SENATE BILL REPORT

HJR 4205

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Judiciary, February 27, 2004

Brief Description: Changing the membership of the commission on judicial conduct.

Sponsors: Representatives Lantz, Carrell, Campbell, Darneille, O'Brien and Chase.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Judiciary: 3/20/03 [DP]; 2/27/04 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chair; Esser, Vice Chair; Brandland, Hargrove, Haugen, Johnson, Kline and Thibaudeau.

Staff: Jinnah Rose-McFadden (786-7421)

Background: The Washington State Constitution created a Commission on Judicial Conduct. This commission is a body authorized to investigate complaints filed against state judges and justices, as well as hold hearings and impose disciplinary action where warranted.

The commission is composed of 11 members, three of whom are state judges. Currently, one judge is selected by and from each of the following courts: the Court of Appeals, the superior court, and the district court. Municipal court judges are not authorized to sit on the commission.

Summary of Bill: A constitutional amendment is put to the voters, changing the composition of the Commission on Judicial Conduct to allow one member to be selected by and from the limited jurisdiction court judges, rather than the district court judges. This allows municipal court judges to sit on the commission.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: January 1, 2005, if the proposed amendment to Article IV, Section 31 of the state Constitution is approved and ratified by the voters at the next general election.

Testimony For: This is a good bill.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: PRO: Melanie Stewart, Washington Municipal and District Court Judges Association.