Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Judiciary Committee |
SSB 6025
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. |
Title: An act relating to eliminating the mandatory retirement provision for district judges.
Brief Description: Eliminating the mandatory retirement provision for district judges.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Kline, Padden, Eide, Becker, Shin and Tom).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/16/12
Staff: Oliver Stiefel (786-5793).
Background:
The Washington State Constitution requires Supreme Court justices and superior court judges to retire from office at the end of the calendar year in which they attain the age of 75. The Legislature extended this requirement by statute to district court judges in 1969. The statutory provision does not affect the term of any district court judge elected or appointed prior to August 11, 1969.
The majority of states have mandatory retirement provisions for judges, with age 70 being the most frequent age of mandatory retirement.
Summary of Bill:
The mandatory retirement age for district court judges is repealed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.