title: RCW 2.08.020

text:
The superior courts shall have such appellate jurisdiction in cases arising in courts of limited jurisdiction in their respective counties as may be prescribed by law.
[ 1987 c 202 s 102; 1890 p 343 s 6; RRS s 17.]
Notes:
Rules of court: See Rules for Appeal of Decisions of Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (RALJ).
Intent—1987 c 202: See note following RCW 2.04.190.
Appeals from
district courts: Criminal, chapter 10.10 RCW; civil, chapter 12.36 RCW.
municipal courts: Chapter 35.20 RCW.
Jurisdiction of superior courts: State Constitution Art. 4 s 6 (Amendment 28).

catchline: Appellate jurisdiction.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 2.08.030

text:
The superior courts are courts of record, and shall be always open, except on nonjudicial days. They shall hold their sessions at the county seats of the several counties, respectively, and at such other places within the county as are designated by the judge or judges thereof with the approval of the chief justice of the supreme court of this state and of the governing body of the county. They shall hold regular and special sessions in the several counties of this state at such times as may be prescribed by the judge or judges thereof.
[ 1971 ex.s. c 60 s 1; 1890 p 343 s 7; RRS s 18.]
Notes:
Rules of court: Cf. CR 77(d), (f).
Courts of record: State Constitution Art. 4 s 11.
Open when: State Constitution Art. 4 s 6 (Amendment 28).

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Courts of record—Sessions.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 2.08.040

text:
Adjournments from day to day, or from time to time, are to be construed as recesses in the sessions, and shall not prevent the court from sitting at any time.
[ 1890 p 343 s 8; RRS s 26.]
Notes:
Rules of court: Cf. CR 77(g).

catchline: Effect of adjournments.


title: RCW 2.08.050

text:
The seals of the superior courts of the several counties of the state shall be, until otherwise provided by law, the vignette of General George Washington, with the words "Seal of the Superior Court of . . . . . . County, State of Washington," surrounding the vignette.
[ 1890 p 345 s 17; RRS s 38.]

catchline: Seal of courts.


title: RCW 2.08.060

text:
There shall be in each of the counties a superior court. Judges of the superior court shall be elected at the general election in November, 1952, and every four years thereafter.
[ 1951 c 125 s 2; 1949 c 237 ss 1-5, part; 1945 c 20 s 1, part; 1933 ex.s. c 63 ss 1-3, part; 1927 c 135 s 1, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 ss 11045-1f-1i, part; Rem. Supp. 1945 ss 11045-1d & 1e, part; RRS ss 11045-1, 1a, 1b, 1c, part. Prior: 1925 ex.s. c 66 ss 1-3, part; 1925 ex.s. c 132 ss 1-4, part; 1917 c 97 ss 1-5, part; 1913 c 17 ss 1-4, part; 1911 c 40 ss 1-3, part; 1911 c 62 ss 1-3, part; 1911 c 76 ss 1-3, part; 1911 c 129 ss 1-3, part; 1911 c 131 ss 1-2, part; 1909 c 10 ss 1-3, part; 1909 c 12 ss 1-3, part; 1909 c 52 ss 1-3, part; 1909 c 94 ss 1-3, part; 1907 c 79 ss 1-3, part; 1907 c 106 s 1, part; 1907 c 178 ss 1-2, part; 1905 c 9 ss 1-3, part; 1905 c 36 ss 1-4, part; 1903 c 50 s 1, part; 1895 c 89 s 1, part; 1891 c 68 ss 1-3, part; 1890 p 341 s 1, part.]
Notes:
Election, terms, etc., superior judges: State Constitution Art. 4 s 5.
Eligibility of judges: State Constitution Art. 4 s 17.
Impeachment: State Constitution Art. 5.
Judges ineligible to other office: State Constitution Art. 4 s 15.
Judges may not practice law: State Constitution Art. 4 s 19.
Removal from office: State Constitution Art. 4 s 9.

catchline: Judges—Election.


title: RCW 2.08.061

text:
There shall be in the county of King no more than fifty-eight judges of the superior court; in the county of Spokane thirteen judges of the superior court; and in the county of Pierce twenty-four judges of the superior court.
[ 1997 c 347 s 3; 1996 c 208 s 3; 1992 c 189 s 1; 1989 c 328 s 2; 1987 c 323 s 1; 1985 c 357 s 1; 1980 c 183 s 1; 1979 ex.s. c 202 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 311 s 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 27 s 1; 1971 ex.s. c 83 s 5; 1969 ex.s. c 213 s 1; 1967 ex.s. c 84 s 1; 1963 c 48 s 1; 1961 c 67 s 1; 1955 c 176 s 1; 1951 c 125 s 3. Prior: 1949 c 237 ss 1, 3; 1933 ex.s. c 63 s 1; 1927 c 135 s 1, part; 1925 ex.s. c 66 s 1; 1911 c 76 s 1; 1909 c 52 s 1; 1909 c 12 s 1; 1909 c 10 s 1; 1907 c 106 s 1; 1907 c 79 s 1, part; 1905 c 9 s 1; 1895 c 89 s 1, part; 1891 c 68 s 2; 1890 p 341 s 1, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 ss 11045-1f, 11045-1h; RRS ss 11045-1, 11045-1a, part.]
Notes:
Starting dates of additional judicial positions in Spokane county—Effective, starting dates of additional judicial positions in Pierce county—1997 c 347: "(1) The additional judicial positions created by section 3 of this act for the county of Spokane take effect upon July 27, 1997, but the actual starting dates for these positions may be established by the Spokane county commissioners upon the request of the superior court.
(2) The additional positions created by section 3 of this act for the county of Pierce, take effect as follows: One additional judicial position is effective January 1, 1998; two positions are effective January 1, 1999; and two positions are effective January 1, 2000. The actual starting dates for these positions may be established by the Pierce county council upon request of the superior court and by recommendation of the Pierce county executive." [ 1997 c 347 s 4.]
Additional judicial position in Spokane county subject to approval and agreement—1996 c 208: "The additional judicial position created by section 3 of this act shall be effective only if Spokane county through its duly constituted legislative authority documents its approval of the additional position and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the additional judicial position as provided by statute." [ 1996 c 208 s 4.]
Effective dates—1992 c 189: "(1) Sections 1, 3, and 5 of this act shall take effect July 1, 1992.
(2) The remainder of this act shall take effect July 1, 1993." [ 1992 c 189 s 7.]
Additional judicial positions subject to approval and agreement—1992 c 189: "The additional judicial positions created by sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of this act shall be effective only if each county through its duly constituted legislative authority 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." [ 1992 c 189 s 8.]
Intent—1989 c 328: "The legislature recognizes the dramatic increase in cases filed in superior court over the last six years in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. This increase has created a need for more superior court judges in those counties.
The increased caseload at the superior court level has also caused a similar increase in the case and petition filings in the court of appeals. Currently, the additional caseload is being handled by pro tempore judges and excessive caseloads for permanent judges. The addition of a permanent full-time judge will allow the court to more efficiently process the growing caseload.
By the creation of these additional positions, it is the intent of the legislature to promote the careful judicial review of cases by an elected judiciary." [ 1989 c 328 s 1.]
Additional judicial positions subject to approval and agreement—1989 c 328: "The additional judicial positions created by sections 2 and 3 of this act in Pierce and Snohomish counties shall be effective only if the county through its duly constituted legislative authority 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." [ 1989 c 328 s 5.]
Effective dates for additional judicial positions—1989 c 328 ss 2 and 3: "(1) Three additional judicial positions created by section 2 of this 1989 act shall be effective January 1, 1990.
(2) One additional judicial position created by section 3 of this act shall be effective July 1, 1990; the second position shall be effective not later than June 30, 1991." [ 1989 c 328 s 7.]
Effective dates—Additional judicial positions in King, Chelan, and Douglas counties subject to approval and agreement—1989 c 328; 1987 c 323: "Sections 1 and 2 of this act shall take effect January 1, 1988. The additional judicial positions created by sections 1 and 2 of this act in King county and Chelan and Douglas counties shall be effective only if each county through its duly constituted legislative authority 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 authorities of Chelan and Douglas counties may in their discretion phase in any additional judicial positions over a period of time not to extend beyond January 1, 1990. The legislative authority of King county may in its discretion phase in any additional judicial positions over a period of time not to extend beyond January 1, 1991." [ 1989 c 328 s 6; 1987 c 323 s 5.]
Effective dates—Additional judicial positions in Pierce, Clark, and Snohomish counties subject to approval and agreement—1985 c 357: "(1) Sections 1 and 2 of this act shall take effect January 1, 1987. The additional judicial positions created by sections 1 and 2 of this act in Pierce and Clark counties shall be effective only if, prior to January 1, 1987, each county through its duly constituted legislative authority documents its approval of the 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.
(2) Section 3 of this act shall take effect January 1, 1986. The additional judicial position created by section 3 of this act in Snohomish county shall be effective only if, prior to January 1, 1986, the county through its duly constituted legislative authority documents its approval of the additional position and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of such additional judicial position as provided by statute. The additional expenses include, but are not limited to, expenses incurred for court facilities." [ 1985 c 357 s 4.]
Effective date—1977 ex.s. c 311: "This 1977 amendatory act shall take effect November 1, 1977." [ 1977 ex.s. c 311 s 6.]

catchline: Judges—King, Spokane, and Pierce counties.


title: RCW 2.08.062

text:
There shall be in the county of Chelan four judges of the superior court; in the county of Douglas one judge of the superior court; in the county of Clark 12 judges of the superior court; in the county of Grays Harbor three judges of the superior court; in the county of Kitsap eight judges of the superior court; in the county of Kittitas two judges of the superior court; in the county of Lewis three judges of the superior court.
[ 2024 c 125 s 1; 2020 c 53 s 1; 2003 c 96 s 1; 1998 c 270 s 1; 1996 c 208 s 1; 1995 c 117 s 1; 1992 c 189 s 2; 1990 c 186 s 1; 1987 c 323 s 2; 1985 c 357 s 2; 1979 ex.s. c 202 s 2; 1977 ex.s. c 311 s 2; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 79 s 1; 1971 ex.s. c 83 s 4; 1967 ex.s. c 84 s 2; 1963 c 48 s 2; 1951 c 125 s 4. Prior: 1945 c 20 s 1, part; 1927 c 135 s 1, part; 1911 c 131 s 1; 1907 c 79 s 1, part; 1907 c 178 s 1, part; 1905 c 36 s 1, part; 1895 c 89 s 1, part; 1891 c 68 s 3, part; 1890 p 341 s 1, part; Rem. Supp. 1945 s 11045-1d, part; RRS s 11045-1, part.]
Notes:
Additional judicial position in Clark county subject to approval and agreement—2020 c 53 s 1: "(1) The additional judicial position created by section 1, chapter 53, Laws of 2020 is effective only if Clark county through its duly constituted legislative authority documents its approval of the additional position and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the additional judicial position as provided by state law or the state Constitution.
(2) The judicial position created by section 1, chapter 53, Laws of 2020 is effective no earlier than June 11, 2020. The actual starting date for the position may be established by the Clark county legislative authority upon request of the superior court and by recommendation of the Clark county executive authority, if any." [ 2020 c 53 s 2.]
Effective dates for additional judicial positions—2003 c 96: "(1) The additional judicial positions created by sections 1 and 2 of this act in Clark county, Kitsap county, Kittitas county, and Benton and Franklin counties shall be effective only if each county through its duly constituted legislative authority 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.
(2)(a) The additional judicial positions created by section 1 of this act for the county of Clark take effect as follows: One additional judicial position shall be effective no earlier than the second Monday in January 2004, and one additional position shall be effective no earlier than the second Monday in January 2005. The actual starting dates for the positions may be established by the Clark county legislative authority upon request of the superior court and by recommendation of the Clark county executive authority, if any.
(b) The additional judicial position created by section 1 of this act for the county of Kitsap shall be effective no earlier than the second Monday in January 2005. The actual starting date for the position may be established by the Kitsap county legislative authority upon request of the superior court and by recommendation of the Kitsap county executive authority, if any.
(c) The additional judicial position created by section 1 of this act for the county of Kittitas shall be effective no earlier than the second Monday in January 2004. The actual starting date for the position may be established by the Kittitas county legislative authority upon request of the superior court and by recommendation of the Kittitas county executive authority, if any.
(d) The additional judicial position created by section 2 of this act jointly for the counties of Benton and Franklin shall be effective no earlier than July 1, 2003. The actual starting date for the position may be established by the Benton and Franklin county legislative authorities upon request of the superior court and by recommendation of the Benton and Franklin county executive authorities, if any." [ 2003 c 96 s 3.]
Effective date—1998 c 270: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 1, 1998]." [ 1998 c 270 s 5.]
Additional judicial positions in Clark, Lewis, and Yakima counties—Start dates—Establishment by county commissioners upon superior court request—1998 c 270: "(1) The additional judicial position created by section 1 of this act for the county of Clark takes effect on April 1, 1998, but the actual starting date for this position may be established by the Clark county commissioners upon the request of the superior court.
(2) The additional judicial position created by section 1 of this act for the county of Lewis takes effect on April 1, 1998, but the actual starting date for this position may be established by the Lewis county commissioners upon the request of the superior court.
(3) The additional judicial positions created by section 2 of this act for the county of Yakima take effect on April 1, 1998, but the actual starting dates for these positions may be established by the Yakima county commissioners upon the request of the superior court." [ 1998 c 270 s 4.]
Additional judicial positions in Chelan and Douglas counties subject to approval and agreement—1996 c 208: "(1) The three judicial positions serving Chelan and Douglas counties jointly are allocated to Chelan county, effective upon appointment of a judge to the Douglas county superior court. The additional judicial positions created by section 1, chapter 208, Laws of 1996, are allocated one to Chelan county and one to Douglas county and each position becomes effective only if each county, through its duly constituted legislative authority, documents its approval of the additional position and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the additional judicial position as provided by state law or the state Constitution.
(2) The judicial positions created by section 1, chapter 208, Laws of 1996, shall be effective January 1, 1997." [ 1998 c 270 s 3; 1996 c 208 s 2.]
Effect—Additional judicial position in Clark county subject to approval and agreement—1995 c 117: "The additional judicial position created by section 1 of this act is effective only if Clark county through its duly constituted legislative authority documents its approval of the additional position and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the additional judicial position as provided by state law or the state Constitution." [ 1995 c 117 s 2.]
Effective dates—Additional judicial positions subject to approval and agreement—1992 c 189: See notes following RCW 2.08.061.
Effective dates—Additional judicial positions in Kitsap and Thurston counties subject to approval and agreement—1990 c 186: "(1)(a) One additional judicial position created by section 1 of this act and the additional judicial position created by section 2 of this act shall be effective July 1, 1990.
(b) The second additional judicial position created by section 1 of this act shall be effective not later than, and at the discretion of the legislative authority may be phased in at any time before, January 1, 1994.
(2) The additional judicial positions created by sections 1 and 2 of this act in Kitsap and Thurston counties shall be effective only if the county through its duly constituted legislative authority 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." [ 1990 c 186 s 4.]
Effective dates—Additional judicial positions in King, Chelan, and Douglas counties subject to approval and agreement—1987 c 323: See note following RCW 2.08.061.
Effective dates—Additional judicial positions in Pierce, Clark, and Snohomish counties subject to approval and agreement—1985 c 357: See note following RCW 2.08.061.
Adjustment in judicial services: See note following RCW 2.08.065.
Effective date—1977 ex.s. c 311: See note following RCW 2.08.061.

catchline: Judges—Chelan, Douglas, Clark, Grays Harbor, Kitsap, Kittitas, and Lewis counties.


title: RCW 2.08.063

text:
There shall be in the county of Lincoln one judge of the superior court; in the county of Skagit, five judges of the superior court; in the county of Walla Walla, two judges of the superior court; in the county of Whitman, one judge of the superior court; in the county of Yakima, nine judges of the superior court; in the county of Adams, one judge of the superior court; in the county of Whatcom, five judges of the superior court.
[ 2026 c 226 s 1; 2024 c 112 s 1; 2013 c 210 s 1; 2005 c 95 s 1; 1998 c 270 s 2; 1992 c 189 s 3; 1988 c 66 s 1; 1975 1st ex.s. c 49 s 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 27 s 2; 1971 ex.s. c 83 s 1; 1963 c 48 s 3; 1955 c 19 s 1; 1951 c 125 s 5. Prior: 1949 c 237 ss 2, 4; 1945 c 20 s 1, part; 1927 c 135 s 1, part; 1917 c 97 s 5, part; 1911 c 62 s 1; 1911 c 129 s 2, part; 1907 c 79 s 1, part; 1895 c 89 s 1, part; 1891 c 68 s 3, part; 1890 p 341 s 1, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 ss 11045-1j, 11045-1i; Rem. Supp. 1945 s 11045-1d, part; RRS s 11045-1, part.]
Notes:
Additional judicial position in Whatcom county subject to approval and agreement—2013 c 210: "The additional judicial position created by section 1 of this act in Whatcom county becomes effective only if the county, through its duly constituted legislative authority, documents its approval of the additional position and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the additional judicial position as provided by statute." [ 2013 c 210 s 2.]
Contingency of additional judicial position—2005 c 95: "The additional judicial position created by section 1 of this act in Skagit county shall be effective only if the county through its legislative authority documents its approval by January 1, 2007, of the additional position and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the additional judicial position as provided by statute. The additional expenses include, but are not limited to, expenses incurred for court facilities." [ 2005 c 95 s 2.]
Effective date—Additional judicial positions in Clark, Lewis, and Yakima counties—Start dates—Establishment by county commissioners upon superior court request—1998 c 270: See notes following RCW 2.08.062.
Effective dates—Additional judicial positions subject to approval and agreement—1992 c 189: See notes following RCW 2.08.061.
Effect—Additional judicial position in Yakima county subject to approval and agreement—1988 c 66: "The additional judicial position created by section 1 of this act in Yakima county shall be effective only if the county through its legislative authority documents its approval by January 1, 1990, of the additional position and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the additional judicial position as provided by statute. The additional expenses include, but are not limited to, expenses incurred for court facilities." [ 1988 c 66 s 2.]

catchline: Judges—Lincoln, Skagit, Walla Walla, Whitman, Yakima, Adams, and Whatcom counties.


