Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Judiciary Committee |
HB 1266
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. |
Title: An act relating to modifying the mandatory retirement provision for district judges.
Brief Description: Modifying the mandatory retirement provision for district judges.
Sponsors: Representatives Rodne, Pedersen, Nealey, Goodman, Freeman, Hunt and Ryu.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/29/13
Staff: Edie Adams (786-7180).
Background:
Judges of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, superior courts, and district courts are required to retire at the end of the calendar year in which the judge attains the age of 75 years. The mandatory retirement age for judges of the Supreme Court and superior courts is established in the Washington Constitution. By statute, judges of the Court of Appeals must retire at the same age and under the same conditions as judges of the Supreme Court.
The mandatory retirement age of 75 years was established for district court judges in 1969. District court judges serve four year terms in the county district courts. If there is a vacancy in a district court judge position, the county legislative authority fills the vacancy by appointment, and the judge holds office until the next general election.
Summary of Bill:
A district court judge must retire from office at the end of the term of office in which the judge reaches the age of 75 years, rather than at the end of the calendar year.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 24, 2013.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.