SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 5149

BYSenators Conner, DeJarnatt, Tanner, Owen, Newhouse and von Reichbauer; by request of Office of the Administrator for the Courts

Authorizing the court of appeals to hold sessions in certain additional cities.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 29, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Halsan, Vice Chairman; Bottiger, McCaslin, Moore, Nelson, Newhouse.

Senate Staff:Lidia Mori (786-7461)

                  February 24, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 23, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Court of Appeals currently holds sessions in Seattle, Everett, Bellingham, Tacoma, Vancouver, Spokane, Yakima, Richland, Wenatchee and Walla Walla.  For reasons of public convenience and education, it has been suggested that the Court of Appeals hold sessions in some additional cities.  The expected result is that parties to lawsuits from the additional cities, and their counsel, will not be required to travel so far in order to hear argument on their case.  It is also anticipated that a greater portion of the public will be able to observe the appellate process.

SUMMARY:

The Court of Appeals has the authority to hold sessions in any city they designate by rule.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Judge Gerry Alexander