FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6742

                                   C 66 L 88

BYSenate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senators Newhouse and Deccio)

Authorizing an additional superior court judge in Yakima county.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

House Committe on Judiciary

Rereferred House Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Since 1977, filings for criminal matters in Yakima County Superior Court have nearly doubled while civil filings have increased by 25 percent over the same period of time.

A Washington Superior Court Weighted Caseload Study was conducted in 1976 by the National Center for State Courts.  An update of the weighted caseload study was performed in 1985, 1986 and 1987.  The results of these studies have been used to document the need for additional judicial positions.  These results indicate that Yakima County Superior Court's judicial position needs of 8.5 FTE's exceeds the current judicial staffing for the court by over 2.0 positions.

SUMMARY:

The maximum number of superior court judges authorized in Yakima County is increased by one judge for a total of six.  A stenographic reporter is not required to be appointed for the additional superior court judge.

The addition of the judicial position is conditioned upon the documentation by the legislative authority for Yakima County of its approval and agreement that the expenses of the judicial position shall be borne by the county.

The legislative authority for Yakima County has until January 1, 1990, to give its approval for the additional judicial position.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    46     0

      House 96   0

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988