reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.34 - District Judges. › 3.34.020 - District judges—Number—Changes.

RCW 3.34.020
District judges—Number—Changes.
(1) Any change in the number of full and part-time district judges after January 1, 1992, shall be determined by the legislature after receiving a recommendation from the supreme court. The supreme court shall make its recommendations to the legislature based on an objective workload analysis that takes into account available judicial resources and the caseload activity of each court.
(2) The administrator for the courts, under the supervision of the supreme court, may consult with the board of judicial administration and the district and municipal court judges' association in developing the procedures and methods of applying the objective workload analysis.
(3) For each recommended change from the number of full and part-time district judges in any county as of January 1, 1992, the administrator for the courts, under the supervision of the supreme court, shall complete a judicial impact note detailing any local or state cost associated with such recommended change.
(4) If the legislature approves an increase in the base number of district judges in any county as of January 1, 1992, such increase in the base number of district judges and all related costs may be paid for by the county from moneys provided under RCW 82.14.310, and any such costs shall be deemed to be expended for criminal justice purposes as provided in *RCW 82.14.315, and such expenses shall not constitute a supplanting of existing funding.
(5)(a) A county legislative authority that desires to change the number of full or part-time district judges from the base number on January 1, 1992, must first request the assistance of the supreme court. The administrator for the courts, under the supervision of the supreme court, shall conduct an objective workload analysis and make a recommendation of its findings to the legislature for consideration as provided in this section. Changes in the number of district court judges may only be made by the legislature in a year in which the quadrennial election for district court judges is not held.
(b) The legislative authority of any county may change a part-time district judge position to a full-time position.
[ 2003 c 97 § 2; 2002 c 83 § 1; 1997 c 41 § 3; 1991 c 313 § 2; 1987 c 202 § 112; 1984 c 258 § 8; 1982 c 29 § 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 14 § 2; 1970 ex.s. c 23 § 2; 1969 ex.s. c 66 § 7; 1961 c 299 § 11.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 82.14.315 expired July 1, 1991.
Effective date—2003 c 97: See note following RCW 3.34.010.
Intent—1987 c 202: See note following RCW 2.04.190.
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.34 - District Judges. › 3.34.025 - District judge positions—Approval and agreement.

RCW 3.34.025
District judge positions—Approval and agreement.
Any additional district judge positions created under RCW 3.34.020 shall be effective only if the legislative authority of the affected county documents its approval of any additional positions and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of such additional judicial positions as provided by statute. The additional expenses include, but are not limited to, expenses incurred for court facilities. The legislative authority of any such county may, at its discretion, phase in any judicial positions over a period of time not to exceed two years from the effective date of the additional district judge positions.
[ 1991 c 313 § 3.]
NOTES:
District judge position for Clark county—2005 c 91: "For the purposes of RCW 3.34.025, the district judge position for Clark county created in chapter 97, Laws of 2003, is hereby re-created as of July 24, 2005." [ 2005 c 91 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.34 - District Judges. › 3.34.040 - District judges—Full time—Other.

RCW 3.34.040
District judges—Full time—Other.
A district judge serving a district having a population of forty thousand or more persons, and a district judge receiving a salary equal to the maximum salary set by the salary commission under RCW 3.58.020 for district judges shall be deemed full time judges and shall devote all of their time to the office and shall not engage in the practice of law. Other judges shall devote sufficient time to the office to properly fulfill the duties thereof and may engage in other occupations but shall maintain a separate office for private business and shall not use for private business the services of any clerk or secretary paid for by the county or office space or supplies furnished by the judicial district.
[ 1991 c 338 § 2; 1984 c 258 § 10; 1983 c 195 § 1; 1974 ex.s. c 95 § 2; 1971 ex.s. c 147 § 2; 1961 c 299 § 13.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.34 - District Judges. › 3.34.050 - District judges—Election.

