Title: An act relating to superior court judges.

Brief Description: Creating an additional superior court position.

Sponsors: Senators Spanel, Stevens and Haugen; by request of Board For Judicial Administration.

Hearing Date: 3/18/05

Staff: Bill Perry (786-7123).

Background:

The Legislature sets by statute the number of superior court judges in each county.

The state and the counties share the costs of the superior courts. Benefits and one-half of the salary of a superior court judge are paid by the state. The other half of the judge's salary and all other costs associated with a judicial position, such as capital and support staff costs, are borne by the county.

Periodically, the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) does a workload analysis of the superior courts to determine if additional judicial positions are needed.

Skagit County has three judges. Based on the AOC workload analysis, the Board for Judicial Administration has requested an additional judge for the county.

Summary of Bill:

One additional superior court judge is authorized in Skagit County.

The additional judicial position is effective only if Skagit County documents its approval by January 1, 2007, and agrees to pay for its share of the costs for the position without reimbursement from the state.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available on companion bill, House Bill 1112.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.