FINAL BILL REPORT
SB 5170
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. |
C 43 L 11
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Increasing the number of judges to be elected in Grant county.
Sponsors: Senators Holmquist Newbry, Parlette, Kohl-Welles and Kline; by request of Board For Judicial Administration.
Senate Committee on Judiciary
House Committee on Judiciary
Background: Under current law, Grant County is permitted to elect two district court judges. Pursuant to RCW 3.34.020(5)(a), "[c]hanges in the number of district court judges may only be made by the Legislature in a year in which the quadrennial election for district court judges is not held." Furthermore, a request for additional district court judges must go through the Administrator for the Courts, under the supervision of the Supreme Court, which then conducts a workload analysis and makes a recommendation to the Legislature. The Administrator for the Courts has found that although Grant County has two elected judges and one full-time court commissioner, it has a need of 3.3 judges.
Summary: Three district court judges may be elected in Grant County.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 47 | 0 | |
House | 92 | 1 |
Effective: | July 22, 2011. |