Bill > HB1929

This bill requires senate confirmation for gubernatorial appointments to vacancies on the Court of Appeals, establishing a detailed process for such confirmations. Specifically, when a vacancy occurs in a Court of Appeals judgeship, the governor must appoint a person subject to senate confirmation. If the appointment is made during a regular legislative session, the senate must vote to confirm or reject the appointee before the session adjourns. For appointments made during special sessions or when the legislature is not in session, the senate must hold a confirmation vote at the next special or regular session. The bill mandates that an affirmative vote by at least two-thirds of all elected senators is required to confirm an appointee. A confirmed appointee will hold the office until a judge is elected at the next general election to fill the remainder of the unexpired term. Importantly, if the senate rejects an appointee, that person cannot be reappointed to the same judicial office for at least two calendar years. The bill also modifies existing statutes to clarify that these specific confirmation rules apply uniquely to judicial appointments to the Court of Appeals, distinguishing them from other gubernatorial appointments.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1929&Year=2025&Initiative=false