Story by John Sattgast, Washington State House Republican Communications
A northeast Washington lawmaker says recent Supreme Court retirements highlight what he calls a growing problem with how judges reach the bench and why lawmakers should have a say in those appointments. John Sattgast reports.
Recent mid-term retirements on the Washington Supreme Court are renewing calls from Representative Hunter Abell to change how justices are appointed.
Abell wants legislative confirmation required when a governor fills vacancies on the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals, saying repeated appointments create troubling optics for courts meant to be independent.
“The optics look terrible. I mean, the court is supposed to be the independent check on not only the Legislature but also the governor’s office.”
Abell says public confidence becomes even more critical as major issues loom before the court, including a likely legal fight over the majority Democrats’ proposed state income tax.
“They’re hoping to ram it through the legislative process and then take it across the street and hope and pray that this Supreme Court will uphold this income tax as constitutional.”
Abell says requiring legislative confirmation would add transparency and reinforce judicial independence as future court decisions could reshape Washington tax policy.