SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5916

                      As of March 4, 1997

Title:  An act relating to the association of superior court judges.

Brief Description:  Clarifying provisions relating to the association of superior court judges.

Sponsors:  Senator McCaslin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Law & Justice:  3/4/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Lidia Mori (786-7755)

Background:  Article IV, Section 24 of the Washington State Constitution directs the judges of the superior courts to establish uniform rules for the government of the superior courts.  The Legislature, in 1890, supplemented this authority through statutes which again direct the judges of the superior courts to establish uniform rules for the government of the superior courts, elect officers for the association, and meet annually as determined by the association=s governing board.   All superior court judges are made members of the Superior Court Judges Association (SCJA) through statute.  The SCJA created bylaws which require the payment of due and assessments.  The bylaws state that the annual dues shall be paid by the counties with the Board of Trustees of the SCJA fixing the amount.  There is concern that the bylaws created by the SCJA do not have the authority to require the counties to pay the dues of the Superior Court Judges Association. 

Summary of Bill:  Superior court judges are not subject to any mandatory dues or assessments as a condition of membership in the Superior Court Judges Association.

The Office of the Administrator for the Courts is directed to provide all necessary assistance to the Superior Court Judges Association relating to carrying out its duties.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on March 3, 1997.

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