Bill > HB1928

This bill establishes a new process for filling vacancies on the Washington State Supreme Court by requiring Senate confirmation of gubernatorial appointments. Under the proposed law, when a vacancy occurs, the governor would appoint a candidate who must be confirmed by the Senate through a specific procedure. If the appointment is made during a regular legislative session, the Senate must vote to confirm or reject the appointee before the session ends. For appointments made during special sessions or when the legislature is not in session, the Senate must vote at either a special session or the next regularly scheduled legislative session. The bill requires an affirmative vote by at least two-thirds of all senators to confirm an appointee. If confirmed, the justice would serve until a new justice is elected at the next general election to complete the unexpired term. Importantly, if the Senate rejects an appointee, that person cannot be reappointed to the same position for at least two calendar years. The bill is contingent on a proposed constitutional amendment being approved by voters in the next general election, with a planned effective date of January 1, 2026. If the constitutional amendment is not approved, the entire bill becomes void.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1928&Year=2025&Initiative=false