HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5247
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Judiciary
Appropriations
Title: An act relating to superior court judicial positions.
Brief Description: Modifying provisions relating to superior court judicial positions.
Sponsors: Senators Spanel and Haugen; by request of Board For Judicial Administration.
Brief History:
Judiciary: 3/16/07 [DP];
Appropriations: 3/28/07 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Lantz, Chair; Goodman, Vice Chair; Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Warnick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Ahern, Flannigan, Kirby, Moeller, Pedersen and Ross.
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.
Most counties operate their own superior courts. In a few cases, however, two or more
counties with relatively small populations share judges jointly. Island County and San Juan
County share two judges.
Periodically, the Administrative Office of the Courts does a workload analysis of the superior
courts to determine if additional judicial positions are needed.
Summary of Bill:
The total number of superior court judges in Island County and San Juan County is increased
from two to three. Island County and San Juan County no longer share judges of the superior
court. Island County retains the two existing judicial positions, and a new judicial position is
created in San Juan County.
The new judicial position in San Juan County, and the allocation of two positions for Island
County, take effect only after both counties document their approval of the changes and agree
to bear their shares of the costs of the positions.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The bill is identical to a House bill previously approved by the committee. It
provides improved judicial services for two counties and for the state.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Vickie Churchill, Island and San Juan County Judicial District.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 32 members: Representatives Sommers, Chair; Dunshee, Vice Chair; Alexander, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Buri, Chandler, Cody, Conway, Darneille, Dunn, Ericks, Fromhold, Grant, Haigh, Hinkle, Hunt, Hunter, Kagi, Kenney, Kessler, Kretz, Linville, McDermott, McDonald, McIntire, Morrell, Pettigrew, Priest, Schual-Berke, Seaquist, P. Sullivan and Walsh.
Staff: Owen Rowe (786-7391).
Summary of Recommendation of Committee On Appropriations Compared to
Recommendation of Committee On Judiciary:
No new changes were recommended.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
None.
Persons Testifying: None.