The bill amends RCW 35.20.200 to eliminate the requirement that judges pro tempore in municipalities with populations exceeding 400,000 must reside within the city. The presiding municipal court judge is now authorized to appoint judges pro tempore from any full-time district court judges serving in the same county, rather than being limited to attorneys residing in the city. The new provisions clarify that judges pro tempore must be electors of Washington State and attorneys admitted to practice law in the state's courts, but they are no longer required to be city residents.

Additionally, the bill specifies that judges pro tempore will have the same powers as regular judges while serving and must take an oath similar to that of a municipal judge before assuming their duties. It also establishes that compensation for judges pro tempore will be determined by city ordinance, with the exception that district court judges will not receive compensation from the city unless specified in an interlocal agreement.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 35.20.200
Bill as Passed Legislature: 35.20.200
Session Law: 35.20.200