Committee advances bill to add one superior court judge for busy Palmer courthouse

Nancy Meade, general counsel for the Alaska Court System, told the House Finance Committee on April 7 that House Bill 262 would add a single superior court judgeship to be seated in Palmer, citing Palmer’s higher‑than‑average caseload. "Palmer is the busiest courthouse for superior court cases in the state," Meade said, noting Palmer’s filings averaged about 683 cases per judge versus a state average of about 458.

Meade said the Supreme Court determined a new superior court judge is necessary to maintain timely and thorough case handling. The court has used temporary measures — retired judges, temporary reassignments and district court judge assignments — but those approaches are unsustainable.

James Stinson, director of the Office of Public Advocacy, testified that adding a judge will require at least one additional attorney position (a flex position) to respond to the new calendar and representation needs. Committee members asked why the request was for one, not two, new judges; Meade said fiscal constraints and available courtroom/office space in Palmer informed seeking the minimum necessary.

Representative Schrage moved to report HB 262 from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal notes. There was no recorded objection and the motion carried; the committee will circulate the committee report and staff will complete paperwork for signatures.

The bill advanced with attached fiscal notes; committee members asked staff to remain available for follow‑up questions as the measure continues through the legislative calendar.