RCW 3.34.050
District judges—Election.
At the general election in November 1962 and quadrennially thereafter, there shall be elected by the voters of each district court district the number of judges authorized for the district by the district court districting plan. Judges shall be elected for each district and electoral district, if any, by the qualified electors of the district in the same manner as judges of courts of record are elected, except as provided in chapter 29A.52 RCW. Not less than ten days before the time for filing declarations of candidacy for the election of judges for districts entitled to more than one judge, the county auditor shall designate each such office of district judge to be filled by a number, commencing with the number one and numbering the remaining offices consecutively. At the time of the filing of the declaration of candidacy, each candidate shall designate by number which one, and only one, of the numbered offices for which he or she is a candidate and the name of the candidate shall appear on the ballot for only the numbered office for which the candidate filed a declaration of candidacy.
[ 2015 c 53 § 1; 1998 c 19 § 2; 1989 c 227 § 3; 1984 c 258 § 11; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 120 § 8; 1961 c 299 § 14.]
NOTES:
Intent—1989 c 227: See note following RCW 3.38.070.
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 120: See note following RCW 29A.52.210.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.34 - District Judges. › 3.34.060 - District judges—Eligibility and qualifications.

RCW 3.34.060
District judges—Eligibility and qualifications.
To be eligible to file a declaration of candidacy for and to serve as a district court judge, a person must:
(1) Be a registered voter of the district court district and electoral district, if any; and
(2) Be either:
(a) A lawyer admitted to practice law in the state of Washington; or
(b) In those districts having a population of less than five thousand persons, a person who has taken and passed by January 1, 2003, the qualifying examination for a lay candidate for judicial officer as provided by rule of the supreme court.
[ 2002 c 136 § 1; 1991 c 361 § 1; 1989 c 227 § 4; 1984 c 258 § 12; 1961 c 299 § 15.]
NOTES:
Intent—1989 c 227: See note following RCW 3.38.070.
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.34 - District Judges. › 3.34.070 - District judges—Term of office.

RCW 3.34.070
District judges—Term of office.
Every district judge shall hold office for a term of four years from and after the second Monday in January next succeeding his or her selection and continuing until a successor is elected and qualified.
[ 1984 c 258 § 13; 1961 c 299 § 16.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.34 - District Judges. › 3.34.080 - Oath—District judges—Court commissioners.

RCW 3.34.080
Oath—District judges—Court commissioners.
Each district judge, district judge pro tempore and district court commissioner shall, before entering upon the duties of office, take an oath to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the state of Washington, and to perform the duties of the office faithfully and impartially and to the best of his or her ability.
[ 1984 c 258 § 14; 1961 c 299 § 17.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.34 - District Judges. › 3.34.090 - Bonds—Insurance as reimbursable expense.

RCW 3.34.090
Bonds—Insurance as reimbursable expense.
The county legislative authority shall provide for the bonding of each district judge, district judge pro tempore, district court commissioner, clerk of the district court, and court employee, at the expense of the county, in such amount as the county legislative authority shall prescribe, conditioned that each such person will pay over according to law all moneys which shall come into the person's custody in causes filed in the district court. Such bond shall not be less than the maximum amount of money liable to be under the control, at any one time, of each such person in the performance of his or her duties. Such bond may be a blanket bond. If the county obtains errors and omissions insurance covering district court personnel, the costs of such coverage shall be a reimbursable expense pursuant to RCW 3.62.050 as now or hereafter amended.
[ 1984 c 258 § 15; 1971 c 73 § 5; 1961 c 299 § 18.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.34 - District Judges. › 3.34.100 - District judges—Vacancies—Remuneration.

RCW 3.34.100
District judges—Vacancies—Remuneration.
(1) If a district judge dies, resigns, is convicted of a felony, ceases to reside in the district, fails to serve for any reason except temporary disability, or if his or her term of office is terminated in any other manner, the office shall be deemed vacant. The county legislative authority shall fill all vacancies by appointment and the judge thus appointed shall hold office until the next general election and until a successor is elected and qualified. However, if a vacancy in the office of district court judge occurs and the total number of district court judges remaining in the county is equal to or greater than the number of district court judges authorized in RCW 3.34.010 then the position shall remain vacant. District judges shall be granted sick leave in the same manner as other county employees. A district judge may receive when vacating office remuneration for unused accumulated leave and sick leave at a rate equal to one day's monetary compensation for each full day of accrued leave and one day's monetary compensation for each four full days of accrued sick leave, the total remuneration for leave and sick leave not to exceed the equivalent of thirty days' monetary compensation.
(2) During any vacancy that occurs pursuant to subsection (1) of this section in a single judge court, a presiding judge pro tempore who has been predesignated pursuant to court rule or appointed pursuant to RCW 2.56.040(2) may fulfill presiding judge duties, and the authority of the predesignated or appointed presiding judge pro tempore endures until the chief justice appoints someone else to fulfill the presiding judge duties pursuant to RCW 2.56.040(2)(b), or until a vacancy in the position is filled as provided by law, whichever occurs first.
[ 2022 c 74 § 6; 2003 c 97 § 3; 1992 c 76 § 1; 1984 c 258 § 16; 1961 c 299 § 19.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2003 c 97: See note following RCW 3.34.010.
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.34 - District Judges. › 3.34.110 - District judicial officers—Disqualification.

