SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 6742

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

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 5, 1988

Majority Report:     That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6742 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Senate Staff:Cliff Petersen (786-7457)

                February 15, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 12, 1988

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.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    requested February 4, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified:   Janet McLane, Office of Administrator for the Courts; John S. Moore, Yakima County Bar Association; Judge Walter Stauffacher, Yakima County Superior Court