Bill > HB1112

This bill modifies the existing law regarding judges pro tempore in municipal courts, specifically for municipalities with over 400,000 inhabitants. Currently, judges pro tempore were previously restricted to being attorneys residing in the city. The new bill removes this city residency requirement, allowing judges pro tempore to be appointed regardless of their city of residence, while maintaining other key qualifications. Specifically, a judge pro tempore must still be an elector of the state and an attorney admitted to practice law before the state's courts of record. The bill preserves the existing provisions that judges pro tempore have the same powers as regular judges, must take an oath before serving, and cannot practice before the municipal court during their term. Compensation for these judges will continue to be set by city ordinance and paid by the city, with an exception for district court judges who may be compensated through interlocal agreements. The primary intent of this bill appears to be expanding the pool of potential judges pro tempore by eliminating the restrictive city residency requirement while maintaining professional standards for judicial appointments.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1112&Year=2025&Initiative=false