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Bill

HB 1929

Requiring senate confirmation of gubernatorial appointments to vacancies on the court of appeals.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Hunter Abell and 6 co-sponsors

HB 1929 requires Washington State Senate confirmation of gubernatorial Court of Appeals appointments, shifting judicial staffing power from executive to legislative branches.

First reading, referred to Civil Rights & Judiciary.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1929

Legislative bill overview

HB 1929 would require Washington State gubernatorial appointments to Court of Appeals vacancies to undergo state Senate confirmation rather than taking effect immediately. Currently, governors can fill appellate vacancies directly, but this bill adds a legislative check requiring Senate approval before appointees can assume office.

Why is this important

Court of Appeals judges significantly influence state law and justice outcomes across the state. This change would shift appointment power from the executive to a shared executive-legislative process, affecting judicial independence and the speed at which vacancies are filled. It represents a fundamental restructuring of how Washington's judicial branch is staffed.

Potential points of contention

  • Judicial independence concerns: Requiring Senate confirmation may politicize judicial appointments and compromise courts' independence from legislative pressure, potentially influencing judicial decision-making.
  • Appointment delays: The confirmation process could leave Court of Appeals seats vacant longer, creating backlogs and delaying case resolutions during extended confirmation periods.
  • Partisan leverage: Senate confirmation gives the majority party potential leverage over gubernatorial appointment priorities, particularly when different parties control the executive and legislative branches.
  • Departure from national judicial norms: Most states use merit-based or governor-appointed systems for intermediate appellate courts rather than legislative confirmation, which may reflect policy disagreement over best practices.

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

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