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Bill

HB 1112

Removing the city residency requirement for judges pro tempore in municipalities with a population of more than 400,000 inhabitants.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Bergquist and 14 co-sponsors

Washington removes city residency requirement for temporary judges in cities over 400,000 population, expanding recruitment pool for judicial vacancies.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
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Bill Summary · HB 1112

Legislative bill overview

HB 1112 eliminates the requirement that judges pro tempore (temporary judges) must reside within the city limits of municipalities with populations exceeding 400,000 in Washington State. This allows these judicial positions to be filled by qualified candidates from outside city boundaries while maintaining other professional qualifications and appointment standards.

Why is this important

This change addresses potential recruitment challenges for temporary judicial positions in large cities by expanding the candidate pool beyond geographic restrictions. For cities like Seattle and Tacoma, this could improve the ability to fill vacancies and may reduce delays in judicial proceedings that depend on pro tempore judges.

Potential points of contention

  • Local accountability concerns: Opponents may argue that residency requirements ensure judges have direct community connection and understanding of local issues
  • Judicial independence questions: Some may worry that removing residency ties could affect judges' familiarity with local legal culture and community dynamics
  • Equity implications: Critics could contend that this primarily benefits candidates with resources to commute and may shift the judicial bench's demographic representation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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