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.

Hearing Date: 3/16/07

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. Unless otherwise provided, a new judicial position is initially filled by appointment by the Governor.

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.