SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    HB 1467

           AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE, APRIL 3, 1991

Brief Description:  Increasing the number of district judges.

SPONSORS:Representatives R. Meyers, Padden, Paris, Tate, Mielke, Broback, Forner, Vance, May, Brough, Winsley, D. Sommers, Mitchell and Roland.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Nelson, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; Erwin, Hayner, Madsen, Newhouse, and A. Smith. 

Staff:  Susan Carlson (786‑7418)

Hearing Dates:March 28, 1991; April 3, 1991

BACKGROUND:

The number of district court judges to be elected in each county is set by statute.  Periodically, these numbers are adjusted to reflect shifts in population and caseloads.  Also, the county legislative authority may by resolution provide for the election of one full-time judge in addition to the number of judges authorized.

It has been suggested that the number of district court judges in King County and Pierce County be increased.  Spokane County has already added one judge by resolution and it is suggested that this be reflected in the statute.    

SUMMARY:

The minimum numbers of district court judges in three counties are increased as follows:

King County from 24 to 26 judges;

Pierce County from 8 to 11 judges; and

Spokane County from 8 to 9 judges.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The required number of district court judges in Pacific County is decreased from three to two.

TESTIMONY FOR:

Increases in district court workloads in King, Pierce and Spokane counties have resulted in a need for more district court judges.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Judge Robert McBeth, District Court Judges Association (pro); Judge Tom Larkin, Pierce County (pro)