House approves bill adding superior court judges to address caseload pressures
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Summary
Senate Bill 58-68, to add superior court judges in counties with shortages, passed the House unanimously (95-0, 3 excused). Representatives said the addition responds to local caseload and public-defense strains in counties including Skagit and Yakima.
The House passed Senate Bill 58-68 to add additional superior court judges in counties identified as needing more judicial capacity. Supporters described local shortfalls in judicial resources and public defense; Representative Lowe said Skagit County requested additional judges because it "have a need for 7 judges. They only have 4," and emphasized the importance of access to justice.
Other members, including Representatives Taylor and Manjaris, echoed the need to expand judicial capacity and urged colleagues to vote yes. The clerk reported 95 yeas, 0 nays and 3 excused; the chair declared the bill passed.
The transcript does not include detail on funding or phased implementation for the new judgeships; it records floor remarks in support and the formal final vote and passage.
