HB 1805

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

Brief Description: Changing the number of district court judges.

Sponsors: Representatives O'Brien, Nixon, Kagi, Tom, Sommers and Clibborn.

Hearing Date: 2/20/03

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 judges in a county must be made by the Legislature after receiving a recommendation from the Supreme Court. The recommendation must be based on an objective workload analysis conducted by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). The objective workload analysis takes into account available judicial resources and the caseload activity of the court.

King County has 26 statutorily authorized district court judge positions. The AOC conducted an objective workload analysis for King County district court. In 2001 King County had 25.1 available judicial officers and the county has a projected need for 20.2 judicial officers in 2003.

The county must pay all costs associated with a district court judge position. The county may phase in a newly authorized judge position over a two year period.

Summary of Bill:

The number of statutorily authorized district court judges in King County is reduced from 26 to 23.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 17, 2003.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.