Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Education Committee

HB 1617

Brief Description:  Reclassifying the state board of education as a class four group.

Sponsors:  Representatives Quall, Talcott, Linville and Edwards; by request of State Board of Education.

Hearing Date:  2/12/01

Staff:  Susan Morrissey (786‑7111).

Background: 

Part-time state boards and commissions are divided into four groups.  The State Board of Education is a class three group.  Class three groups generally have the following types of responsibilities:  rule making authority, quasi-judicial functions, administration or policy direction of state agencies or state programs, or regulatory or licensing functions for professions, occupations, businesses, or industries.  Members of a class three group may receive up to $50 a day when the group is working, in addition to food, lodging, and travel allowances.  Those members who are also full-time federal, state, or local government employees may not receive the $50 a day in compensation if they have received any compensation from their employer for working that day.

Class four groups are like class three groups except that the Legislature considers class four duties to be of overriding sensitivity and importance to the public welfare and the operation of state government.  Usually, a class four group will meet more than 100 hours a year.  Members of a class four group may receive up to $100 a day when the group is working, in addition to food, lodging, and travel allowances.  Those members who are also full-time federal, state, or local government employees may not receive the $100 a day in compensation if they have received any compensation from their employer for working that day.

Laws describing the duties of and compensation for class three and four groups have not been updated since 1984.

Summary of Bill: 

The State Board of Education is changed from a class three to a class four group.  Therefore, in addition to food, lodging, and travel allowances, members of the board may receive up to $100 rather than $50 a day when the board is working.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.