SENATE BILL REPORT

SJR 8213

As of February 12, 2003

Brief Description: Removing district court judges from the jurisdiction of the salary commission.

Sponsors: Senators Morton and McCaslin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Judiciary: 2/13/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Staff: Lidia Mori (786-7755)

Background: Washington voters approved and ratified, at a general election in November 1986, an amendment to Article XXVIII of the state Constitution. It established that salaries for members of the Legislature, elected officials of the executive branch of state government, and judges of the state's Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, superior courts, and district courts are to be fixed by an independent commission created and directed by law for that purpose.

Summary of Bill: The independent commission on salaries for elected officials establishes the salaries of district court judges in counties with a population of 25,000 or more.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: Upon approval of voters at the next general election.