SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6623

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                Law & Justice, February 2, 1998

Title:  An act relating to superior court judges.

Brief Description:  Creating a new superior court position for Lewis county.

Sponsors:  Senator Swecker; by request of Board for Judicial Administration.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Law & Justice:  2/2/98 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Johnson, Vice Chair; Fairley, Goings, Hargrove, Kline, Long, McCaslin, Stevens, Thibaudeau and Zarelli.

Staff:  Lidia Mori (786-7755)

Background:  Two superior court judges are now authorized for Lewis County.  Due to an increase in filings, jury trials, and caseloads, there is a perceived need and strong support in Lewis County for the appointment of a third judge.

Summary of Bill:  In Lewis County, three superior court judges are authorized.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 30, 1998.

Effective Date:  The bill takes effect on January 1, 1999.

Testimony For:  In Lewis County, there has been every effort made to bring down the civil caseload and reduce the demands on court time.  The OAC study shows Lewis County actually needs 4.2 judges.  There has been a 63 percent increase in criminal filings.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  John Hall, Lewis County Superior Court Judge; Russ Wigley, Lewis County Commissioner; Lewis Zieske, Lewis County Bar Association; Jeremy Randolph, Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney; Chuck Foster, Board for Judicial Administration.