Title: An act relating to the membership of the commission on judicial conduct.

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

Sponsors: Representatives Williams, Priest, Flannigan and Serben.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/03/05, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Judiciary:

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Staff: Cindy Fazio (786-7405)

Background: The Commission on Judicial Conduct is composed of 11 members. Three members are judges selected by and from the court of appeals judges, superior court judges, and district court judges. Two members are attorneys selected by the bar association, and six members are nonlawyers appointed by the governor.

District courts are county courts of limited jurisdiction. Municipal courts can be departments of district courts or can be independent city courts. Judges of municipal courts can be either elected or appointed, depending on the population of the municipality and other considerations.

Summary of Bill: The composition of the Commission on Judicial Conduct is modified to allow one member to be selected by and from the judges of all courts of limited jurisdiction instead of district courts. This would allow a municipal court judge to be a member of the commission.

This act will take effect on January 1, 2006 only if a proposed constitutional amendment to Article IV, section 31 is approved by the voters.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: January 1, 2006 if the proposed amendment to Article IV, Section 31 of the Washington constitution is approved and ratified by the voters at the next general election.