To allow cities to contract with other cities and counties for judicial services. This would provide a cost-effective alternative for some cities and encourage the creation of regional courts of limited jurisdiction.   Official Text and Analysis.

To recognize that the authority of cities to contract with counties and other cities for judicial services is pre-existing. Cities are required to have jurisdiction over the issuance of anti-harassment protection orders. Cities are also required to appoint their part-time judges utilizing a standardized appointment procedure. This procedure involves creation by ordinance of a judicial nominating commission, which is to consist of various attorneys, local officials, citizens, and staff. The commission evaluates applicants based on various criteria, and submits a ranked list of applicants for the mayor or appointing authority to select, subject to confirmation by the local city council or legislative body. Once appointed, the judge serves for two years before having to participate in an uncontested retention election. To remain in office, the judge must garner more than 50 percent of the vote which answers "yes" to the question of whether the judge should remain in office for four years.