HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5981
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
Title: An act relating to increasing the number of superior court judges in Mason county.
Brief Description: Increasing the number of superior court judges in Mason county.
Sponsors: Senators Sheldon, Kline, Hewitt and Dammeier; by request of Board For Judicial Administration.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Judiciary: 2/20/14, 2/26/14 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Jinkins, Chair; Hansen, Vice Chair; Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Nealey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Goodman, Haler, Kirby, Klippert, Muri, Orwall, Roberts and Walkinshaw.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 1 member: Representative Shea.
Staff: Omeara Harrington (786-7136).
Background:
The number of superior court judges in each county is set by statute. Any change in the number of full- and part-time judges in a county's superior court is determined by the Legislature after receiving a recommendation from the Board for Judicial Administration (BJA). The BJA's recommendation is based on an objective workload analysis developed annually by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). The objective workload analysis takes into account available judicial resources and the caseload activity of the court.
The state and the county share the cost of superior court judges. In order for an additional judicial position to become effective, the legislative authority of the affected county must approve the position and agree to pay the expenses associated with the new position out of county funds and without reimbursement from the state.
Mason County has two elected superior court judges. The BJA recommends an increase in the number of superior court judges in Mason County.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Summary of Bill:
The number of statutorily authorized superior court judges in Mason County is increased from two to three. This new position becomes effective only if the legislative authority of Mason County approves the position and agrees that the county will pay its share of the cost of the position without reimbursement from the state.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This is BJA request legislation. This bill passed the Senate unanimously and the companion passed the House with a favorable vote. The BJA reviewed the request for an additional judge from Mason County and firmly believes the county needs the flexibility of a third judge. The court has been as creative as possible and has worked as hard as they can within their parameters, but an additional position is still needed. Mason County has a high number of criminal trials, which creates difficulty in resolving civil cases in a timely fashion. There is a commissioner in the county; however, commissioners cannot preside over trials. Neighbor disputes, divorces, landlord and tenant cases are all common civil matters, which must yield to criminal cases.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Mellani McAlenan, Board for Judicial Administration; and Toni Sheldon, Mason County Superior Court.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.