In a major policy shift aimed at reducing case backlogs and improving access to justice, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has signed House Bill 1112 into law. The legislation expands the eligibility criteria for temporary judges serving in Seattle Municipal Court, a move expected to significantly ease judicial delays in the city’s legal system.
Previously, the court could only appoint pro tempore judges who lived within Seattle city limits. Under the new law, authored by Representative Darya Farivar, that restriction is lifted—allowing qualified attorneys from across Washington State to step in and fill temporary judicial roles. The reform brings Seattle in line with other major cities across the state, where broader hiring pools have helped courts remain efficient amid increasing caseloads.
“This commonsense reform modernizes our system and helps ensure fair, timely access to justice,” said Rep. Farivar. Legal experts and city officials have long voiced concerns about the constraints imposed by the outdated residency requirement, especially given the limited number of eligible local candidates available to serve.
House Bill 1112 received strong bipartisan support, passing unanimously in both the state House and Senate. The law is set to take effect 90 days after the end of the current legislative session, providing Seattle Municipal Court with a clear timeline to implement changes and expand its roster of temporary judges.
Legal analysts anticipate that the influx of new judicial talent will not only reduce court delays but also enhance the overall quality and efficiency of the court system. With the measure now signed into law, Seattle’s judiciary is poised for a much-needed transformation—one that reflects the evolving needs of both the legal community and the people it serves.
As Seattle grapples with growing demands on its municipal courts, HB 1112 marks a pivotal step in strengthening the city’s legal infrastructure and ensuring a more responsive justice system for all.
