SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 2702

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

               Law & Justice, February 25, 1998

Title:  An act relating to superior court judges.

Brief Description:  Creating two new superior court positions for Yakima county.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Representatives Honeyford, Lisk, Sheahan, Appelwick and Skinner; by request of Board for Judicial Administration).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Law & Justice:  2/25/98 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Johnson, Vice Chair; Fairley, Hargrove, Kline, Long, McCaslin, Stevens, Thibaudeau and Zarelli.

Staff:  Lidia Mori (786-7755)

Background:  The Legislature sets by statute the number of superior court judges in each county.  Periodically, the Office of the Administrator for the Courts (OAC) conducts a weighted caseload analysis to determine the need for additional judges in the various counties.  The Legislature has authorized six judges for Yakima County.  The caseload analysis by the OAC indicates a need for two more judicial positions in Yakima County.

Retirement benefits and one-half of the salary and other employee benefits of a superior court judge are paid by the state.  The other half of the judge's salary and all other costs associated with a judicial position, such as capital and support staff costs, are borne by the county.

New superior court positions are filled by gubernatorial appointment.  The appointed judge must then stand for election at the next general election.

Summary of Bill:  The number of superior court judges in Yakima County is increased from six to eight.  The new positions take effect immediately, but upon request of the superior court, the Yakima County commissioners may set the actual starting date for the positions.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.