FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1176

                         C 168 L 95

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Authorizing Benton county to have one additional District Court judge.

Sponsors:  Representatives Delvin, Hickel, Sheahan, Appelwick, Dellwo, Hankins, Mastin, Honeyford and Padden.

House Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Background:  Before a county may increase the number of District Court judges in the county, the Legislature must approve the increase.  The Supreme Court makes a recommendation to the Legislature and bases its recommendation on a weighted caseload analysis.  Additional judgeships are effective only if the county legislative authority approves the additional position and agrees to pay for the position with county funds without reimbursement from the state. 

The Benton County commissioners have approved the addition of one, full-time Benton County District Court Judge, based on a weighted caseload analysis.

Douglas County has two authorized positions.  Apparently the 1994 legislation that authorized the second position was enacted by mistake.

Summary:  The number of District Court judges authorized in Benton County is increased from two to three.  The number of District Court judges in Douglas County is reduced from two to one.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     94 0

Senate    44 0 (Senate amended)

House     97 0 (House concurred)

Effective:  May 1, 1995