Rep. Gloria Mendoza, R-Grandview, has introduced House Bill 2412 to add one additional Superior Court judge in Yakima County.
Mendoza says an additional judge would help address growing case backlogs, public safety concerns, and delays in justice caused by an overburdened court system.
“I’ve been working closely with Yakima County commissioners and members of the court. Our judges are overwhelmed, and the backlog is real,” said Mendoza. “With only eight judges handling thousands of cases, adding a ninth judge will help ensure cases are heard promptly, and people are not kept in the system longer than necessary.”
Yakima County Superior Court has operated with eight judges for nearly three decades, despite steady population growth and a sharp increase in the volume and complexity of cases. According to a Washington State Judicial Branch report, Yakima County is now among the fastest-growing counties in the state, and court filings have climbed significantly in recent years, straining existing judicial resources.
The Administrative Office of the Courts reports that Yakima County Superior Court has experienced rising filings in areas such as guardianships, civil protection orders, juvenile matters, and criminal cases. Civil protection order filings alone increased by more than 40% in just two years, and more than 2,800 cases are currently older than two years – well beyond recommended standards.
Mendoza emphasized that the backlog affects both defendants and victims, and raises broader public safety concerns.
“If judges aren’t always able to hear cases soon enough, that can mean people are held longer than they should be,” Mendoza said. “That’s not fair, especially if the person being held is innocent of the charges. Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Washington’s speedy trial requirements add urgency to the problem. When cases cannot be heard within statutory timelines, prosecutors risk dismissal, potentially allowing individuals charged with serious crimes to return to the community without their cases being thoroughly reviewed.
“This is absolutely a public safety issue if suspected criminals are being released simply because the court doesn’t have the capacity to move fast enough. That’s not good for public safety or for justice,” said Mendoza.
The Judicial Branch estimates the cost of adding a ninth judge at approximately $220,000 per year, with the state and Yakima County sharing the expense. Mendoza says Yakima County commissioners have expressed support for the proposal, recognizing the long-term benefits of improved court efficiency and reduced delays.
“Adding one more judge will give the court the capacity it needs to carefully review cases, protect the community, and ensure fairness for everyone involved,” Mendoza said. “House Bill 2412 is about doing what’s best for the people of our district – improving access to justice, strengthening public safety, and making sure our courts can function as they’re meant to.”
The bill has been referred to the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee for consideration.
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