FINAL BILL REPORT

                  2SSB 5235

                          C 117 L 95

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Adding a superior court judge in Clark county.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Bauer, Sutherland, Palmer and Smith).

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Law & Justice

House Committee on Appropriations

Background:  By statute the Legislature determines the number of superior court judges in each county.  Clark County currently has six superior court judges.  The county has experienced growth in the number of cases filed and tried in its superior court.

The Washington State Administrator for the Courts has conducted a "weighted  caseload" study and estimates that Clark County needs additional superior court judges to handle the current caseload.

The Washington State Constitution provides that the state and counties should share the salary expense for superior court judges.  Other costs associated with a judicial position, such as capital and support staff cost, are borne by the county.

Summary:  An additional superior court judge is authorized for Clark County, increasing the number of superior court judges in Clark County from six to seven.  Clark County is responsible for the costs associated with the additional judicial position.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    49 0

House     92 0

Effective:  July 23, 1995