SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5109

BYSenators Pullen, Talmadge, Nelson, Niemi, Thorsness and Rinehart

Creating an additional court of appeals position.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 19, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; Madsen, Nelson, Newhouse, Niemi, Rasmussen, Rinehart, Talmadge, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Cliff Petersen (786-7457)

                  January 20, 1989

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 21, 1989; March 22, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5109 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDonald, Chairman; Amondson, Bailey, Bluechel, Cantu, Fleming, Hayner, Johnson, Lee, Matson, Newhouse, Niemi, Owen, Saling, Smith, Talmadge, Williams.

Senate Staff:Lynn French (786-7715)

                  March 22, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, MARCH 22, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Court of Appeals is divided into three geographic divisions.  Division I encompasses King, Snohomish, Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom counties.  Division I, which has eight judges, is separated into three geographic districts, each with an allocation of judicial positions.  District 1, consisting of King County, has six judges.

Since 1979 the number of filings of civil and criminal appeals in Division I increased by 36 percent for a total of 1,277 in 1987.  Approximately 80 percent of the filings are from District 1--King County.

SUMMARY:

One additional judicial position is created in District 1 of Division I of the Court of Appeals. 

The new position becomes effective January 1, 1990 and is filled by gubernatorial appointment.  The person appointed holds office until the general election in November of 1990 and is entitled to run for a term of six years at such general election.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The additional judge for Division I would come from District II--Snohomish County rather than District I--King County.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 17, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: LAW & JUSTICE:  Judge Jack Scholfield, Division I, Court of Appeals (pro)

Senate Committee - Testified: WAYS & MEANS:  Chief Judge Joseph Coleman, Division I, Court of Appeals; Mary McQueen, Administrator for the Courts