RCW 3.34.110
District judicial officers—Disqualification.
(1) A district court judicial officer shall not preside in any of the following cases:
(a) In an action to which the judicial officer is a party, or in which the judicial officer is directly interested, or in which the judicial officer has been an attorney for a party.
(b) When the judicial officer or one of the parties believes that the parties cannot have an impartial trial or hearing before the judicial officer. The judicial officer shall disqualify himself or herself under the provisions of this section if, before any discretionary ruling has been made, a party files an affidavit that the party cannot have a fair and impartial trial or hearing by reason of the interest or prejudice of the judicial officer. The following are not considered discretionary rulings: (i) The arrangement of the calendar; (ii) the setting of an action, motion, or proceeding for hearing or trial; (iii) the arraignment of the accused; or (iv) the fixing of bail and initially setting conditions of release. Only one change of judicial officer is allowed each party in an action or proceeding.
(2) When a judicial officer is disqualified under this section, the case shall be heard before another judicial officer of the same county.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "judicial officer" means a judge, judge pro tempore, or court commissioner.
[ 2008 c 227 § 7; 1984 c 258 § 17; 1961 c 299 § 20.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Subheadings not law—2008 c 227: See notes following RCW 3.50.003.
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.34 - District Judges. › 3.34.120 - District judges—Disqualification of partners.

RCW 3.34.120
District judges—Disqualification of partners.
The partner and associates of a judge who is a lawyer shall not practice law before the judge.
[ 1984 c 258 § 18; 1961 c 299 § 21.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.34 - District Judges. › 3.34.140 - Exchange of district judges—Reimbursement for expenses.

RCW 3.34.140
Exchange of district judges—Reimbursement for expenses.
Any district judge may hold a session in any district in the state, at the request of the judge or majority of judges in the district if the visiting judge determines that the state of business in his or her district allows the judge to be absent. The county legislative authority in which the district court is located shall first approve the temporary absence and the judge pro tempore shall not be required to serve during the judge's absence. A visiting judge shall be entitled to reimbursement for subsistence, lodging, and travel expenses in accordance with the rates applicable to state officers under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 as now or hereafter amended while so acting, to be paid by the visited district. These expenses shall not be paid to the visiting judge unless the legislative authority of the county in which the visited district is located has approved the payment before the visit. In addition a visiting part-time district court judge, when not serving in a judicial capacity in his or her district, shall be entitled to compensation for judicial services so long as the legislative authority of the county in which the visited district is located has approved the payment before the visit.
[ 2010 c 191 § 1; 1984 c 258 § 20; 1981 c 186 § 5; 1961 c 299 § 23.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.34 - District Judges. › 3.34.150 - Presiding judge.

RCW 3.34.150
Presiding judge.
(1) If a district has more than one judge, the supreme court may by rule provide for the manner of selection of one of the judges to serve as presiding judge and prescribe the presiding judge's duties. If a county has multiple districts or has one district with multiple electoral districts, the supreme court may by rule provide for the manner of selection of one of the judges to serve as presiding judge and prescribe the presiding judge's duties.
(2) Pursuant to court rule or RCW 2.56.040(2), a presiding judge pro tempore may be predesignated or appointed to fulfill presiding judge duties in case of the illness, incapacity, resignation, death, or unavailability of the presiding judge of a single judge court. In such circumstances, the authority of the predesignated or appointed presiding judge pro tempore endures until the chief justice appoints someone else to fulfill the presiding judge duties pursuant to RCW 2.56.040(2)(b), or the period of such illness, incapacity, or unavailability ends, or until a vacancy in the position is filled as provided by law, whichever occurs first.
[ 2022 c 74 § 5; 1989 c 227 § 7; 1984 c 258 § 21; 1961 c 299 § 24.]
NOTES:
Intent—1989 c 227: See note following RCW 3.38.070.
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.38 - District Court Districts. › 3.38.010 - Districting committee—Membership.

