Brief Description: Increasing the number of superior court judicial positions in Clallam and Cowlitz counties.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Kessler, Buck, Kagi, Curtis, Takko, Blake and Kenney).

House Committee on Judiciary
House Committee on Appropriations
Senate Committee on Judiciary

Background:

The Legislature sets by statute the number of superior court judges in each county. The state and the counties share the costs of the superior courts. Benefits and one-half of the salary 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.

Periodically, the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) does a workload analysis of the superior courts to determine if additional judicial positions are needed.

Clallam County has two statutorily authorized judges. Cowlitz County has four authorized judges. The workload analysis conducted by the AOC indicates a need for an additional judge for both counties.

Summary:

One additional superior court judge is authorized in Clallam County and one additional superior court judge is authorized in Cowlitz County.

The additional judicial positions are effective only if each county documents its approval of the additional position and agrees to pay for its share of the costs for the position without reimbursement from the state.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   97   1
Senate   48   0

Effective: June 7, 2006