1. December 4, 1986, voters' passage of SJR 136 became effective, changing the name from Judicial Qualifications Commission to Commission on Judicial Conduct. Two additional citizen members increased the Commission from seven to nine. This amendment also provided for public fact-finding hearings after the Commission files charges against a judge.

2. December 6, 1989, voters' approval of ESSJR 8202 became effective, adding two more citizen members to the Commission. The Commission's authority was expanded, allowing it to impose all discipline except suspension or removal (for misconduct) and retirement (for disability). The Commission can recommend suspension, removal or retirement of a judge to the Supreme Court.

3. January 1, 2006, was the effective date of SJR 8207, permitting municipal court judges to be selected as members of the Commission. Previously only district court judges could be selected from courts of limited jurisdiction to serve on the Commission. This amendment did not change the total number of judge representatives on the Commission.

The Commission has adopted rules to insure due process and confidentiality of proceedings. The Commission's rules, first adopted in October 1981, have been revised over the years and now appear as Commission on Judicial Conduct Rules of Procedure (CJCRP) in the Washington Rules of Court.

The Commission on Judicial Conduct appreciates your concern in helping Washington maintain its quality judiciary.