RCW 3.38.010
Districting committee—Membership.
There is established in each county a district court districting committee composed of the following:
(1) The judge of the superior court, or, if there be more than one such judge, then one of the judges selected by that court;
(2) The prosecuting attorney, or a deputy selected by the prosecuting attorney;
(3) A practicing lawyer of the county selected by the president of the largest local bar association, if there be one, and if not, then by the county legislative authority;
(4) A judge of a court of limited jurisdiction in the county selected by the president of the Washington state district and municipal court judges' association; and
(5) The mayor, or representative appointed by the mayor, of each city or town with a population of three thousand or more in the county;
(6) One person to represent the cities and towns with populations of three thousand or less in the county, if any, to be selected by a majority vote of the mayors of those cities and towns with a population of less than three thousand. However, if there should not be a city in the county with a population of ten thousand or more, the mayor, or the mayor's representative, of each city or town with a population of less than three thousand shall be a member;
(7) The chair of the county legislative authority; and
(8) The county auditor.
[ 1995 c 37 § 1. Prior: 1994 c 81 § 1; 1994 c 32 § 2; 1984 c 258 § 22; 1961 c 299 § 25.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.38 - District Court Districts. › 3.38.020 - Districting committee—Duties—Districting plan.

RCW 3.38.020
Districting committee—Duties—Districting plan.
The district court districting committee shall meet at the call of the prosecuting attorney to prepare or amend the plan for the districting of the county into one or more district court districts in accordance with the provisions of chapters 3.30 through 3.74 RCW. The plan shall include the following:
(1) The boundaries of each district proposed to be established;
(2) The number of judges to be elected in each district or electoral district, if any. In determining the number of judges to be elected, the districting committee shall consider the results of an objective workload analysis conducted by the administrator for the courts;
(3) The location of the central office, courtrooms and records of each court;
(4) The other places in the district, if any, where the court shall sit;
(5) The number and location of district court commissioners to be authorized, if any;
(6) The departments, if any, into which each district court shall be initially organized, including municipal departments provided for in *chapter 3.46 RCW;
(7) The name of each district; and
(8) The allocation of the time and allocation of salary of each judge who will serve part time in a municipal department.
[ 2003 c 97 § 4; 1984 c 258 § 23; 1965 ex.s. c 110 § 1; 1961 c 299 § 26.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: Creation and operation of municipal departments under chapter 3.46 RCW is limited by RCW 3.46.015.
Effective date—2003 c 97: See note following RCW 3.34.010.
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.38 - District Court Districts. › 3.38.022 - Location of offices and courtrooms.

RCW 3.38.022
Location of offices and courtrooms.
The districting plan may provide that the offices and courtrooms of more than one district may be in the same building: PROVIDED, That no office or courtroom of any district shall be located further than two miles outside the boundary of the district which it serves.
[ 1984 c 258 § 24; 1963 c 213 § 1.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.38 - District Court Districts. › 3.38.030 - Districting plan—Adoption.

RCW 3.38.030
Districting plan—Adoption.
Upon receipt of the districting plan, the county legislative authority shall hold a public hearing, pursuant to the provisions of RCW 36.32.120(7), as now or hereafter amended. At the hearing, anyone interested in the plan may attend and be heard as to the convenience which will be afforded to the public by the plan, and as to any other matters pertaining thereto. If the county legislative authority finds that the plan proposed by the districting committee conforms to the standards set forth in chapters 3.30 through 3.74 RCW and is conducive to the best interests and welfare of the county as a whole it may adopt such plan. If the county legislative authority finds that the plan does not conform to the standards as provided in chapters 3.30 through 3.74 RCW, the county legislative authority may modify, revise or amend the plan and adopt such amended or revised plan as the county's district court districting plan. The plan decided upon shall be adopted by the county legislative authority not later than six months after the county initially obtains a population of two hundred ten thousand or more or the adoption of the elective resolution.
[ 1991 c 363 § 5; 1984 c 258 § 25; 1965 ex.s. c 110 § 2; 1961 c 299 § 27.]
NOTES:
Purpose—Captions not law—1991 c 363: See notes following RCW 2.32.180.
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.38 - District Court Districts. › 3.38.031 - Districting plan—Transitional provisions.

