OLYMPIA — The chief justice of the state Supreme Court will not give the traditional speech to the Washington Legislature when the session convenes next month.
Lawmakers decided not to invite Chief Justice Barbara Madsen to speak, citing conflicts with the legislative calendar and poor attendance at such speeches in the past.
The move could be seen as a slap at the court for finding the Legislature in contempt in a school funding case, The Olympian reported. Lawmakers say that’s not the reason.
Madsen said she’s disappointed and will give her report in writing.
“The State of the Judiciary address has been a tradition in Washington state for several decades now. It has served as a positive tool to inform the Legislature and the public about the state of Washington’s justice system,” Madsen wrote. “I hope that, in the future, the Supreme Court will again be invited to make this important presentation.”