HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 SSB 6180

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                        Law & Justice

Title:  An act relating to superior court judges.

Brief Description:  Allowing additional time for phasing in additional King County superior court judges.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senator Smith; by request of Administrator for the Courts).

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Law & Justice:  2/21/96 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 14 members:  Representatives Sheahan, Chairman; Delvin, Vice Chairman; Hickel, Vice Chairman; Dellwo, Ranking Minority Member; Costa, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Carrell; Chappell; Cody; Lambert; McMahan; Morris; Murray; Sterk and Veloria.

Minority Report:  Without recommendation.  Signed by 2 members:  Representatives Robertson and Smith.

Staff:  Bill Perry (786-7123).

Background:  In 1992, the Legislature authorized 12 new superior court positions in King County.  The new positions were conditioned upon the county documenting its approval of the positions and its agreement to pay the county's share of funding for the positions.  The county was authorized to phase in the filling of the new positions over time, but not beyond July 1, 1996.

Currently, King County has filled three of the 12 authorized superior court positions.  King County is requesting that the time to fill the remaining nine judicial positions be extended.

Summary of Bill:  The July 1, 1996, deadline for filling the authorized King County Superior Court positions is removed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  By instituting administrative efficiencies, King County has reduced its immediate need for additional positions.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Dale Ramerman, Presiding Judge, King County Superior Court (pro).