FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1175

C 142 L 13

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Increasing the number of superior court judges in Benton and Franklin counties jointly.

Sponsors: Representatives Nealey, Haler, Klippert, Walsh, Schmick, Fagan and Ryu; by request of Board For Judicial Administration.

House Committee on Judiciary

House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Background:

The number of superior court judges in each county is set by statute. Any change in the number of full and part-time judges in a county's superior court is determined by the Legislature after receiving a recommendation from the Board for Judicial Administration (BJA). The BJA's recommendation is based on an objective workload analysis developed annually by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). The objective workload analysis takes into account available judicial resources and the caseload activity of the court.

The state and the county share the cost of superior court judges. In order for an additional judicial position to become effective, the legislative authority of the affected county must approve the position and agree to pay, out of county funds and without reimbursement from the state, expenses associated with the new position.

The joint superior court for Benton and Franklin counties has six elected superior court judge positions. According to the AOC's objective workload analysis, an increase in the number of superior court judges in the counties of Benton and Franklin is recommended.

Summary:

The number of statutorily authorized superior court judges in Benton and Franklin counties, jointly, is increased from six to seven. This new position becomes effective only if the legislative authorities of Benton and Franklin counties approve the position and agree that the counties will pay their share of the cost of the position without reimbursement from the state.

Votes on Final Passage: