The House is considering a bill that would provide continuity of operations in single-judge courts. If your city operates a single-judge court, we need your feedback on this proposed legislation.

HB 1825, sponsored by Rep. Mary Dye (R–Pomeroy), would allow a chief justice to appoint a judge pro tempore to fill a judicial vacancy in a single-judge court caused by illness, incapacity, resignation, death, or other extenuating circumstance. In some cases, the chief justice would only be able to do this if no other person had previously been designated judge pro tempore by the presiding judge of a single-judge court. However, if the chief justice determines that the court would benefit from someone else other than a previously appointed judge pro tempore, the chief justice may appoint a judge pro tempore of their choosing.

In both circumstances, the chief justice will be required to meet with the local legislative authority 30 days after designating a judge pro tempore to determine if the appointed individual should continue in their role or if another individual should serve as judge pro tempore.

While this bill creates a mechanism that relieves administrative burdens from smaller courts, AWC recognizes that it also removes a level of local control. If you have any feedback regarding this bill, please contact Sharon Swanson as soon as possible as this bill will be heard this week.

Dates to remember

HB 1825 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee on January 18 at 10 am. It is then scheduled for executive action in the same committee on January 21 at 8 am.