HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5170
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Judiciary
Title: An act relating to increasing the number of judges to be elected in Grant county.
Brief Description: Increasing the number of judges to be elected in Grant county.
Sponsors: Senators Holmquist Newbry, Parlette, Kohl-Welles and Kline; by request of Board For Judicial Administration.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Judiciary: 3/2/11, 3/10/11 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Pedersen, Chair; Goodman, Vice Chair; Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Shea, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Eddy, Frockt, Kirby, Klippert, Nealey, Orwall, Rivers and Roberts.
Staff: Kelly Pfundheller (786-7289).
Background:
The number of elected district court judges in each county is set by statute, and the number of judges in any county may be increased only through a procedure also set out in statute. Upon the recommendation of the Supreme Court, the Legislature may increase the number of judges in a county. The recommendation of the Supreme Court is to be based on a weighted caseload analysis of the need for additional judges in a county. The analysis is to take into account a variety of factors including how much time existing judges in the county currently have to hear cases and how much judicial time is needed for various kinds of cases.
The addition of a new district court judge position is conditional upon the agreement by the county legislative authority to pay all costs associated with the creation of the new position. A county may take up to two years to phase in new judicial positions created by the Legislature.
There are currently two elected district court judges in Grant County.
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Summary of Bill:
An additional district court judge position is authorized for Grant County, bringing the total number of district court judges in the county to three.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Grant County judges and local government support this legislation because there is a greater need for elected district court judges in the county. The House Judiciary Committee passed the companion bill, House Bill 1236, unanimously, and it was passed out of the House of Representatives with overwhelming support. The committee should continue to support this legislation.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Mellani McAleenan, Board for Judicial Administration.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.