Rep. Gloria Mendoza Proposes Adding Judge to Help Reduce Court Backlogs

Yakima County could soon see relief from court case backlogs with the introduction of House Bill 2412 by Rep. Gloria Mendoza a republican from Grandview. The bill proposes adding an additional Superior Court judge to address the increasing volume of cases in the area.

A NEW JUDGE WOULD HELP RELIEVE PRESSURE ON THE COURTS

Rep. Mendoza says it's an important measure "an additional judge would help address growing case backlogs, public safety concerns, and delays in justice caused by an overburdened court system." She says her work with Yakima County commissioners and court officials resulted in the bill. She says judges are overwhelmed, and the backlog is real.

READ MORE: YAKIMA TROLLEYS FACE CROSSROADS TUESDAY

OPERATING A BUSY SYSTEM WITH ONLY EIGHT JUDGES

Mendoza says currently eight judges handle thousands of cases, adding a ninth judge will help ensure cases are heard, and people "are not kept in the system longer than necessary." Yakima County Superior Court has had eight judges for nearly 30 years, despite big population growth and an increase in the volume of cases.

A GROWING COUNTY PERHAPS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING AREAS

According to a report from the Washington State Judicial Branch, Yakima County is now among the fastest-growing counties in the state, with court filings rising sharply in recent years and straining existing judicial resources.

GROWING POPULATION MEANS MORE CASES IN COURT

The Administrative Office of the Courts has documented rising filings in key areas including guardianships, civil protection orders, juvenile matters, and criminal cases. Civil protection order filings alone have surged by over 40% in just two years. Also more than 2,800 cases are currently overdue by more than two years.

LAWMAKERS WILL VOTE ON THE BILL

If approved, House Bill 2412 aims to bolster Yakima County’s judicial capacity, helping to reduce delays and ensure timely access to justice for its residents. The bill is now under consideration by the legislature as advocates and court officials await further action.