title: RCW 2.08.064

text:
There shall be in the counties of Benton and Franklin jointly, seven judges of the superior court; in the county of Clallam, three judges of the superior court; in the county of Jefferson, one judge of the superior court; in the county of Snohomish, 17 judges of the superior court; in the counties of Asotin, Columbia and Garfield jointly, one judge of the superior court; in the county of Cowlitz, five judges of the superior court; in the counties of Klickitat and Skamania jointly, one judge of the superior court.
[ 2022 c 46 s 1; 2013 c 142 s 1; 2006 c 20 s 1; 2003 c 96 s 2; 1997 c 347 s 1; 1993 sp.s. c 14 s 1; 1992 c 189 s 4; 1989 c 328 s 3; 1985 c 357 s 3; 1982 c 139 s 2; 1981 c 65 s 1; 1979 ex.s. c 202 s 3; 1977 ex.s. c 311 s 3; 1974 ex.s. c 192 s 1; 1971 ex.s. c 83 s 3; 1969 ex.s. c 213 s 2; 1967 ex.s. c 84 s 3; 1963 c 35 s 1; 1961 c 67 s 2; 1955 c 19 s 2; 1951 c 125 s 6. Prior: 1945 c 20 s 1, part; 1927 c 135 s 1, part; 1925 ex.s. c 132 s 1; 1917 c 97 ss 1-3; 1911 c 40 s 1; 1911 c 129 ss 1, 2, part; 1907 c 79 s 1, part; 1905 c 36 s 1, part; 1895 c 89 s 1, part; 1891 c 68 ss 1, 3, part; 1890 p 341 s 1, part; Rem. Supp. 1945 s 11045-1d, part; RRS s 11045-1, part.]
Notes:
Additional judicial positions in Snohomish county subject to approval and agreement—Effective date—2022 c 46: "(1) The additional judicial positions created in section 1 of this act are effective only if Snohomish county, through its duly constituted legislative authority, documents its approval of the additional positions and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the additional judicial positions as provided by state law and the state Constitution.
(2) The judicial positions created in section 1 of this act are effective July 1, 2022." [ 2022 c 46 s 2.]
Additional judicial position in Benton and Franklin counties subject to approval and agreement—2013 c 142: "The additional judicial position created by section 1 of this act in Benton and Franklin counties jointly becomes effective only if the counties, through their duly constituted legislative authority, document their approval of the additional position and their agreement that they will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the additional judicial position as provided by statute." [ 2013 c 142 s 2.]
Additional judicial positions in Clallam and Cowlitz counties subject to approval and agreement—2006 c 20: "The additional judicial positions created by section 1 of this act in Clallam and Cowlitz counties are effective only if each county through its duly constituted legislative authority documents its approval of the additional position and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the existing and additional judicial positions as provided by statute and the state Constitution." [ 2006 c 20 s 2.]
Effective dates for additional judicial positions—2003 c 96: See note following RCW 2.08.062.
Starting dates of additional judicial positions in Snohomish county—1997 c 347: "The additional judicial positions created for the county of Snohomish under section 1 of this act are effective January 1, 1998, but the actual starting dates for these positions may be established by the Snohomish county council upon request of the superior court and by the recommendation of the Snohomish county executive." [ 1997 c 347 s 2.]
Additional judicial position in Cowlitz county subject to approval and agreement—1993 sp.s. c 14: "The additional judicial position created by section 1 of this act shall be effective only if Cowlitz county through its duly constituted legislative authority documents its approval of the additional position and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the additional judicial position as provided by statute." [ 1993 sp.s. c 14 s 2.]
Effective dates—Additional judicial positions subject to approval and agreement—1992 c 189: See notes following RCW 2.08.061.
Intent—Additional judicial positions subject to approval and agreement—Effective dates for additional judicial positions—1989 c 328: See notes following RCW 2.08.061.
Effective dates—Additional judicial positions in Pierce, Clark, and Snohomish counties subject to approval and agreement—1989 c 328; 1985 c 357: See note following RCW 2.08.061.
Additional judicial positions in Clallam and Jefferson counties subject to approval and agreement—1982 c 139: "The additional judicial positions created by section 2 of this 1982 act in Clallam and Jefferson counties shall be effective only if, prior to April 1, 1982, each county through its duly constituted legislative authority documents its approval of the 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." [ 1982 c 139 s 3.]
Additional judicial positions in Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille district subject to approval and agreement—1982 c 139; 1981 c 65: "The additional judicial position created by this 1981 act in the joint Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille judicial district shall be effective only if each county in the judicial district through its duly constituted legislative authority documents its approval of the additional position and its agreement that it and the other counties comprising the judicial district will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of such additional judicial position as provided by statute. As among the counties, the amount of the judge's salary to be paid by each county shall be in accordance with RCW 2.08.110 unless otherwise agreed upon by the counties involved." [ 1982 c 139 s 1; 1981 c 65 s 3.]
Effective date—1977 ex.s. c 311: See note following RCW 2.08.061.

catchline: Judges—Benton, Franklin, Clallam, Jefferson, Snohomish, Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, Cowlitz, Klickitat, and Skamania counties.


title: RCW 2.08.065

text:
There shall be in the county of Grant, three judges of the superior court; in the county of Okanogan, two judges of the superior court; in the county of Mason, three judges of the superior court; in the county of Thurston, nine judges of the superior court; in the counties of Pacific and Wahkiakum jointly, one judge of the superior court; in the counties of Ferry, Pend Oreille, and Stevens jointly, three judges of the superior court; in the county of San Juan, one judge of the superior court; and in the county of Island, two judges of the superior court.
[ 2021 c 63 s 1; 2020 c 53 s 3; 2014 c 169 s 1; 2007 c 95 s 1; 1999 c 245 s 1; 1996 c 208 s 5; 1992 c 189 s 5; 1990 c 186 s 2; 1986 c 76 s 1; 1981 c 65 s 2; 1979 ex.s. c 202 s 4; 1977 ex.s. c 311 s 4; 1973 1st ex.s. c 27 s 3; 1971 ex.s. c 83 s 2; 1969 ex.s. c 213 s 3; 1955 c 159 s 1; 1951 c 125 s 7. Prior: 1927 c 135 s 1, part; 1917 c 97 ss 4, 5, part; 1913 c 17 s 1; 1911 c 131 s 2; 1907 c 79 s 1, part; 1907 c 178 s 1, part; 1903 c 50 s 1, part; 1895 c 89 s 1, part; 1891 c 68 ss 1, 3, part; 1890 p 341 s 1, part; RRS s 11045-1, part.]
Notes:
Additional judicial position in Thurston county subject to approval and agreement—2021 c 63 s 1: "(1) The additional judicial position created by section 1 of this act is effective only if Thurston county, through its duly constituted legislative authority, documents its approval of the additional position and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the additional judicial position as provided by state law and the state Constitution.
(2) The judicial position created by section 1 of this act is effective November 1, 2021." [ 2021 c 63 s 2.]
Additional judicial position subject to approval and agreement—2020 c 53 s 3: "(1) The additional judicial position created by section 3, chapter 53, Laws of 2020 is effective only if Ferry, Pend Oreille, and Stevens counties, jointly through their duly constituted legislative authorities, document their approval of the additional position and their agreement that they will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the additional judicial position as provided by state law and the state Constitution.
(2) The judicial position created by section 3, chapter 53, Laws of 2020 is effective no later than July 1, 2020. An earlier starting date for the position may be established by joint action of the duly constituted legislative authorities of Ferry, Pend Oreille, and Stevens counties, upon request of the superior court and by recommendation of the executive authorities of each of Ferry, Pend Oreille, and Stevens counties, if any." [ 2020 c 53 s 4.]
Additional judicial position subject to approval and agreement—2014 c 169: "The additional judicial position created by section 1 of this act in Mason county becomes effective only if the county, through its duly constituted legislative authority, documents its approval of the additional position and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the additional judicial position as provided by statute." [ 2014 c 169 s 2.]
Additional judicial positions subject to approval and agreement—2007 c 95: "The two judicial positions serving San Juan and Island counties jointly are allocated to Island county effective the date upon which the judge for San Juan county superior court assumes office. The additional judicial position created by section 1 of this act is allocated to San Juan county and becomes effective only if:
(1) San Juan county, through its duly constituted legislative authority, documents its approval of the additional position and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the additional judicial position as provided by state law or the state Constitution; and
(2) Island county, through its duly constituted legislative authority, documents its approval and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the two judicial positions currently serving San Juan and Island counties jointly as provided by state law or the state Constitution." [ 2007 c 95 s 2.]
Additional judicial positions subject to approval and agreement—1999 c 245: "(1) The additional judicial position for Grant county created by section 1 of this act is effective only if Grant county through its duly constituted legislative authority documents its approval of the additional position and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the additional judicial position as provided by state law or the state Constitution.
(2) The additional judicial position for Okanogan county created by section 1 of this act is effective only if Okanogan county through its duly constituted legislative authority documents its approval of the additional position and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the existing and additional judicial positions as provided by state law or the state Constitution." [ 1999 c 245 s 2.]
Additional judicial positions in Thurston county subject to approval and agreement—1996 c 208: "The additional judicial positions created by section 5 of this act are effective only if Thurston county through its duly constituted legislative authority documents its approval of the additional positions and its agreement that it will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses of the additional judicial positions as provided by state law or the state Constitution." [ 1996 c 208 s 6.]
Effective dates of additional judicial positions in Thurston county—1996 c 208: "One judicial position created by section 5 of this act shall be effective July 1, 1996; the second position shall be effective July 1, 2000." [ 1996 c 208 s 7.]
Effective dates—Additional judicial positions subject to approval and agreement—1992 c 189: See notes following RCW 2.08.061.
Effective dates—Additional judicial positions in Kitsap and Thurston counties subject to approval and agreement—1990 c 186:See note following RCW 2.08.062.
Effective date—Appointment of additional judicial position—1986 c 76: "(1) Pursuant to RCW 2.08.069, the governor shall appoint a person to fill the judicial position created by section 1 of this act in Mason county. The five judges of the superior court serving in the Thurston/Mason judicial district on January 1, 1987, shall be assigned to the new Thurston county judicial district.
(2) This act shall take effect January 1, 1987. The additional judicial position created by section 1 of this act in Mason county shall be effective only if, before January 1, 1987, Thurston and Mason counties, through their duly constituted legislative authorities, document their approval of the additional position and their agreement that they will pay out of county funds, without reimbursement from the state, the expenses resulting from section 1 of this act." [ 1986 c 76 s 2.]
Additional judicial positions subject to approval and agreement: See note following RCW 2.08.064.
Adjustment in judicial services provided for Douglas, Grant, and Chelan counties: "The superior court judge serving in position two, as designated by the county auditors of Grant and Douglas counties for the 1976 general election, in the counties of Grant and Douglas prior to the effective date of this 1979 act, shall thereafter serve jointly in the counties of Douglas and Chelan, along with the judge previously serving only in Chelan county. The additional superior court judge position created by this 1979 act shall be for Grant county alone, which shall retain the judge in position one previously serving jointly in the counties of Grant and Douglas." [ 1979 ex.s. c 202 s 5.]
Effective date—1977 ex.s. c 311: See note following RCW 2.08.061.

