SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6066

  AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE, JANUARY 18, 1994

Brief Description:  Determining the number of district court judges.

SPONSORS: Senators Ludwig, Nelson, Wojahn, Snyder, Bauer and A. Smith

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6066 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

     Signed by Senators A. Smith, Chairman; Ludwig, Vice Chairman; Hargrove, Nelson, Quigley, Roach, Schow and Spanel.

Staff:  Susan Carlson (786‑7418)

Hearing Dates: January 18, 1994

BACKGROUND:

In 1991, the Legislature changed the number of district court judges in some counties.  However, the legislation included incorrect numbers for 16 of the counties.  As a result, the current statute inaccurately reflects the number of district court judges in many counties.

SUMMARY:

The number of district court judges in each county is the base number of judges in office as of December 31, 1992.  The Legislature may increase this number upon recommendation of the Supreme Court based on a weighted caseload analysis.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The correct number of district court judges that have been authorized for each county is listed.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

The bill corrects legislation that was passed in 1991 that indicated the wrong number of judges for some counties.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Judge Kip Stilz, Washington State District and Municipal Court Judges Association