RCW 3.38.031
Districting plan—Transitional provisions.
As a part of the districting plan, the county legislative authority shall designate a date on which the terms of the district judges of the county shall end.
For each judicial position under the districting plan, the county legislative authority shall appoint a person qualified under RCW 3.34.060 who shall take office on the date designated by the county legislative authority and shall serve until the next quadrennial election of district judges as provided in RCW 3.34.050.
Pending cases, proceedings, and matters shall be transferred to the appropriate court as provided in RCW 3.74.900.
[ 1984 c 258 § 26; 1965 ex.s. c 110 § 3.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.38 - District Court Districts. › 3.38.040 - Districting plan—Amendment.

RCW 3.38.040
Districting plan—Amendment.
(1) The districting committee may meet for the purpose of amending the districting plan at any time on call of the county legislative authority, the chairperson of the committee or a majority of its members. Amendments to the plan shall be submitted to the county legislative authority not later than March 15th of each year for adoption by the county legislative authority following the same procedure as with the original districting plan. Amendments shall be adopted not later than May 1st following submission by the districting committee. Any amendment which would reduce the salary or shorten the term of any judge shall not be effective until the next regular election for district judge. All other amendments may be effective on a date set by the county legislative authority.
(2) The districting committee shall meet within forty-five days of the effective date of changes in the number of judges to be elected in each district court district, or electoral district, if any. Amendments to the plan concerning the number of judges to be elected in each district court district, or electoral district, if any, shall be submitted to the county legislative authority not later than ninety days after the effective date of changes in RCW 3.34.010, and the amendments shall be adopted not later than one hundred eighty days after the effective date of changes in RCW 3.34.010.
[ 2003 c 97 § 5; 1984 c 258 § 27; 1969 ex.s. c 66 § 3; 1961 c 299 § 28.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2003 c 97: See note following RCW 3.34.010.
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.38 - District Court Districts. › 3.38.050 - District court districts—Standards.

RCW 3.38.050
District court districts—Standards.
District court districts shall be established in accordance with the following standards:
(1) Every part of the county shall be in some district.
(2) The whole county may constitute one district.
(3) There shall not be more districts than there are judges authorized for the county.
(4) A district boundary shall not intersect the boundary of an election precinct.
(5) A city shall not lie in more than one district.
(6) Whenever a county is divided into more than one district, each district shall be so established as best to serve the convenience of the people of the district, considering the distances which must be traveled by parties and witnesses in going to and from the court and any natural barriers which may obstruct such travel.
[ 1984 c 258 § 28; 1961 c 299 § 29.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.38 - District Court Districts. › 3.38.060 - Joint district court districts.

RCW 3.38.060
Joint district court districts.
Joint districts may be established containing all or part of two or more counties. The county containing the largest portion of the population of a joint district shall be known as the "principal county" and each joint district shall be deemed to lie within the principal county for the purpose of chapters 3.30 through 3.74 RCW. A joint district may be established by resolution of one county concurred in by a resolution of each other county: PROVIDED, That the county legislative authority of a county containing the largest portion of the population of a city may include the portions of such city lying outside the county in a joint district without concurrence of the other counties.
Elections of judges in joint districts shall be conducted and canvassed in the same manner as elections of superior court judges in joint judicial districts.
[ 1984 c 258 § 29; 1961 c 299 § 30.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.38 - District Court Districts. › 3.38.070 - Separate electoral districts—Establishment.

RCW 3.38.070
Separate electoral districts—Establishment.
A county legislative authority for a county that has a single district but has multiple locations for courtrooms may establish separate electoral districts to provide for election of district court judges by subcounty local districts. In any county containing a city of more than four hundred thousand population, the legislative authority of such a county shall establish such separate electoral districts. The procedures in chapter 3.38 RCW for the establishment of district court districts apply to the establishment of separate electoral districts authorized by this section.
[ 1990 c 257 § 1; 1989 c 227 § 2.]
NOTES:
Intent—1989 c 227: "It is the intent of the legislature to continue to provide the option for local election of district court judges where a county district court with multiple courtrooms is unified into a single district court for operational and administrative purposes." [ 1989 c 227 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.38 - District Court Districts. › 3.38.080 - Separate electoral districts—Definition.

RCW 3.38.080
Separate electoral districts—Definition.
In any county in which separate electoral districts have been established pursuant to RCW 3.38.070, the term "district" also means "electoral district" for purposes of RCW 3.38.022, 3.38.050, and 3.38.060.
[ 1990 c 257 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.42 - District Court Commissioners. › 3.42.010 - District court commissioners—Appointment—Qualifications—Term of office.

