Upon the completion of the service of summons as hereinbefore provided, the superior court in which said proceeding is pending shall make an order referring said proceeding to the department to take testimony by its duly authorized designee, as referee, and the designee shall report to and file with the superior court of the county in which such cause is pending a transcript of such testimony for adjudication thereon by such court. The superior court may, in any complex case with more than one thousand named defendants, including the United States, retain for hearing and further processing such portions of the proceeding as pertain to a discrete class or classes of defendants or claims of water rights if the court determines that: (1) Resolution of claims of such classes appear to involve significant issues of law, either procedural or substantive; and (2) such a retention will both expedite the conclusion of the case and reduce the overall expenditures of the plaintiff, defendants, and the court.

[1989 c 80 § 1; 1987 c 109 § 76; 1917 c 117 § 19; RRS § 7369. Formerly RCW 90.12.060.]

NOTES:

     Purpose -- Short title -- Construction -- Rules -- Severability -- Captions -- 1987 c 109: See notes following RCW 43.21B.001.