FINAL 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.

C 43 L 11

Synopsis as Enacted

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.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

House Committee on Judiciary

Background: Under current law, Grant County is permitted to elect two district court judges. Pursuant to RCW 3.34.020(5)(a), "[c]hanges in the number of district court judges may only be made by the Legislature in a year in which the quadrennial election for district court judges is not held." Furthermore, a request for additional district court judges must go through the Administrator for the Courts, under the supervision of the Supreme Court, which then conducts a workload analysis and makes a recommendation to the Legislature. The Administrator for the Courts has found that although Grant County has two elected judges and one full-time court commissioner, it has a need of 3.3 judges.

Summary: Three district court judges may be elected in Grant County.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate

47

0

House

92

1

Effective:

July 22, 2011.