RCW 3.42.010
District court commissioners—Appointment—Qualifications—Term of office.
When so authorized by the districting plan, one or more district court commissioners may be appointed in any district by the judges of the district. Each commissioner shall be a registered voter of the county in which the district or a portion thereof is located, and shall hold office at the pleasure of the appointing judges. For purposes of this section, "appointing judge" includes a presiding judge pro tempore fulfilling presiding judge duties for a single judge court pursuant to RCW 3.34.100(2) or 3.34.150(2). Any person appointed as a commissioner authorized to hear or dispose of cases shall be a lawyer who is admitted to the practice of law in the state of Washington or who has passed the qualifying examination for lay judges as provided under RCW 3.34.060.
[ 2022 c 74 § 8; 1984 c 258 § 30; 1980 c 162 § 7; 1961 c 299 § 31.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
Severability—1980 c 162: See note following RCW 3.02.010.
District court commissioners
bond: RCW 3.34.090.
oath: RCW 3.34.080.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.42 - District Court Commissioners. › 3.42.020 - Powers of commissioners—Limitations.

RCW 3.42.020
Powers of commissioners—Limitations.
Each district court commissioner shall have such power, authority, and jurisdiction in criminal and civil matters as the appointing judges possess and shall prescribe, except that when serving as a commissioner, the commissioner does not have authority to preside over trials in criminal matters, or jury trials in civil matters unless agreed to on the record by all parties.
[ 2008 c 227 § 6; 1984 c 258 § 31; 1979 ex.s. c 136 § 16; 1961 c 299 § 32.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Subheadings not law—2008 c 227: See notes following RCW 3.50.003.
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
Effective date—Severability—1979 ex.s. c 136: See notes following RCW 46.63.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.42 - District Court Commissioners. › 3.42.040 - Compensation.

RCW 3.42.040
Compensation.
District court commissioners shall receive such compensation as the county legislative authority or city council shall provide.
[ 1984 c 258 § 33; 1969 ex.s. c 66 § 4; 1961 c 299 § 34.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
District court commissioners
salary: RCW 3.58.030.
travel expenses: RCW 3.58.040.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.46 - Municipal Departments. › 3.46.015 - Operation of municipal department in existence prior to July 1, 2008.

RCW 3.46.015
Operation of municipal department in existence prior to July 1, 2008.
A municipality operating a municipal department under this chapter prior to July 1, 2008, may continue to operate as if chapter 227, Laws of 2008 was not adopted. Such municipal departments shall remain subject to the provisions of this chapter as this chapter was written prior to the adoption of chapter 227, Laws of 2008.
[ 2008 c 227 § 11.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Subheadings not law—2008 c 227: See notes following RCW 3.50.003.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.50 - Municipal Courts—Alternate Provision. › 3.50.003 - Definitions.

RCW 3.50.003
Definitions.
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "City" means an incorporated city or town.
(2) "Contracting city" means any city that contracts with a hosting jurisdiction for the delivery of judicial services.
(3) "Hosting jurisdiction" means a county or city designated in an interlocal agreement as receiving compensation for providing judicial services to a contracting city.
(4) "Mayor" means the mayor, city manager, or other chief administrative officer of the city.
[ 2008 c 227 § 3; 1984 c 258 § 125.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2008 c 227: "This act takes effect July 1, 2008." [ 2008 c 227 § 13.]
Subheadings not law—2008 c 227: "Subheadings used in this act are not any part of the law." [ 2008 c 227 § 14.]
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
Application—1984 c 258 §§ 101-139: See note following RCW 3.50.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.50 - Municipal Courts—Alternate Provision. › 3.50.005 - Legislative finding—Alternative court structure for cities and towns of four hundred thousand or less.

RCW 3.50.005
Legislative finding—Alternative court structure for cities and towns of four hundred thousand or less.
The legislature finds that there is a multitude of statutes governing the municipal courts of the state. This situation is confusing and misleading to attorneys, judges, court personnel, and others who work with the municipal courts. The legislature therefore finds that a reorganization of the municipal courts of the state would allow those courts to operate in a more effective and efficient manner. This chapter provides a court structure which may be used by cities and towns with a population of four hundred thousand or less which choose to operate under this chapter.
[ 1984 c 258 § 101.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
Application—1984 c 258 §§ 101-139: "The enactment of sections 101 through 139 of this act shall not affect any case, proceeding, appeal, or other matter pending in any court operating under Title 35 or 35A RCW on the effective date of this act [July 1, 1984]. The enactment of sections 101 through 139 of this act shall not have the effect of terminating or in any way modifying any right or liability, civil or criminal, which may be in existence on the effective date of this act [July 1, 1984]." [ 1984 c 258 § 128.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.50 - Municipal Courts—Alternate Provision. › 3.50.010 - Municipal court authorized in cities of four hundred thousand or less.

