Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Judiciary Committee

HB 2471

Title:  An act relating to the methodology of determining the number of district court judges.

Brief Description:  Changing the methodology of determining the number of district court judges.

Sponsors:  Representatives Esser, Lantz and Casada; by request of Administrator for the Courts.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Changes the methodology used to determine the number of district court judges.

Hearing Date:  1/29/02

Staff:  Edie Adams (786‑7180).

Background:

The number of district court judges in each county is set by statute.  Any change in the number of full or part‑time judges in a county must be made by the Legislature after receiving a recommendation from the Supreme Court.  The recommendation must be based on a weighted caseload analysis conducted by the Office of the Administrator for the Courts.  The weighted caseload analysis must take into account a number of factors, including:  the time that existing judges have available to hear cases; the judicial time needed to process various types of cases; and a determination of the amount of a judge's time that can be devoted exclusively to process cases.

Summary of Bill:

The weighted caseload analysis used by the Supreme Court to make recommendations regarding a change in the number of district court judges in a county is changed to an "objective workload analysis."  The objective workload analysis must take into account available judicial resources and the caseload activity of the court.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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