PORT ANGELES — A bill co-sponsored by Reps. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, and Jim Buck, R-Joyce, would allow a third Clallam County Superior Court judge, but only if the county itself foots the bill.

HB 2344, which received a hearing Tuesday in the House Judiciary Committee, was referred to the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday.

“The judiciary committee chair phoned and said the vote was unanimous. (Clallam County Superior Court Judge) Ken Williams was very impressive in his testimony. It’s already in appropriations,” Kessler said.