RCW 3.50.010
Municipal court authorized in cities of four hundred thousand or less.
Any city or town with a population of four hundred thousand or less may by ordinance provide for an inferior court to be known and designated as a municipal court, which shall be entitled "The Municipal Court of . . . . . . . . . (insert name of city or town)", hereinafter designated and referred to as "municipal court", which court shall have jurisdiction and shall exercise all powers by this chapter declared to be vested in the municipal court, together with such other powers and jurisdiction as are generally conferred upon such court in this state either by common law or by express statute.
[ 1984 c 258 § 103; 1961 c 299 § 50.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
Application—1984 c 258 §§ 101-139: See note following RCW 3.50.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.50 - Municipal Courts—Alternate Provision. › 3.50.020 - Jurisdiction.

RCW 3.50.020
Jurisdiction.
The municipal court shall have exclusive original jurisdiction over traffic infractions arising under city ordinances and exclusive original criminal jurisdiction of all violations of city ordinances duly adopted by the city and shall have original jurisdiction of all other actions brought to enforce or recover license penalties or forfeitures declared or given by such ordinances or by state statutes. A hosting jurisdiction shall have exclusive original criminal and other jurisdiction as described in this section for all matters filed by a contracting city. The municipal court shall also have the jurisdiction as conferred by statute. The municipal court is empowered to forfeit cash bail or bail bonds and issue execution thereon; and in general to hear and determine all causes, civil or criminal, including traffic infractions, arising under such ordinances and to pronounce judgment in accordance therewith. A municipal court participating in the program established by the administrative office of the courts pursuant to RCW 2.56.160 shall have jurisdiction to take recognizance, approve bail, and arraign defendants held within its jurisdiction on warrants issued by any court of limited jurisdiction participating in the program.
[ 2008 c 227 § 5; 2005 c 282 § 14; 2000 c 111 § 6; 1985 c 303 § 14; 1984 c 258 § 104; 1979 ex.s. c 136 § 17; 1961 c 299 § 51.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Subheadings not law—2008 c 227: See notes following RCW 3.50.003.
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
Application—1984 c 258 §§ 101-139: See note following RCW 3.50.005.
Effective date—Severability—1979 ex.s. c 136: See notes following RCW 46.63.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.50 - Municipal Courts—Alternate Provision. › 3.50.030 - Violations bureau for traffic cases—Disposition of moneys collected.

RCW 3.50.030
Violations bureau for traffic cases—Disposition of moneys collected.
Every city or town may establish and operate under the supervision of the municipal court a violations bureau to assist the court in processing traffic cases. Each municipal court shall designate the specific traffic offenses and traffic infractions under city or town ordinances which may be processed by the violations bureau.
A violations bureau may be authorized to process traffic infractions in conformity with chapter 46.63 RCW.
A violations bureau may be authorized to receive the posting of bail for specified offenses and, to the extent authorized by court order, permitted to accept forfeiture of bail and payment of penalties. Any violations bureau, upon accepting the prescribed bail, shall issue a receipt therefor to the alleged violator, acknowledging the posting thereof and informing the accused of the legal consequences of bail forfeiture. Any person charged with any criminal traffic offense within the authority of the violations bureau may, upon signing a written appearance, a written plea of guilty and a written waiver of trial, pay to the violations bureau the fine established for the offense charged and costs and this shall have the same effect as a court conviction. All penalties and forfeitures paid to a violations bureau for the violation of municipal ordinance shall be placed in the city or town general fund or such other fund as may be prescribed by ordinance of the city or town or laws of the state of Washington.
Any employees of an existing violations bureau of any city shall continue as city employees.
[ 1984 c 258 § 105; 1979 ex.s. c 136 § 18; 1961 c 299 § 52.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
Application—1984 c 258 §§ 101-139: See note following RCW 3.50.005.
Effective date—Severability—1979 ex.s. c 136: See notes following RCW 46.63.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.50 - Municipal Courts—Alternate Provision. › 3.50.040 - Municipal judges—Appointed—Terms, qualifications—District judge as part-time municipal judge.

