HB 1202.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 3/10/99)

     Establishes procedures for appointing judicial officers of the district and municipal courts.

     Declares that the appointment of commissioners in cities of population under 400,000 is explicitly made subject to the authorization of the city legislative authority.  Any limitation on the authority granted a commissioner must be part of the written appointment by the judges, otherwise the authority of the commissioner is the same as that of a judge.

     Authorizes municipal court commissioners to solemnize marriages and to hear cases involving traffic infractions and other civil infractions.

     Authorizes Seattle municipal court magistrates to handle civil infractions other than just traffic infractions.

     Provides that commissioners may be removed from office or disciplined by their appointing judges only for cause.