HB 1275-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Revises provisions relating to the administrator for the courts.

     Requires the administrator to periodically undertake an assessment of the unmet civil legal needs of low-income people in the state, including the needs of persons who suffer disparate access barriers, and develop a funding plan to meet the civil legal needs of such persons.  The assessment should be conducted in consultation with the Washington state bar association and the access to justice board.

     Provides for the administration of state funds as may be appropriated for improving the operation of the courts and provide support for court coordinating councils, under the direction of the board for judicial administration.

     Appropriates the sum of five hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the biennium ending June 30, 2003, from the public safety and education account to the office of administrator for the courts, under the direction of the board of judicial administration, solely for the support of court coordinating council planning activities.