SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5626

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 16, 1993

Brief Description:  Adding new judges to the court of appeals.

SPONSORS: Senators A. Smith, West, Moyer, Talmadge and Winsley; by request of Administrator for the Courts

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Tom McBride (786‑7448)

Hearing Dates: February 19, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Currently the Washington Court of Appeals faces a large backlog of cases filed, but awaiting oral argument in front of the appellate court.  Additional judges would allow those cases to be heard more quickly. 

In 1969, the Court of Appeals consisted of 12 judges.  In 1978, the number of judges was increased to 16.  In 1990, the number of judges was increased to 17.

SUMMARY:

Division One of the Court of Appeals is increased from nine judges to 12 judges.  Two judges will start in King County on January 1, 1994.  One judge will start in Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom counties on July 1, 1996.

Division Two of the Court of Appeals is increased from four judges to six judges.  One judge will start in Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason and Thurston counties on July 1, 1993.  One judge will start in Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Pacific, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties on July 1, 1993.

Division Three of the Court of Appeals is increased from four to five judges.  One judge will start in Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat and Yakima counties on July 1, 1994.

The judges will be appointed by the Governor.  The judges will run, per staggered term, in the following general elections.

     Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 15, 1993

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.