Executive/Council Action Form (ECAF)
ITEM TITLE:
Title
Ordinance 22-015, relating to the Superior Court, increasing the number of Superior Court Commissioners, and amending Chapter 2.14 SCC
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DEPARTMENT: COUNCIL
ORIGINATOR: Heidi Beazizo
EXECUTIVE RECOMMENDATION: N/A
PURPOSE: Updating the number of Superior Court Commissioners from five (5) to six (6).
BACKGROUND: The Washington State Legislature passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1320, "An Act Relating to modernizing, harmonizing, and improving the efficacy and accessibility of laws concerning civil protection orders" (ESSHB 1320) during the 2021 Washington State Legislative Regular Session and Governor Inslee signed the bill into law effective July 1, 2022. ESSHB 1320 contains significant changes to the manner in which protection order matters are heard in Washington State which will significantly impact Superior Court caseloads throughout Washington State and increase the amount of time in which Superior Courts spend on protection order matters. The majority of protection order matters in Snohomish County Superior Court are heard within the Court Commissioner departments, therefore, the Snohomish County Superior Court is in need of additional Court Commissioner resources to respond effectively to the workload impacts precipitated by ESSHB 1320. ESSHB 1320 creates a new type of Court Commissioner, identified as a Protection Order Commissioner, for Superior Courts to consider using to assist with this new and increased amount of work. The Superior Court believes that adding one (1) additional Court Commissioner will provide the Snohomish County Superior Court with the capacity to address the impacts from ESSHB 1320, hear cases in a timely manner and continue to secure access to justice for our community.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
EXPEND: FUND, AGY, ORG, ACTY, OBJ, AU
CURRENT YR
2ND YR
1ST 6 YRS
002.5367401011 (salaries)
$117,980.52
$235,960.98
$1,415,765.88
002.5367402013 (benefits)
$3...
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