| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Appropriations Committee | |
SB 5351
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.
Brief Description: Changing travel reimbursement provisions affecting judges of the court of appeals.
Sponsors: Senators Kline and Spanel; by request of Court Of Appeals.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/22/07
Staff: Owen Rowe (786-7391).
Background:
The Legislature established the Court of Appeals in statute in 1969. The state Court of Appeals
(Court) is divided into three divisions that serve a defined geographic area of the state. The
divisions are designated as I, II, and III, and are headquartered in Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane
respectively. Each of the divisions is further subdivided into three geographic districts, and a
specific number of judges must be elected from each district.
The 22 judges of the Court serve six-year terms, staggered to ensure that all judges are not up for
re-election at the same time. To qualify for a position on the Court, a person must have practiced
law in Washington for five years and, at the time of election, must have lived for a year or more
in the district from which that position was drawn. Vacancies are filled by the Governor, with
appointees serving until the next general election.
Currently, judges of the Court are not entitled to per diem or mileage for services performed at
either the judge's legal residence or the headquarters of the division of the court in which the
judge is a member.
Summary of Bill:
The Court is authorized to adopt rules providing for the reimbursement of work-related travel
expenses from a judge's customary residence to the division headquarters of the court and back.
Judges elected from or residing in the county in which the division is headquartered are not
eligible for reimbursement.
The rates of travel reimbursement will be equal to those set by the Director of the Office of
Financial Management (Director) for officials, employees, and members of boards, commissions,
or committees. The rates for mileage reimbursement will also be equal to those set by the
Director for elective or appointive officials, or employees of the state.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.