HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2747

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:
Judiciary

Title: An act relating to judicial district population estimates.

Brief Description: Addressing judicial district population estimates.

Sponsors: Representative Hunt; by request of Office of Financial Management.

Brief History:

Judiciary: 1/29/08 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Removes the requirement that the Office of Financial Management estimate and certify to the county legislative authority the population of each judicial district.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Lantz, Chair; Goodman, Vice Chair; Warnick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Ahern, Flannigan, Kirby, Moeller, Pedersen, Ross and Williams.

Staff: Sean Gamble (786-5793) and Trudes Tango (786-7384).

Background:

District court population estimates were previously used to determine the number of judges per district court, and to determine the salaries of part-time judges. Currently, the Supreme Court determines the number of district court judges. The Washington Citizen's Commission of Salaries sets judges' salaries.

Population is defined as the latest population of each county as estimated and certified by the Office of Financial Management (OFM). Every four years, the OFM is required to estimate and certify to the county legislative authority the population of each judicial district of each county.

Summary of Bill:

The requirement that the OFM estimate and certify to the county legislative authority the population of each judicial district is removed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill removes the requirement that the Office of Financial Management make a population estimate that is not used anymore. This is a good bill that improves government efficiency.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Hunt, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.