SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5592

BYSenators Tanner, McCaslin and Garrett

Providing qualifications for nonattorney municipal court judges.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 24, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Lidia Mori (786-7461)

                  March 20, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 17, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In municipalities which have a population of less than 5,000 persons, a nonattorney may be appointed to the position of judge.

The legislative authority of the city or town in a municipality has the power to confirm the appointment of a municipal judge.

SUMMARY:

In a municipality having a population of less than 5,000, a person must meet certain requirements in order to be eligible to be appointed to the position of judge.  A person must:  (1) be 18 years or older, (2) be a registered voter, (3) have attained a high school diploma or a G.E.D. certificate, and (4) have taken and passed the qualifying examination which is approved by rule of the Supreme Court.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Janet McLane, Office of the Administrator for the Courts; Peter King, Association of Washington Cities