SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5323
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 of January 12, 2012
Title: An act relating to retirement of judges.
Brief Description: Modifying retirement provisions for judges.
Sponsors: Senators Shin, Swecker, Kastama, Hatfield, Delvin, Honeyford, Holmquist Newbry and Sheldon.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Judiciary: 1/11/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY |
Staff: Katherine Taylor (786-7434)
Background: A judge must retire from office at the end of the calendar year in which the judge attains the age of 75 years.
Summary of Bill: A judge must retire from office either at the end of the calendar year in which the judge attains the age of 75 years or upon the expiration of the member's term of office after attaining such age.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: We support this bill. The state constitution is silent on retirement ages for district court judges. Nineteen states have no mandatory retirement ages for judges. Asking the public to vote on an amendment to the constitution may be costly.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Mellani McAleenan, Board for Judicial Administration; Brett Buckley, Thurston County District Court Judge.