1202 AMH JUDI PERR 19

HB 1202 - H COMM AMD ADOPTED 03/09/99

By Committee on Judiciary

     On page 1, line 12, after "and" strike everything through "of" and insert "((shall hold office at the pleasure of))may be disciplined or terminated for cause by"

     On page 1, line 15, after "judges." strike everything through "judges." on line 16, and insert "A commissioner may be disciplined or terminated for cause by the appointing judges."

     On page 2, line 27, beginning with "Each" strike everything through "of" and insert "((Each commissioner holds office at the pleasure of)) A commissioner may be disciplined or terminated for cause by"

     On page 4, after line 24, insert the following:

     "Sec. 11.  RCW 35.20.155 and 1996 c 16 ' 3 are each amended to read as follows: 

     When so authorized by the city legislative authority, the judges of the city may appoint one or more municipal court commissioners.  A commissioner must be a registered voter of the city, and ((shall hold office at the pleasure of)) may be disciplined or terminated for cause by the appointing judges.  A person appointed as a commissioner authorized to hear or dispose of cases must be a lawyer who is admitted to the practice of law in the state of Washington.  A commissioner has such power, authority, and jurisdiction in criminal and civil matters as the appointing judges possess and may prescribe."

Renumber the remaining section and correct the title.

EFFECT:  Eliminates the authority of elected judges to discipline or terminate appointed commissioners and magistrates at will.  Requires that disciplinary action or termination be for cause.