SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5170

                        AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 8, 1991

Brief Description:  Changing the number of district judges.

SPONSORS:Senators Snyder, Nelson and Rasmussen.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Staff:  Dick Armstrong (786‑7460)

Hearing Dates:February 7, 1991; February 13, 1991

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

BACKGROUND:

By statute, the state Legislature establishes the number of district court judges elected in each county.

Pacific County is authorized to elect three district court judges.  However, currently the county has only two district court judges (part time) and the judges are able to handle the work load of the district court.  It is suggested that the statutory authorization for district court judges in Pacific County be reduced to the county's current number of employed judges.

The salaries of full and part time district court judges are paid by counties.  The amount of the salaries for full time judges is set by the State Salary Commission.  The amount of the salary for part time judges is set by each county.

SUMMARY:

The number of authorized district court judicial positions in Pacific County is decreased from three to two. 

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Pacific County is currently required to elect three district court judges, yet the work load of the district court is handled by two part-time judges.  This bill would eliminate an unnecessary judicial position.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Senator Sid Snyder

HOUSE AMENDMENT(S):

The salaries of part time district court judges are to be established by the State Salary Commission.  The amendment also removes a provision that reduces the number of district court judges in Pacific County from three to two.