Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Judiciary Committee |
HB 1061
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 increasing the number of district court judges in Skagit county.
Brief Description: Increasing the number of district court judges in Skagit county.
Sponsors: Representatives Hayes, Lytton and Smith; by request of Board For Judicial Administration.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/13/15
Staff: Omeara Harrington (786-7136).
Background:
The number of district court judges in each county is set by statute. Any change in the number of full- and part-time judges in a county's district 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.
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 the expenses associated with the new position out of county funds and without reimbursement from the state.
Skagit County has two elected district court judges. The BJA recommends an increase in the number of district court judge positions in Skagit County.
Summary of Bill:
The number of statutorily authorized district court judges in Skagit County is increased from two to three. This new position becomes effective only if the legislative authority of Skagit County approves the position and agrees that the county will pay the expenses of the additional position without reimbursement from the state.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Preliminary fiscal note available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.