SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5116

                    As of January 21, 1999

Title:  An act relating to qualifications of judges.

Brief Description:  Removing the requirement that judges be admitted to the practice of law.

Sponsors:  Senators McCaslin and Roach.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Judiciary:  1/27/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Staff:  Dick Armstrong (786-7460)

Background:  SJR 8200 eliminates the requirement that a person must be admitted to the practice of law in this state to hold a judicial office.

If SJR 8200 passes both houses of the Legislature and is approved by the voters at the next general election, it is necessary to amend various state statutes that require a person to be an attorney to hold judicial office.

Summary of Bill:  Various state statutes are amended to eliminate any requirement that a person must be admitted to the practice of law in this state to hold a judicial office.  Provisions of the bill are effective only if SJR 8200 is approved by the voters at the next general election.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.