catchline: Judges—Grant, Ferry, Okanogan, Mason, Thurston, Pacific, Wahkiakum, Pend Oreille, Stevens, San Juan, and Island counties.


title: RCW 2.08.069

text:
Unless otherwise provided, upon the taking effect of any act providing for additional judges of the superior court and thereby creating a vacancy, the governor shall appoint a person to hold the office until the election and qualification of a judge to fill the vacancy, which election shall be at the next succeeding general election, and the judge so elected shall hold office for the remainder of the unexpired term.
[ 1955 c 38 s 4; 1951 c 125 s 8.]
Notes:
Vacancy, how filled: RCW 2.08.120.

catchline: Judges—Filling vacancies resulting from creation of additional judgeships.


title: RCW 2.08.070

text:
The judges of the superior court elected under the provisions of RCW 2.08.060 through 2.08.065 shall hold their offices for the term of four years from and after the second Monday in January next succeeding their election, and until their successors are elected and qualified.
[ 1927 c 135 s 2; RRS s 11045-2.]
Notes:
Election, terms, etc., superior judges: State Constitution Art. 4 s 5.
Forfeiture of office for absence: State Constitution Art. 4 s 8.
Removal of judges: State Constitution Art. 4 s 9.

catchline: Terms of office.


title: RCW 2.08.080

text:
Every judge of a superior court shall, before entering upon the duties of his or her office, take and subscribe an oath that he or she will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Washington, and will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of judge to the best of his or her ability, which oath shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state. Such oath or affirmation to be in form substantially the same as prescribed for justices of the supreme court.
[ 2011 c 336 s 13; 1971 c 81 s 5; 1890 p 344 s 15; RRS s 11051.]
Notes:
Oath of judges: State Constitution Art. 4 s 28.

catchline: Oath of office.


title: RCW 2.08.092

text:
The annual salary of the judges of the superior court shall be established by the Washington citizens' commission on salaries for elected officials.
[ 1986 c 155 s 6; 1984 c 258 s 403.]
Notes:
Contingent effective date—Severability—1986 c 155: See notes following RCW 43.03.300.
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
Salaries of judicial officers: State Constitution Art. 4 s 13, 14; Art. 28 s 1; Art. 30 s 1.
Washington citizens' commission on salaries for elected officials: RCW 43.03.305.

catchline: Salary of judges.


title: RCW 2.08.100

text:
The county auditor of each county shall pay superior court judges in the same means and manner provided for all other elected officials.
[ 1997 c 204 s 1; 1939 c 189 s 1; 1893 c 30 s 1; 1890 p 329 s 2; RRS s 10967.]
Notes:
Distribution of work of courts by chief justice—Unavailability of presiding judge in single judge court: RCW 2.56.040.

catchline: Payment of county's portion.


title: RCW 2.08.110

text:
Where there is only one judge of the superior court for two or more counties, the auditors thereof, acting together, shall apportion among or between such counties, according to the assessed valuation of their taxable property, the amount of such judge's salary that each county shall pay.
[ 1890 p 329 s 3; RRS s 10968.]

catchline: Apportionment between counties in joint judicial district.


title: RCW 2.08.115

text:
Whenever a judge of the superior court shall serve a district comprising more than one county, such judge shall be reimbursed for travel expenses in connection with business of the court in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 as now existing or hereafter amended for travel from his or her residence to the other county or counties in his or her district and return.
[ 2011 c 336 s 14; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 s 1.]
Notes:
Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34: "If any provision of this 1976 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this 1976 amendatory act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 s 182.]
Effective date—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect on July 1, 1976." [1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 s 183.]

catchline: Judge serving district comprising more than one county—Reimbursement for travel expenses.


title: RCW 2.08.120

text:
(1) If a vacancy occurs in the office of judge of the superior court, the governor shall appoint a person to hold the office until the election and qualification of a judge to fill the vacancy, which election shall be at the next succeeding general election, and the judge so elected shall hold office for the remainder of the unexpired term.
(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 s 3; 1955 c 38 s 5. Prior: 1890 p 342 s 4; 1937 c 15 s 2; RRS s 11049.]
Notes:
Superior court—Election of judges, terms of, etc.: State Constitution Art. 4 s 5.
Vacancies resulting from additional judgeships: RCW 2.08.069.

catchline: Vacancy, how filled.


title: RCW 2.08.140

text:
Whenever a judge of the superior court of any county in this state, or a majority of such judges in any county in which there is more than one judge of said court, shall request the governor of the state to direct a judge of the superior court of any other county to hold a session of the superior court of any such county as is first herein above mentioned, the governor shall thereupon request and direct a judge of the superior court of some other county, making such selection as the governor shall deem to be most consistent with the state of judicial business in other counties, to hold a session of the superior court in the county the judge shall have requested the governor as aforesaid. Such request and direction by the governor shall be made in writing, and shall specify the county in which he or she directs the superior judge to whom the same is addressed to hold such session of the superior court, and the period during which he or she is to hold such session. Thereupon it shall be the duty of the superior judge so requested, and he or she is hereby empowered to hold a session of the superior court of the county specified by the governor, at the seat of judicial business thereof, during the period specified by the governor, and in such quarters as the county commissioners of said county may provide for the holding of such session.
[ 2011 c 336 s 15; 1893 c 43 s 1; RRS s 27. Prior: 1890 p 343 s 10.]
Notes:
Duty to hold court in other county or district: RCW 2.56.040.

catchline: Visiting judge at direction of governor.


title: RCW 2.08.150

text:
Whenever a like request shall be addressed by the judge, or by a majority of the judges (if there be more than one) of the superior court of any county to the superior judge of any other county, he or she is hereby empowered, if he or she deem it consistent with the state of judicial business in the county or counties whereof he or she is a superior judge (and in such case it shall be his or her duty to comply with such request), to hold a session of the superior court of the county the judge or judges whereof shall have made such request, at the seat of judicial business of such county, in such quarters as shall be provided for such session by the board of county commissioners, and during such period as shall have been specified in the request, or such shorter period as he or she may deem necessary by the state of judicial business in the county or counties whereof he or she is a superior judge.
[ 2011 c 336 s 16; 1893 c 43 s 2; RRS s 28. Prior: 1890 p 343 s 10.]

catchline: Visiting judge at request of judge or judges.


title: RCW 2.08.160

text:
In any county where there shall be more than one superior judge, or in which a superior judge of another county may be holding a session of the superior court, as provided in RCW 2.08.140 through 2.08.170, there may be as many sessions of the superior court at the same time as there are judges thereof, or assigned to duty therein by the governor, or responding to a request made as provided in RCW 2.08.150. In such cases the business of the court shall be so distributed and assigned by law, or in the absence of legislation therefor, by such rules and orders of the court as shall best promote and secure the convenient and expeditious transaction thereof. Judgments, decrees, orders and proceedings of any session of the superior court held by one or more of the judges of said court, or by any judge of the superior court of another county pursuant to the provisions of RCW 2.08.140 through 2.08.170, shall be equally effectual as if all the judges of such court presided at such session.
[ 1893 c 43 s 3; RRS s 29. Prior: 1890 p 341 s 2.]

catchline: Sessions where more than one judge sits—Effect of decrees, orders, etc.


title: RCW 2.08.170

text:
Any judge of the superior court of any county in this state who shall hold a session of the superior court of any other county, in pursuance of the provisions of RCW 2.08.140 through 2.08.170 shall be entitled to receive from the county in which he or she shall hold such sessions 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. The county clerk of such county shall, upon the presentation to him or her by such judge of a statement of such expenses, verified by his or her affidavit, issue to such judge a certificate that he or she is entitled to the amount thereof; and upon presentation of such certificate to the auditor of such county he or she shall draw a warrant on the current expense fund of such county for the amount in favor of such judge.
[ 2011 c 336 s 17; 1981 c 186 s 3; 1893 c 43 s 4; RRS s 30. Prior: 1890 p 329 s 4.]
Notes:
Holding court in another county or district—Reimbursement for expenses: RCW 2.56.070.

catchline: Expenses of visiting judge.


title: RCW 2.08.180

text:
A case in the superior court of any county may be tried by a judge pro tempore, who must be either: (1) A member of the bar, agreed upon in writing by the parties litigant, or their attorneys of record, approved by the court, and sworn to try the case; or (2) pursuant to supreme court rule, any sitting elected judge. Any action in the trial of such cause shall have the same effect as if it was made by a judge of such court. However, if a previously elected judge of the superior court retires leaving a pending case in which the judge has made discretionary rulings, the judge is entitled to hear the pending case as a judge pro tempore without any written agreement.
A judge pro tempore shall, before entering upon his or her duties in any cause, take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be,) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Washington, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of judge pro tempore in the cause wherein . . . . . . is plaintiff and . . . . . . defendant, according to the best of my ability."
A judge pro tempore who is a practicing attorney or who is a retired judge of a court of the state of Washington, shall receive a compensation of one-two hundred fiftieth of the annual salary of a superior court judge for each day engaged in said trial, to be paid in the same manner as the salary of the superior judge. A judge who is an active full-time judge of a court of the state of Washington shall receive no compensation as judge pro tempore. A judge who is an active part-time judge of a court of the state of Washington may receive compensation as a judge pro tempore only when sitting as a judge pro tempore during time for which he or she is not compensated as a part-time judge. A retired justice or judge may decline to accept compensation.
[ 2023 c 24 s 1; 2005 c 142 s 1; 2003 c 247 s 1; 2002 c 137 s 1; 1987 c 73 s 1; 1971 c 81 s 6; 1967 c 149 s 1; 1890 p 343 s 11; RRS s 40.]
Notes:
Contingent effective date—1987 c 73: "This act shall take effect January 1, 1988, if the proposed amendment to Article IV, section 7 of the state Constitution, allowing retiring judges to hear pending cases, is validly submitted to and is approved and ratified by the voters at a general election held in November, 1987. If the proposed amendment is not so approved and ratified, this act shall be null and void in its entirety." [ 1987 c 73 s 2.] Amendment 80 of the state Constitution, amending Article IV, section 7, was approved by the voters November 3, 1987.
Judges pro tempore: State Constitution Art. 4 s 7.
appointments: RCW 2.56.170.


