WSR 99-01-016

RULES OF COURT

STATE SUPREME COURT

[December 3, 1998]



IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT TO JISCR 2 )

)

ORDER

NO. 25700-A-636

The Judicial Information System having recommended the adoption of the proposed amendment to JISCR2, and the Court having determined that the proposed amendment will aid in the prompt and orderly administration of justice and further determined that an emergency exists which necessitates an early adoption;

Now, therefore, it is hereby

ORDERED:

(a) That the amendment as attached hereto is adopted.

(b) That pursuant to the emergency provisions of GR 9(i), the amendment will be published expeditiously and become effective upon publication.

DATED at Olympia, Washington this 3rd day of December, 1998.

Durham, C.J.


Dolliver, J.


Madsen, J.
Smith, J.
Talmadge, J.
Guy, J.
Alexander, J.
Johnson, J.
Sanders, J.


GR 9 Cover Sheet

Proposed Amendments



JISCR 2(a)



(1) Background: JISCR 2(a) establishes the membership of the Judicial Information System Committee (JISC) and the procedure for appointment to it. The Superior Court Judges' Association requested the JISC consider additional superior court judges in order to increase participation on the committee. JISCR 2(a) currently provides for four members from each court level (appellate, superior, limited jurisdiction). However, because of the many facets represented at the superior court level (including the county clerks and juvenile courts), as a practical matter usually only one superior court judge sits on the committee. The current JISC membership is typical. It includes one superior court judge, two appellate level judges and three limited jurisdiction court judges.

The superior court judges have expressed an interest in participating more fully in the JISC and in technology issues in general. More technology is becoming available to judges. With the implementation of the domestic violence legislation the Judicial Information System is becoming an essential tool for superior court judges. Their interest is reflected in the creation this year of a Superior Court Judges' Association Technology Committee.

(2) Purpose: The proposed amendment would add one superior court level member to the JISC and require that two of the superior court level members be members of the Superior Court Judges' Association. This would bring the judicial representation at the superior court level more into line with the judicial representation from other court levels.

The JISC considered this change and, at its August 28, 1998 meeting, voted to recommend it.

(3) Washington State Bar Association Action: None, internal court administration.

(4) Supporting Material: Attached is a copy of the proposed rule amendment.

(5) Spokesperson: Justice Talmadge.

(6) Hearing: None recommended.



RULE 2

COMPOSITION



(a) Membership. The Judicial Information System Committee (JISC) shall be appointed by the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice will consider for appointment those individuals who have been suggested by representative groups and associations from within the judicial system but shall not be bound thereby. In addition, the Chief Justice shall consider for appointment only those individuals who have demonstrated an interest and commitment to judicial administration and to automation of judicial systems and functions. The committee shall be composed of four members from the appellate court level (Supreme Court and Court of Appeals), four five members from the superior court level, two of whom shall be members of the Superior Court Judges' Association, four members from the courts of limited jurisdiction level, and three at large members from outside the judiciary, one of whom will be a member of the Washington State Bar Association, one of whom will be a member of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, and one of whom will be a member of the Washington State Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.

(b) Terms of Office. The term of membership for those who are appointed to represent specific organizations shall be for a term of 3 years with the initial term as determined by lot, staggered so as to insure that an equal number of terms expire each year. Any vacancy in the membership of the committee shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made and the term of membership shall expire on the same date as the original appointment expiration date.

(c) Operation. The Supreme Court Justice shall be the chairperson. The members of the committee shall elect a vice-chairperson from among themselves. Meetings of the committee shall be called regularly and at a minimum of four times per year at the discretion of the chair. Any members with two unexcused absences from regularly scheduled JISC meetings during any calendar year shall be requested to resign and the respective association shall appoint a successor to fulfill the unexpired term. User advisory committees shall be established for each level of court and will be representative of the users at each level. Ad hoc committees shall also be established for the purpose of monitoring specific projects undertaken by the Judicial Information System.



Amended May 9, 1996

Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the State Supreme Court and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

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