Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Judiciary Committee

HB 2587

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 the superior court judges' association.

Brief Description: Concerning the superior court judges' association.

Sponsors: Representatives Rodne, Goodman and Orwall.

Brief Summary of Bill

Revises two statutory references to the "Association of Superior Court Judges" to instead refer to the "Superior Court Judges' Association."

Hearing Date: 1/27/16

Staff: Edie Adams (786-7180).

Background:

Superior courts are constitutionally created courts of record that have original jurisdiction over a wide range of civil and criminal matters and appellate jurisdiction over cases arising in courts of limited jurisdiction within their counties. Superior court judges are elected to four-year terms, and a person must be an attorney admitted to practice in Washington to qualify for the position.

In 1933, the Legislature established the Association of the Superior Court Judges of the State of Washington (Association). The Association consists of all judges of the superior courts and is governed by officers elected at the annual meeting of the Association. The Association establishes uniform rules for the government of the superior courts, promotes the objectives of statutes relating to the Association, and engages in other efforts supporting improvements in the court system.

Despite the name given to the Association when it was established, almost all of the statutory references to the Association are to the "Superior Court Judges' Association."

Summary of Bill:

The name of the Association in the chapter creating the Association, and one other statutory reference to the "Association of Superior Court Judges," are changed to the "Superior Court Judges' Association."

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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