title: RCW 2.08.185

text:
An attorney may not serve as a superior court judge pro tempore or a superior court commissioner pro tempore in a judicial district while appointed to or serving on a case in that judicial district as a guardian ad litem for compensation under Title 11, 13, or 26 RCW, if that judicial district is contained within division one or two of the court of appeals and has a population of more than one hundred thousand.
[ 1996 c 249 s 12.]
Notes:
Intent—1996 c 249: See note following RCW 2.56.030.

catchline: Attorney serving as guardian ad litem—Disqualification as judge pro tempore or commissioner pro tempore—Circumstances.


title: RCW 2.08.190

text:
Any judge of the superior court of the state of Washington shall have power, in any county within his or her district: (1) To sign all necessary orders and papers in probate matters pending in any other county in his or her district; (2) to issue restraining orders, and to sign the necessary orders of continuance in actions or proceedings pending in any other county in his or her district; (3) to decide and rule upon all motions, demurrers, issues of fact, or other matters that may have been submitted to him or her in any other county. All such rulings and decisions shall be in writing and shall be filed immediately with the clerk of the proper county: PROVIDED, That nothing herein contained shall authorize the judge to hear any matter outside of the county wherein the cause or proceeding is pending, except by consent of the parties.
[ 2011 c 336 s 18; 1901 c 57 s 1; RRS s 41.]

catchline: Powers of judge in counties of his or her district.


title: RCW 2.08.200

text:
Any judge of the superior court of the state of Washington who shall have heard any cause, either upon motion, demurrer, issue of fact, or other matter in any county out of his or her district, may decide, rule upon, and determine the same in any county in this state, which decision, ruling, and determination shall be in writing and shall be filed immediately with the clerk of the county where such cause is pending.
[ 2011 c 336 s 19; 1901 c 57 s 2; RRS s 42.]
Notes:
Rules of court: Statute modified or superseded by CR 7(c).

catchline: Decisions and rulings in matters heard outside judge's district.


title: RCW 2.08.210

text:
The process of the superior courts shall extend to all parts of the state: PROVIDED, That all actions for the recovery of the possession of, quieting the title to, or for the enforcement of liens upon, real estate, shall be commenced in the county in which the real estate, or any part thereof, affected by such action or actions is situated.
[ 1890 p 343 s 9; RRS s 32.]
Notes:
Rules of court: Cf. CR 4(f).
Extent of process: State Constitution Art. 4 s 6 (Amendment 28).
Venue: Chapter 4.12 RCW.

catchline: Extent of court's process—Venue.


title: RCW 2.08.220

text:
Unless otherwise provided by statute, all process issuing out of the court shall be directed to the sheriff of the county in which it is to be served, and be by him or her executed according to law.
[ 2011 c 336 s 20; 1891 c 45 s 5; RRS s 35.]

catchline: Process, to whom directed.


title: RCW 2.08.230

text:
The judges of the superior courts shall, from time to time, establish uniform rules for the government of the superior courts.
[ 1890 p 344 s 13; RRS s 36.]
Notes:
Rule-making power, supreme court: RCW 2.04.180 through 2.04.210.
Superior court rules: State Constitution Art. 4 s 24.
Supplementary superior court rules: RCW 2.04.210.
Uniform court rules: RCW 2.16.040.

catchline: Uniform rules to be established.


title: RCW 2.08.240

text:
Every case submitted to a judge of a superior court for his or her decision shall be decided by him or her within ninety days from the submission thereof: PROVIDED, That if within said period of ninety days a rehearing shall have been ordered, then the period within which he or she is to decide shall commence at the time the cause is submitted upon such rehearing, and upon willful failure of any such judge so to do, he or she shall be deemed to have forfeited his or her office.
[ 2011 c 336 s 21; 1890 p 344 s 12; RRS s 39.]
Notes:
Decisions, when to be made: State Constitution Art. 4 s 20.
Payment of county's portion: RCW 2.08.100.

catchline: Limit of time for decision.


title: RCW 2.08.250

text:
Superior judges shall, on or before the first day of November in each year, report in writing to the judges of the supreme court, such defects and omissions in the laws as their experience may suggest.
[ 1890 p 344 s 14; RRS s 11050.]
Notes:
Annual report to supreme court: State Constitution Art. 4 s 25.

catchline: Report to judges of supreme court.


title: RCW 2.10.010

text:
This chapter shall be known and cited as the Washington Judicial Retirement System Act.
[ 1971 ex.s. c 267 s 1.]

catchline: Short title.


title: RCW 2.10.020

text:
The purpose of this chapter is to effect a system of retirement from active service.
[ 1971 ex.s. c 267 s 2.]

catchline: Purpose.


title: RCW 2.10.030

text:
(1) "Accumulated contributions" means the total amount deducted from the judge's monthly salary pursuant to RCW 2.10.090, together with the regular interest thereon from July 1, 1988, as determined by the director of the department of retirement systems.
(2) "Beneficiary" means any person in receipt of a retirement allowance, disability allowance or any other benefit described herein.
(3) "Final average salary" means (a) for a judge in service in the same court for a minimum of twelve consecutive months preceding the date of retirement, the salary attached to the position held by the judge immediately prior to retirement; (b) for any other judge, the average monthly salary paid over the highest twenty-four month period in the last ten years of service.
(4) "Index" means for any calendar year, that year's annual average consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, all items (1957-1959 equal one hundred) — compiled by the bureau of labor statistics, United States department of labor.
(5) "Judge" means a person elected or appointed to serve as judge of a court of record as provided in chapters 2.04, 2.06, and 2.08 RCW. "Judge" does not include a person serving as a judge pro tempore except for a judge pro tempore appointed under RCW 2.04.240(2) or 2.06.150(2).
(6) "Monthly salary" means the monthly salary of the position held by the judge.
(7) "Retirement allowance" for the purpose of applying cost-of-living increases or decreases includes retirement allowances, disability allowances and survivorship benefit.
(8) "Retirement board" means the "Washington judicial retirement board" established herein.
(9) "Retirement fund" means the "Washington judicial retirement fund" established herein.
(10) "Retirement system" means the "Washington judicial retirement system" provided herein.
(11) "Service" means all periods of time served as a judge, as herein defined. Any calendar month at the beginning or end of a term in which ten or more days are served shall be counted as a full month of service: PROVIDED, That no more than one month's service may be granted for any one calendar month. Only months of service will be counted in the computation of any retirement allowance or other benefit provided for in this chapter. Years of service shall be determined by dividing the total months of service by twelve. Any fraction of a year of service as so determined shall be taken into account in the computation of such retirement allowance or benefit.
(12) "Surviving spouse" means the surviving widow or widower or surviving state registered domestic partner of a judge. "Surviving spouse" does not include the divorced spouse of a judge or an individual whose state registered domestic partnership with the judge has been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated.
[ 2009 c 521 s 6; 1997 c 88 s 5; 1988 c 109 s 1; 1971 ex.s. c 267 s 3.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).
Effective dates—2009 c 521 ss 5-8, 79, 87-103, 107, 151, 165, 166, 173-175, and 190-192: See note following RCW 2.10.900.
Effective date—1988 c 109: "This act shall take effect July 1, 1988." [ 1988 c 109 s 27.]

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 2.10.040

text:
The Washington judicial retirement system is hereby created for judges appointed or elected under the provisions of chapters 2.04, 2.06, and 2.08 RCW. All judges first appointed or elected to the courts covered by these chapters on or after August 9, 1971, and prior to July 1, 1988, shall be members of this system: PROVIDED, That following February 23, 1984, and until July 1, 1988, any newly elected or appointed judge holding credit toward retirement benefits under chapter 41.40 RCW shall be allowed thirty days from the effective date of election or appointment to such judgeship to make an irrevocable choice filed in writing with the department of retirement systems to continue coverage under that chapter and to be permanently excluded from coverage under this chapter for the current or any future term as a judge. All judges first appointed or elected to the courts covered by these chapters on or after July 1, 1988, shall not be members of this system, but may become members of the public employees' retirement system under chapter 41.40 RCW on the same basis as other elected officials as provided in RCW 41.40.023(3).
Any member of the retirement system who is serving as a judge as of July 1, 1988, has the option on or before December 31, 1989, of becoming a member of the retirement system created in chapter 41.40 RCW, subject to the conditions imposed by RCW 41.40.095. The option may be exercised by making an irrevocable choice filed in writing with the department of retirement systems to be permanently excluded from this system for all service as a judge. In the case of a former member of the retirement system who is not serving as a judge on July 1, 1988, the written election must be filed within one year after reentering service as a judge.
[ 1988 c 109 s 2; 1984 c 37 s 1; 1971 ex.s. c 267 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—1988 c 109: See note following RCW 2.10.030.
Transfers to system, prior service credit: RCW 2.10.220.

catchline: System created—Coverage—Exclusions.


title: RCW 2.10.052

text:
The Washington judicial retirement board established by this chapter is abolished. All powers, duties, and functions of the board are transferred to the director of retirement systems.
[ 1982 c 163 s 1.]
Notes:
Severability—1982 c 163: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1982 c 163 s 24.]
Effective date—1982 c 163: "This act shall take effect June 30, 1982." [ 1982 c 163 s 25.]

catchline: Retirement board abolished—Transfer of powers, duties, and functions.


