GR 9 COVER SHEET

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO GR 29

1.      Proponent Organization

Board for Judicial Administration Legislative Committee and the Administrative Office of the Courts

2.      Spokesperson & Contact Info

Brittany Gregory, Associate Director of Judicial and Legislative Relations

Email: Brittany.Gregory@courts.wa.gov

3.      Purpose of Proposed Rule Amendment

Washington has 29 courts that would qualify as a single judge court, meaning their court or judicial district has only one judge. If that judge becomes unavailable due to illness, incapacity, resignation, death, or other unavailability, there is no formal process in place for how a pro tem is chosen. The proposed rule amendment will work in connection with BJA request-legislation to have judges in single judge courts designate someone as their pro tem, and give the Chief Justice the ability to fill a vacancy in a single judge court if no one is designated, or if the designee is unable to assume the position.

4.      Is Expedited Consideration Requested?

Yes, because the amendment works in coordination with BJA request-legislation that creates a process for filling vacancies in single judge courts. If the bill passes in the 2022 legislative session, the latest the bill could be signed into law is March 31, 2022.

5.      Is a Public Hearing Recommended?

No, I don’t believe a public hearing is needed. This amendment has been thoroughly discussed by the BJA, and a hearing is not required by statute.