Bill > S1028

This bill amends Idaho Code Section 1-802 to increase the number of district judges in the First Judicial District from seven to eight, specifically by adding one more district judge to Kootenai County. The First Judicial District currently encompasses five counties: Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah. The bill adjusts the resident chambers of district judges, changing the distribution from two chambers in Bonner County, four in Kootenai County, and one in Shoshone County to two chambers in Bonner County, five in Kootenai County, and one in Shoshone County. The legislation includes an emergency clause, which means it will go into effect on July 1, 2025, presumably to allow for judicial administrative preparations for the additional judge. This change suggests a need for increased judicial capacity in the First Judicial District, likely due to population growth or increased case volume in the area, particularly in Kootenai County.

Justice

Judiciary and Rules Committee (S)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/S1028/