The Ritzville Adams County Journal - Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887

OLYMPIA – Rep. Mary Dye's bill to allow temporary judges in single-judge courtrooms is awaiting the governor's signature after clearing the Leglislature before it adjourned.

Dye, a 9th District Republican legislator who represents Adams County and neighboring areas, is the author of House Bill 1825. It sets procedures to allow the chief justice of the state Supreme Court to appoint a temporary judge to fill in when needed.

The state House of Representatives concurred on March 7 to a Senate amendment, clearing the way for it to move to the governor.

The bill was inspired by a situation in...