SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5827
As of January 8, 2024
Title: An act relating to adding an additional superior court judge in Whatcom county.
Brief Description: Adding an additional superior court judge in Whatcom county.
Sponsors: Senators Shewmake and Lovelett; by request of Administrative Office of the Courts.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Law & Justice: 1/09/24.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Increases the authorized number of superior court judges in Whatcom County from four to five. 
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE
Staff: William Bridges (786-7312)
Background:

The Legislature sets the number of superior court judges in each county. The Washington State Constitution provides that the state and the county share the cost for superior court judges. A superior court judge's benefits and one-half of the salary are paid by the state. The county pays one-half of the judge's salary.


The Board for Judicial Administration recommends the creation of new superior court judge positions based on workload analyses by the Administrative Office of the Courts.

 

Whatcom County is currently authorized four superior court judges, which was set in 2013.
Summary of Bill:

The authorized number of superior court judges in Whatcom County is increased from four to five.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 6, 2023.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.