SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5289

                    As of February 13, 1997

Title:  An act relating to superior court judges.

Brief Description:  Providing for additional judges for the Pierce county superior court.

Sponsors:  Senators Johnson, Wojahn, Goings and Oke; by request of Administrator for the Courts.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Law & Justice:  2/17/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Dick Armstrong (786-7460)

Background:  By statute the Legislature determines the number of superior court judges in each county.  Pierce County currently has 19 statutorily authorized superior court judicial positions.  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 Pierce 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:  Five additional superior court judges are authorized for Pierce County, increasing the number of superior court judicial positions in Pierce County from 19 to 24. 

The judicial positions are created as follows:  One position begins January 1, 1998; two positions begin January 1, 1999; and two positions begin January 1, 2000.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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