HOUSE BILL REPORT
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Judiciary
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 History:
Committee Activity:
Judiciary: 1/27/16, 2/4/16 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Jinkins, Chair; Kilduff, Vice Chair; Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Shea, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Goodman, Hansen, Kirby, Klippert, Kuderer, Muri, Orwall and Stokesbary.
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."
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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."
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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.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The Association was established in 1933 as the Association of Superior Court Judges. At some point the Association started being referred to as the Superior Court Judges' Association, and this name has been used in multiple statutes. The bill changes the name of the Association to comport with the common, colloquial usage.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Rodne, prime sponsor; and Steve Warning, Superior Court Judges Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.