SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1556

As of March 19, 2003

Title: An act relating to district court judges.

Brief Description: Authorizing one additional district court judge for Clark county.

Sponsors: Representatives Moeller, Orcutt, Boldt and Fromhold; by request of Administrative Office of the Courts.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Judiciary: 3/28/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)

Background: The Legislature sets the number of elected district court judges in each county, and may increase the number of district court judges in any county only upon the recommendation of the Supreme Court. Supreme Court recommendations are based on an objective workload analysis performed by the Administrative Office of the Courts. The current workload analysis indicates a need for an additional 0.5 judicial officers in Clark County. The addition of a new district court judge position is conditional upon the agreement by the county legislative authority to pay all costs associated with the creation of the new position.

Summary of Bill: An additional district court judge position is authorized for Clark County, bringing the total number of district court judges authorized for the county to six.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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