title: RCW 2.10.070

text:
The retirement board shall perform the following duties:
(1) Keep in convenient form such data as shall be deemed necessary for actuarial evaluation purposes;
(2) As of July 1st of every even-numbered year have an actuarial evaluation made as to the mortality and service experience of the beneficiaries under this chapter and the various accounts created for the purpose of showing the financial status of the retirement fund;
(3) Adopt for the retirement system the mortality tables and such other tables as shall be deemed necessary;
(4) Keep a record of its proceedings, which shall be open to inspection by the public;
(5) Serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expense incident to service as individual members thereof;
(6) From time to time adopt such rules and regulations not inconsistent with this chapter for the administration of this chapter and for the transaction of the business of the board.
No member of the board shall be liable for the negligence, default, or failure of any employee or of any member of the board to perform the duties of his or her office and no member of the board shall be considered or held to be an insurer of the funds or assets of the retirement system, but shall be liable only for his or her own personal default or individual failure to perform his or her duties as such member and to exercise reasonable diligence in providing for safeguarding of the funds and assets of the system.
[ 2011 c 336 s 22; 1971 ex.s. c 267 s 7.]

catchline: Retirement board—Duties.


title: RCW 2.10.080

text:
(1) The state treasurer shall be the custodian of all funds and securities of the retirement system. Disbursements from this fund shall be made by the state treasurer upon receipt of duly authorized vouchers.
(2) The state treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to deposit any portion of the funds of the retirement system not needed for immediate use in the same manner and subject to all the provisions of law with respect to the deposit of state funds by such treasurer. All investment income earned by such portion of the retirement system's funds as may be deposited by the state treasurer in pursuance of authority herewith given shall be collected by him or her and placed to the credit of the retirement fund, less the allocation to the state treasurer's service fund pursuant to RCW 43.08.190.
(3) For the purpose of providing amounts to be used to defray the cost of administration, the judicial retirement board shall ascertain at the beginning of each biennium and request from the legislature an appropriation sufficient to cover estimated expenses for the said biennium.
[ 2012 c 187 s 16; 1991 sp.s. c 13 s 114; 1981 c 3 s 22; 1973 1st ex.s. c 103 s 1; 1971 ex.s. c 267 s 8.]
Notes:
Effective dates—1991 sp.s. c 13: See notes following RCW 18.04.105.
Intent of amendment—1981 c 3: "The amendment of RCW 2.10.080, 2.12.070, 41.26.060, 41.26.070, and 41.40.080 by this 1980 act is intended solely to provide for the investment of state funds and is not intended to alter the administration of the affected retirement systems by the department of retirement systems under chapter 41.50 RCW." [ 1981 c 3 s 44.]
Effective dates—Severability—1981 c 3: See notes following RCW 43.33A.010.
Severability—1973 1st ex.s. c 103: "If any provision of this 1973 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1973 1st ex.s. c 103 s 20.]

catchline: Funds and securities.


title: RCW 2.10.090

text:
The total liability, as determined by the actuary, of this system shall be funded as follows:
(1) Every judge shall have deducted from his or her monthly salary an amount equal to seven and one-half percent of said salary.
(2) The state as employer shall contribute an equal amount on a quarterly basis.
(3) The state shall in addition guarantee the solvency of said fund and the legislature shall make biennial appropriations from the general fund of amounts sufficient to guarantee the making of retirement payments as herein provided for if the money in the judicial retirement fund shall become insufficient for that purpose, but such biennial appropriation may be conditioned that sums appropriated may not be expended unless the money in the judicial retirement fund shall become insufficient to meet the retirement payments.
[ 2011 c 336 s 23; 1971 ex.s. c 267 s 9.]
Notes:
Members' retirement contributions—Pick up by employer: RCW 41.04.445.

catchline: Funding.


title: RCW 2.10.100

text:
Retirement of a member for service shall be made by the retirement board as follows:
(1) Any judge who, on August 9, 1971 or within one year thereafter, shall have completed as a judge the years of actual service required under chapter 2.12 RCW and who shall elect to become a member of this system, shall in all respects be deemed qualified to retire under this retirement system upon the member's written request.
(2) Any member who has completed fifteen or more years of service may be retired upon the member's written request but shall not be eligible to receive a retirement allowance until the member attains the age of sixty years.
(3) Any member who attains the age of seventy-five years shall be retired at the end of the calendar year in which the member attains such age.
(4) Any judge who involuntarily leaves service or who is appointed to a position as a federal judge or federal magistrate at any time after having served an aggregate of twelve years shall be eligible to a partial retirement allowance computed according to RCW 2.10.110 and shall receive this allowance upon the attainment of the age of sixty years and fifteen years after the beginning of the member's judicial service.
[ 1995 c 305 s 1; 1988 c 109 s 3; 1971 ex.s. c 267 s 10.]
Notes:
Retroactive application—1995 c 305: "Section 1 of this act shall apply retroactively to October 1, 1994." [ 1995 c 305 s 2.]
Effective date—1988 c 109: See note following RCW 2.10.030.

catchline: Retirement for service or age.


title: RCW 2.10.110

text:
A member upon retirement for service shall receive a monthly retirement allowance computed according to his or her completed years of service, as follows: Ten years, but less than fifteen years, three percent of his or her final average salary for each year of service; fifteen years and over, three and one-half percent of his or her final average salary for each year of service: PROVIDED, That in no case shall any retired member receive more than seventy-five percent of his or her final salary except as increased as a result of the cost-of-living increases as provided by this chapter.
[ 2011 c 336 s 24; 1971 ex.s. c 267 s 11.]

catchline: Service retirement allowance.


title: RCW 2.10.120

text:
(1) Any judge who has served as a judge for a period of ten or more years, and who shall believe he or she has become physically or otherwise permanently incapacitated for the full and efficient performance of the duties of his or her office, may file with the retirement board an application in writing, asking for retirement. Upon receipt of such application the retirement board shall appoint one or more physicians of skill and repute, duly licensed to practice their professions in the state of Washington, who shall, within fifteen days thereafter, for such compensation as may be fixed by the board, to be paid out of the fund herein created, examine said judge and report in writing to the board their findings in the matter. If the physicians appointed by the board find the judge to be so disabled and the retirement board concurs in this finding the judge shall be retired.
(2) The retirement for disability of a judge, who has served as a judge for a period of ten or more years, by the supreme court under Article IV, section 31 of the Constitution of the state of Washington (House Joint Resolution No. 37, approved by the voters November 4, 1980), with the concurrence of the retirement board, shall be considered a retirement under subsection (1) of this section.
[ 2011 c 336 s 25; 1982 c 18 s 1; 1971 ex.s. c 267 s 12.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: House Joint Resolution No. 37, approved by the voters November 4, 1980, became Amendment 71 to the state Constitution.

catchline: Retirement for disability—Procedure.


title: RCW 2.10.130

text:
Upon a judge being retired for disability as provided in RCW 2.10.120, he or she shall receive from the fund an amount equal to one-half of his or her final average salary.
[ 2011 c 336 s 26; 1971 ex.s. c 267 s 13.]

catchline: Retirement for disability allowance.


title: RCW 2.10.140

text:
(1) A surviving spouse of any judge holding such office, or if he or she dies after having retired and who, at the time of his or her death, has served ten or more years in the aggregate, shall receive a monthly allowance equal to fifty percent of the retirement allowance the retired judge was receiving, or fifty percent of the retirement allowance the active judge would have received had he or she been retired on the date of his or her death, but in no event less than twenty-five percent of the final average salary that the deceased judge was receiving: PROVIDED, That said surviving spouse had been married to the judge for a minimum of two years at time of death.
(2) A judge holding office on July 1, 1988, may make an irrevocable choice to relinquish the survivor benefits provided by this section in exchange for the survivor benefits provided by RCW 2.10.144 and 2.10.146 by indicating the choice in a written declaration submitted to the department of retirement systems by December 31, 1988.
(3) The surviving spouse of any judge who died in office after January 1, 1986, but before July 1, 1988, may elect to receive the survivor benefit provided in RCW 2.10.144(1).
[ 2011 c 336 s 27; 1988 c 109 s 7; 1984 c 37 s 2; 1971 ex.s. c 267 s 14.]
Notes:
Application—1988 c 109 s 7(1): "The amendment to RCW 2.10.140(1) in section 7(1), chapter 109, Laws of 1988 shall apply on a retroactive basis to the surviving spouse of any judge who retired before July 1, 1988, if the surviving spouse had not remarried before July 1, 1988." [ 1989 c 139 s 1.]
Effective date—1988 c 109: See note following RCW 2.10.030.
Application—1984 c 37 s 2: "Section 2 of this 1984 act applies in respect to each surviving spouse who first applies for benefits under RCW 2.10.140 after January 1, 1984." [ 1984 c 37 s 3.]

catchline: Survivor's benefits.


title: RCW 2.10.144

text:
(1) If a judge dies before the date of retirement, the amount of the accumulated contributions standing to the judge's credit at the time of death shall be paid to the member's estate, or such person or persons, trust, or organization as the judge has nominated by written designation duly executed and filed with the department of retirement systems. If there is no such designated person or persons still living at the time of the judge's death, or if the judge fails to file a new beneficiary designation subsequent to marriage, remarriage, dissolution of marriage, divorce, or reestablishment of membership following termination by withdrawal or retirement, the judge's credited accumulated contributions shall be paid to the surviving spouse as if in fact the spouse had been nominated by written designation or, if there is no such surviving spouse, then to the judge's legal representatives.
(2) Upon the death in service of any judge who is qualified but has not applied for a service retirement allowance or has completed ten years of service at the time of death, the designated beneficiary, or the surviving spouse as provided in subsection (1) of this section, may elect to waive the payment provided by subsection (1) of this section. Upon such an election, a joint and one hundred percent survivor option under RCW 2.10.146 shall automatically be given effect as if selected for the benefit of the surviving spouse or dependent who is the designated beneficiary, except that if the judge is not then qualified for a service retirement allowance, the option II benefit shall be based upon the actuarial equivalent of the sum necessary to pay the accrued regular retirement allowance commencing when the deceased judge would have first qualified for a service retirement allowance. However, subsection (1) of this section, unless elected, shall not apply to any judge who has applied for a service retirement and thereafter dies between the date of separation from service and the judge's effective retirement date, where the judge has selected a survivorship option under RCW 2.10.146(1)(b). In those cases, the beneficiary named in the judge's final application for service retirement may elect to receive either a cash refund or monthly payments according to the option selected by the judge.
[ 1995 c 144 s 20; 1990 c 249 s 13; 1988 c 109 s 8.]
Notes:
Findings—1990 c 249: See note following RCW 2.10.146.
Effective date—1988 c 109: See note following RCW 2.10.030.

