SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6067

              AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

Brief Description:  Changing the Washington state magistrates' association.

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

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  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:

Current statutes designate the association comprised of all elected or appointed judges of courts of limited jurisdiction as the "Washington State Magistrates' Association."  This conflicts with the statutory definition of magistrate which includes appellate and superior court judges along with district and municipal court judges. 

Statutes also provide the annual meeting for the association be held during August or September.  However, the association's annual meeting has traditionally been held in the spring. 

It is recommended references to the magistrates' association be changed to refer to the "district and municipal court judges' association" and the governing board be allowed to schedule annual meetings.

SUMMARY:

The "Washington State Magistrates' Association" is changed to the "Washington State District and Municipal Court Judges' Association."

The annual meeting of the association may be scheduled by the governing board.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

The bill corrects statutory references to the association of judges of courts of limited jurisdiction to the name the association has been using for some time.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

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