RCW 3.50.040
Municipal judges—Appointed—Terms, qualifications—District judge as part-time municipal judge.
Within thirty days after the effective date of the ordinance creating the municipal court, the mayor of each city or town shall appoint a municipal judge or judges of the municipal court for a term of four years. The terms of judges serving on July 1, 1984, and municipal judges who are appointed to terms commencing before January 1, 1986, shall expire January 1, 1986. The terms of their successors shall commence on January 1, 1986, and on January 1 of each fourth year thereafter, pursuant to appointment or election as provided in this chapter. Appointments shall be made on or before December 1 of the year next preceding the year in which the terms commence.
The legislative authority of a city or town that has the general power of confirmation over mayoral appointments shall have the power to confirm the appointment of a municipal judge.
A person appointed as a full-time or part-time municipal judge shall be a citizen of the United States of America and of the state of Washington; and an attorney admitted to practice law before the courts of record of the state of Washington: PROVIDED, That in a municipality having a population less than five thousand persons, a person who has taken and passed by January 1, 2003, the qualifying examination for a lay candidate for judicial officer as provided by rule of the supreme court may be the judge. Any city or town shall have authority to appoint a district judge as its municipal judge when the municipal judge is not required to serve full time. In the event of the appointment of a district judge, the city or town shall pay a pro rata share of the salary.
[ 2002 c 136 § 2; 1984 c 258 § 106; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 35 § 1; 1961 c 299 § 53.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
Application—1984 c 258 §§ 101-139: See note following RCW 3.50.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.50 - Municipal Courts—Alternate Provision. › 3.50.045 - Judicial officers—Disqualification.

RCW 3.50.045
Judicial officers—Disqualification.
(1) A municipal court judicial officer shall not preside in any of the following cases:
(a) In an action to which the judicial officer is a party, or in which the judicial officer is directly interested, or in which the judicial officer has been an attorney for a party.
(b) When the judicial officer or one of the parties believes that the parties cannot have an impartial trial or hearing before the judicial officer. The judicial officer shall disqualify himself or herself under the provisions of this section if, before any discretionary ruling has been made, a party files an affidavit that the party cannot have a fair and impartial trial or hearing by reason of the interest or prejudice of the judicial officer. The following are not considered discretionary rulings: (i) The arrangement of the calendar; (ii) the setting of an action, motion, or proceeding for hearing or trial; (iii) the arraignment of the accused; or (iv) the fixing of bail and initially setting conditions of release. Only one change of judicial officer is allowed each party in an action or proceeding.
(2) When a judicial officer is disqualified under this section, the case shall be heard before another judicial officer of the municipality.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "judicial officer" means a judge, judge pro tempore, or court commissioner.
[ 2008 c 227 § 9.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Subheadings not law—2008 c 227: See notes following RCW 3.50.003.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.50 - Municipal Courts—Alternate Provision. › 3.50.050 - Municipal judge may be elective position—Qualifications, term.

RCW 3.50.050
Municipal judge may be elective position—Qualifications, term.
The legislative authority of the city or town may, by ordinance, provide that the position of municipal judge within the city or town shall be an elective position. The ordinance shall provide for the qualifications of the municipal judge which shall be the same as the qualifications necessary for the appointment thereof; and further, shall provide that the municipal judge shall be elected in the same manner as other elective city officials are elected to office, and that the term of the municipal judge shall be for a term of four years commencing on January 1, 1986, and every four years thereafter.
[ 1984 c 258 § 107; 1961 c 299 § 54.]
NOTES:
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
Application—1984 c 258 §§ 101-139: See note following RCW 3.50.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 3 - District Courts—Courts of Limited Jurisdiction › Chapter 3.50 - Municipal Courts—Alternate Provision. › 3.50.055 - Judicial positions—Filling—Circumstances permitted.

RCW 3.50.055
Judicial positions—Filling—Circumstances permitted.
Notwithstanding RCW 3.50.040 and 3.50.050, judicial positions may be filled only by election under the following circumstances:
(1) Each full-time equivalent judicial position shall be filled by election. This requirement applies regardless of how many judges are employed to fill the position. For purposes of this section, a full-time equivalent position is thirty-five or more hours per week of compensated time.
(2) In any city with one or more full-time equivalent judicial positions, an additional judicial position or positions that is or are in combination more than one-half of a full-time equivalent position shall also be filled by election.
[ 1993 c 317 § 4.]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective date—1993 c 317: See notes following RCW 3.50.810.