catchline: Payment of accumulated contributions or retirement allowance upon death—Election.


title: RCW 2.10.146

text:
(1) Upon making application for a service retirement allowance under RCW 2.10.100 or a disability allowance under RCW 2.10.120, a judge who is eligible therefor shall make an election as to the manner in which such service retirement shall be paid from among the following designated options, calculated so as to be actuarially equivalent to each other:
(a) Standard allowance. A member selecting this option shall receive a retirement allowance, which shall be computed as provided in RCW 2.10.110. The retirement allowance shall be payable throughout the judge's life. However, if the judge dies before the total of the retirement allowance paid to the judge equals the amount of the judge's accumulated contributions at the time of retirement, then the balance shall be paid to the member's estate, or such person or persons, trust, or organization as the judge has nominated by written designation duly executed and filed with the department of retirement systems or, if there is no such designated person or persons still living at the time of the judge's death, then to the surviving spouse or, if there is neither such designated person or persons still living at the time of death nor a surviving spouse, then to the judge's legal representative.
(b) The department shall adopt rules that allow a judge to select a retirement option that pays the judge a reduced retirement allowance and upon death, such portion of the judge's reduced retirement allowance as the department by rule designates shall be continued throughout the life of and paid to a designated person. Such person shall be nominated by the judge by written designation duly executed and filed with the department at the time of retirement. The options adopted by the department shall include, but are not limited to, a joint and one hundred percent survivor option and a joint and fifty percent survivor option.
(2)(a) A judge, if married, must provide the written consent of his or her spouse to the option selected under this section, except as provided in (b) of this subsection. If a judge is married and both the judge and the judge's spouse do not give written consent to an option under this section, the department will pay the judge a joint and fifty percent survivor benefit and record the judge's spouse as the beneficiary. Such benefit shall be calculated to be actuarially equivalent to the benefit options available under subsection (1) of this section unless spousal consent is not required as provided in (b) of this subsection.
(b) If a copy of a dissolution order designating a survivor beneficiary under RCW 41.50.790 has been filed with the department at least thirty days prior to a member's retirement:
(i) The department shall honor the designation as if made by the member under subsection (1) of this section; and
(ii) The spousal consent provisions of (a) of this subsection do not apply.
(3)(a) Any member who retired before January 1, 1996, and who elected to receive a reduced retirement allowance under subsection (1)(b) or (2) of this section is entitled to receive a retirement allowance adjusted in accordance with (b) of this subsection, if they meet the following conditions:
(i) The retiree's designated beneficiary predeceases or has predeceased the retiree; and
(ii) The retiree provides to the department proper proof of the designated beneficiary's death.
(b) The retirement allowance payable to the retiree, as of July 1, 1998, or the date of the designated beneficiary's death, whichever comes last, shall be increased by the percentage derived in (c) of this subsection.
(c) The percentage increase shall be derived by the following:
(i) One hundred percent multiplied by the result of (c)(ii) of this subsection converted to a percent;
(ii) Subtract one from the reciprocal of the appropriate joint and survivor option factor;
(iii) The joint and survivor option factor shall be from the table in effect as of July 1, 1998.
(d) The adjustment under (b) of this subsection shall accrue from the beginning of the month following the date of the designated beneficiary's death or from July 1, 1998, whichever comes last.
[ 1998 c 340 s 4; 1996 c 175 s 2; 1995 c 144 s 21; 1990 c 249 s 2; 1988 c 109 s 9.]
Notes:
Effective date—1998 c 340: "Except for section 13 of this act, this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 3, 1998]." [ 1998 c 340 s 14.]
Findings—1990 c 249: "The legislature finds that:
(1) It would be advantageous for some retirees to have survivorship options available other than the options currently listed in statute. Allowing the department of retirement systems to adopt several different survivor options will assist retirees in their financial planning; and
(2) Disabled members of the retirement systems listed in RCW 41.50.030, except for members of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 1, must forfeit any right to leave a benefit to their survivors if they wish to go on disability retirement. This results in some disabled workers holding onto their jobs in order to provide for their dependents. The provisions of this act allow members to go on disability retirement while still providing for their survivors." [ 1990 c 249 s 1.]
Effective date—1988 c 109: See note following RCW 2.10.030.

catchline: Election of option for payment of retirement or disability allowance—Retirement allowance adjustment.


title: RCW 2.10.155

text:
(1) No judge shall be eligible to receive the judge's monthly service or disability retirement allowance if the retired judge is employed:
(a) For more than eight hundred ten hours in a calendar year as a pro tempore judge; or
(b) In an eligible position as defined in RCW 41.40.010 or 41.32.010, or as a law enforcement officer or firefighter as defined in RCW 41.26.030.
(2) Subsection (1) of this section notwithstanding, a previously elected judge of the superior court who retired before June 7, 1990, leaving a pending case in which the judge had made discretionary rulings may hear the pending case as a judge pro tempore without having his or her retirement allowance suspended.
(3) If a retired judge's benefits have been suspended under this section, his or her benefits shall be reinstated when the retiree terminates the employment that caused his or her benefits to be suspended. Upon reinstatement, the retired judge's benefits shall be actuarially recomputed pursuant to the rules adopted by the department.
(4) The department shall adopt rules implementing this section.
[ 1990 c 274 s 14; 1988 c 109 s 10.]
Notes:
Findings—Construction—1990 c 274: See notes following RCW 41.32.010.
Application—Reservation—1990 c 274 ss 11, 12, 14, and 15: See note following RCW 41.40.690.
Effective date—1988 c 109: See note following RCW 2.10.030.
PDF
RCW 2.10.155
Suspension of retirement allowance upon employment—Exceptions—Reinstatement—Pro tempore service. (Effective June 30, 2029.)
(1) No judge shall be eligible to receive the judge's monthly service or disability retirement allowance if the retired judge is employed:
(a) For more than eight hundred ten hours in a calendar year as a pro tempore judge; or
(b) In an eligible position as defined in RCW 41.40.010 or 41.32.010, or as a law enforcement officer or firefighter as defined in RCW 41.26.030 or 41.26A.030.
(2) Subsection (1) of this section notwithstanding, a previously elected judge of the superior court who retired before June 7, 1990, leaving a pending case in which the judge had made discretionary rulings may hear the pending case as a judge pro tempore without having his or her retirement allowance suspended.
(3) If a retired judge's benefits have been suspended under this section, his or her benefits shall be reinstated when the retiree terminates the employment that caused his or her benefits to be suspended. Upon reinstatement, the retired judge's benefits shall be actuarially recomputed pursuant to the rules adopted by the department.
(4) The department shall adopt rules implementing this section.
[ 2026 c 261 s 401; 1990 c 274 s 14; 1988 c 109 s 10.]
Notes:
Effective date—2026 c 261: See note following RCW 41.26A.505.
Findings—Construction—1990 c 274: See notes following RCW 41.32.010.
Application—Reservation—1990 c 274 ss 11, 12, 14, and 15: See note following RCW 41.40.690.
Effective date—1988 c 109: See note following RCW 2.10.030.

catchline: Suspension of retirement allowance upon employment—Exceptions—Reinstatement—Pro tempore service. (Effective until June 30, 2029.)


title: RCW 2.10.165

text:
If a judge who was a member of this system left the system before July 1, 1988, and neither the judge nor the judge's surviving spouse: (1) Was eligible at that time to receive a benefit under this chapter; or (2) has received an amount under a sundry claims appropriation from the state legislature intended as a refund of the judge's contributions paid under RCW 2.10.090(1); then the judge or the judge's surviving spouse may apply to the department for and receive a refund of such contributions.
[ 1991 c 159 s 1.]

catchline: Refund of certain contributions.


title: RCW 2.10.170

text:
Effective July 1, 1972, and of each succeeding year, every retirement allowance which has been in effect for one year or more shall be adjusted to that dollar amount which bears the ratio to its original dollar amount which the retirement board finds to exist between the index for the previous calendar year and the index for the calendar year prior to the date the retirement allowance became payable: PROVIDED, That the amount of increase or decrease in any one year shall not exceed three percent of the then payable retirement allowance: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That this cost-of-living adjustment shall not reduce any pension below that amount which was payable at time of retirement.
[ 1971 ex.s. c 267 s 17.]

catchline: Cost-of-living adjustment.


