior court judges in Cowlitz county is increased to five.

The superior court positions created by this bill are only effective if Clallam and Cowlitz counties document approval of the positions and agree to fund the expenses of the positions, including, but not limited to, court facilities.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      48   0
House      97   1