YAKIMA, Wash. – A state bill aiming to add another judge to the Yakima County Superior Court is gaining momentum. House Bill 2412 was sent to the Appropriations Committee today, marking a significant step towards alleviating a massive backlog in the courts.
Representatives behind the bill emphasized the urgency of addressing the backlog, noting that the last addition to the Yakima County bench was nearly 30 years ago in 1998. Currently, the court comprises eight presiding judges and two and a half court commissioners.
A needs assessment by the Administrator for State Courts in 2020 revealed that Yakima County qualifies for a total of 12 judges and court commissioners.
“This has been percolating for a while now. And we finally at the breaking point where we the judges just need to have some help,” said State Representative Deb Manjarrez (R-14), a co-sponsor of the bill.
House Bill 2412 aims to add to the bench in Yakima County for the first time in nearly three decades, and it has the full support of every judge in the county.
“[The 8 judges] All sent a letter stating that they were backed up and they supported this initiative. And for that reason, I felt that it was important for us to hear their, you know, request and submit this legislation. And it was great to see that they all were supportive,” said prime sponsor State Representative Gloria Mendoza (R-14).
Judge Kevin Naught testified before the Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee during a public hearing on January 28. He provided insights into the current court workload.
“In the first 11 months of 2025, my bench mates and I resolve over 1000 civil protection order cases. We had around 10,000 case filings in 2025. If you are involved in a family law case in Yakima County, such as a divorce parenting plan or child support, and you are waiting for a judge to try your case, your trial will most probably be set in September if you ask for a trial date today,” said Judge Naught.
The bill aims to address a pressing need in Yakima County and ensure swifter justice.
“The citizens deserve to have a timely processing of all of their actions. Civil or criminal,” said State Rep. Manjarrez.
“Today, nearly 3000 cases in Yakima County Superior Court are older than two years. And that’s well beyond our recommended time standards. Individuals that were not getting their cases heard and were innocent, I did not think that that was, you know, good for people to be in jail longer than necessary,” said State Rep. Mendoza.
The next step involves the Appropriations Committee reviewing the bill. The state would cover half of the estimated $220,000 salary for the new judge. Both representatives, Mendoza and Manjarrez, expressed optimism about the bill’s prospects, noting minimal opposition. The primary concern is whether the state has the necessary funds.