title: RCW 2.10.180

text:
(1) Except as provided in subsections (2), (3), (4), and (5) of this section, the right of a person to a retirement allowance, disability allowance, or death benefit, the retirement, disability or death allowance itself, any optional benefit, any other right accrued or accruing to any person under the provisions of this chapter, and the moneys in the fund created under this chapter, are hereby exempt from any state, county, municipal, or other local tax and shall not be subject to execution, garnishment, or any other process of law whatsoever whether the same be in actual possession of the person or be deposited or loaned.
(2) Subsection (1) of this section shall not be deemed to prohibit a beneficiary of a retirement allowance from authorizing deductions therefrom for payment of premiums due on any group insurance policy or plan issued for the benefit of a group comprised of public employees of the state of Washington.
(3) Deductions made in the past from retirement benefits are hereby expressly recognized, ratified, and affirmed. Future deductions may only be made in accordance with this section.
(4) Subsection (1) of this section shall not prohibit the department of retirement systems from complying with (a) a wage assignment order for child support issued pursuant to chapter 26.18 RCW, (b) a notice of payroll deduction issued under chapter 26.23 RCW, (c) an order to withhold and deliver issued pursuant to chapter 74.20A RCW, (d) a mandatory benefits assignment order issued pursuant to chapter 41.50 RCW, (e) a court order directing the department of retirement systems to pay benefits directly to an obligee under a dissolution order as defined in RCW 41.50.500(3) which fully complies with RCW 41.50.670 and 41.50.700, or (f) any administrative or court order expressly authorized by federal law.
(5) Subsection (1) of this section does not exempt any pension or other benefit received under this chapter from tax under Title 82A RCW.
[ 2026 c 238 s 801; 2012 c 159 s 17; 1991 c 365 s 18; 1989 c 360 s 22; 1987 c 326 s 17; 1982 1st ex.s. c 52 s 1; 1979 ex.s. c 205 s 1; 1971 ex.s. c 267 s 18.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Effect of invalidation of 2026 c 238 s 201—Automatic expiration date and tax preference performance statement exemption—Necessity of act—Intent—Implementation by department of revenue—2026 c 238: See notes following RCW 82A.04.030.
Severability—1991 c 365: See note following RCW 41.50.500.
Effective date—1987 c 326: See RCW 41.50.901.
Effective dates—1982 1st ex.s. c 52: "(1) Sections 9 and 34 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.
(2) The remainder of this act shall take effect July 1, 1982." [ 1982 1st ex.s. c 52 s 37.]

catchline: Benefits exempt from taxation and judicial process—Exceptions—Deductions for group insurance premiums.


title: RCW 2.10.190

text:
Any person aggrieved by any final decision of the retirement board must, before petitioning for judicial review, file with the director of the retirement system by mail or personally within sixty days from the day such decision was communicated to such person, a notice for a hearing before the retirement board. The notice of hearing shall set forth in full detail the grounds upon which such person considers such decision unjust or unlawful and shall include every issue to be considered by the retirement board, and it must contain a detailed statement of facts upon which such person relies in support thereof. Such persons shall be deemed to have waived all objections or irregularities concerning the matter on which such appeal is taken other than those records of the retirement system.
[ 1971 ex.s. c 267 s 19.]

catchline: Hearing prior to judicial review—Required—Notice.


title: RCW 2.10.200

text:
A hearing shall be held by the department of retirement systems, or an authorized representative, in the county of the residence of the claimant at a time and place designated by the director. Such hearings shall be de novo and shall conform to the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW. The retirement system may appear in all such proceedings and introduce testimony in support of the decision. Judicial review of any final decision by the director is governed by the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW.
[ 1989 c 175 s 37; 1971 ex.s. c 267 s 20.]
Notes:
Effective date—1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.

catchline: Hearing prior to judicial review—Conduct.


title: RCW 2.10.210

text:
No bond of any kind shall be required of a claimant appealing to the superior court, the court of appeals, or the supreme court from a finding of the retirement board affecting such claimant's right to retirement or disability benefits.
[ 1971 ex.s. c 267 s 21.]

catchline: Hearing prior to judicial review—No bond required.


title: RCW 2.10.220

text:
(1) Any member of the Washington public employees' retirement system who is eligible to participate in the judicial retirement system may, by written request filed with the retirement boards of the two systems respectively, transfer such membership to the judicial retirement system. Upon the receipt of such request, the board of the Washington public employees' retirement system shall transfer to the board of the Washington judicial retirement system (a) all employee's contributions and interest thereon belonging to such member in the employees' savings fund and all employer's contributions credited or attributed to such member in the benefit account fund and (b) a record of service credited to such member. One-half of such service shall be computed and not more than nine years shall be credited to such member as though such service was performed as a member of the judicial retirement system. Upon such transfer being made the state treasurer shall deposit such moneys in the judicial retirement fund. In the event that any such member should terminate judicial service prior to his or her entitlement to retirement benefits under any of the provisions of this chapter, he or she shall upon request therefor be repaid from the judicial retirement fund an amount equal to the amount of his or her employee's contributions to the Washington public employees' retirement system and interest plus interest thereon from the date of the transfer of such moneys.
(2) Any member of the judicial retirement system who was formerly a member of the Washington public employees' retirement system with membership service credit of not less than six years but who has terminated his or her membership therein under the provisions of chapter 41.40 RCW, may reinstate his or her membership in the Washington public employees' retirement system, for the sole purpose of qualifying for a transfer of membership in the judicial retirement system in accordance with subsection (1) of this section by making full restoration of all withdrawn funds to the employees' savings fund prior to July 1, 1980. Upon reinstatement in accordance with this subsection, the provisions of subsection (1) of this section and the provisions of RCW 41.40.023(3) shall then be applicable to the reinstated member in the same manner and to the same extent as they are to the present members of the Washington public employees' retirement system who are eligible to participate in the judicial retirement system.
(3) Any member of the judicial retirement system who has served as a judge for one or more years and who has rendered service for the state of Washington, or any political subdivision thereof, prior to October 1, 1947, or the time of the admission of the employer into the Washington public employees' retirement system, may—upon his or her payment into the judicial retirement fund of a sum equal to five percent of his or her compensation earned for such prior public service—request and shall be entitled to have one-half of such service computed and not more than six years immediately credited to such member as though such service had been performed as a member of the judicial retirement system, provided that any such prior service so credited shall not be claimed for any pension system other than a judicial retirement system.
[ 2011 c 336 s 28; 1980 c 7 s 1; 1971 ex.s. c 267 s 22.]
Notes:
Transfers to system by those covered under chapter 2.12 RCW: RCW 2.10.040.

catchline: Transfer to system—Prior service credit.


title: RCW 2.10.230

text:
Any person receiving retirement benefits from this system who is appointed or elected to a court under chapter 2.04, 2.06, or 2.08 RCW shall upon the first day of entering such office become a member of this system and his or her retirement benefits shall cease. Pro tempore service as a judge of a court of record shall not constitute appointment as that term is used in this section. Upon leaving such office, a person shall have his or her benefits recomputed or restored, as determined in this chapter: PROVIDED, That no such person shall receive a benefit less than that which was being paid at the time his or her benefit ceased.
[ 1988 c 109 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—1988 c 109: See note following RCW 2.10.030.

catchline: Cessation of benefits upon appointment or election to court.


title: RCW 2.10.900

text:
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[ 2009 c 521 s 5.]
Notes:
Effective dates—2009 c 521 ss 5-8, 79, 87-103, 107, 151, 165, 166, 173-175, and 190-192: "(1) Sections 5 through 8, 79, 87 through 103, 107, 151, 173 through 175, and 190 through 192 of this act take effect January 1, 2014.
(2) Sections 165 and 166 of this act take effect August 1, 2009." [ 2009 c 521 s 201.]

catchline: Construction—Domestic relations terms—2009 c 521.


title: RCW 2.12.010

text:
Any judge of the supreme court, court of appeals, or superior court of the state of Washington who heretofore and/or hereafter shall have served as a judge of any such courts for eighteen years in the aggregate or who shall have served ten years in the aggregate and shall have attained the age of seventy years or more may, during or at the expiration of his or her term of office, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, be retired and receive the retirement pay herein provided for. In computing such term of service, there shall be counted the time spent by such judge in active service in the armed forces of the United States of America, under leave of absence from his or her judicial duties as provided for under chapter 201, Laws of 1941: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That in computing such credit for such service in the armed forces of the United States of America no allowance shall be made for service beyond the date of the expiration of the term for which such judge was elected. Any judge desiring to retire under the provisions of this section shall file with the director of retirement systems, a notice in duplicate in writing, verified by his or her affidavit, fixing a date when he or she desires his or her retirement to commence, one copy of which the director shall forthwith file with the administrator for the courts. The notice shall state his or her name, the court or courts of which he or she has served as judge, the period of service thereon and the dates of such service.
[ 2011 c 336 s 29; 1982 1st ex.s. c 52 s 2; 1973 c 106 s 4; 1971 c 30 s 1; 1943 c 221 s 1; 1937 c 229 s 1; Rem. Supp. 1943 s 11054-1.]
Notes:
Effective dates—1982 1st ex.s. c 52: See note following RCW 2.10.180.
Construction—1971 c 30: "The provisions of this 1971 amendatory act shall be construed in accordance with RCW 2.06.100 which provides for the retirement of judges of the court of appeals." [ 1971 c 30 s 7.]
Severability—1937 c 229: "If any section or provision of this act shall be adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the act as a whole or any section, provision, or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional." [ 1937 c 229 s 10; RRS s 11054-10.] This applies to RCW 2.12.010, 2.12.020, 2.12.030, and 2.12.040 through 2.12.070.

catchline: Retirement for service or age.


title: RCW 2.12.012

text:
Any judge of the supreme court, court of appeals, or superior court of this state who shall leave judicial service at any time after having served as a judge of any of such courts for an aggregate of twelve years shall be eligible to a partial retirement pension in a percentage of the pension provided in this chapter as determined by the proportion his or her years of judicial service bears to eighteen and shall receive the same upon attainment of age seventy, or eighteen years after the commencement of such judicial service, whichever shall occur first.
[ 2011 c 336 s 30; 1971 c 30 s 2; 1961 c 286 s 1.]
Notes:
Construction—1971 c 30: See note following RCW 2.12.010.

catchline: Partial pension for less than eighteen years service—When authorized, amount.


title: RCW 2.12.015

text:
In the event any judge of the supreme court, court of appeals, or superior court of the state serves more than eighteen years in the aggregate as computed under RCW 2.12.010, he or she shall receive in addition to any other pension benefits to which he or she may be entitled under this chapter, an additional pension benefit based upon one-eighteenth of his or her salary for each year of full service after eighteen years, provided his or her total pension shall not exceed seventy-five percent of the monthly salary he or she was receiving as a judge at the time of his or her retirement.
[ 2011 c 336 s 31; 1971 c 30 s 3; 1961 c 286 s 2.]
Notes:
Construction—1971 c 30: See note following RCW 2.12.010.

catchline: Additional pension for more than eighteen years service—Amount.