HB 1255

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Local Government Committee

HB 1255

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Prohibiting municipal officers from being beneficially interested in any personal services contract that is made by, through, or under the supervision of that officer.

Sponsors: Representatives Simpson, Curtis, Sells, Walsh, Buri, B. Sullivan, Ericks, Ormsby and Moeller.

Brief Summary of Bill

Prohibits a municipal officer from having a beneficial interest in any "contracts for personal services" related to his or her office, which he or she was involved in creating, or which involves the receipt of compensation from another person with a beneficial interest in such contract.

Hearing Date: 1/23/07

Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).

Background:

State statute prohibits a municipal officer from having a beneficial interest, whether direct or indirect, in any public contract that he or she is involved in creating. In addition, a municipal officer is prohibited from receiving any compensation in connection with such a contract from any other person with a beneficial interest. A "municipal officer" is broadly defined to include any elected or appointed officer of a local government, district, or municipal corporation, or any deputy or assistant to such officer, and all persons undertaking the exercise of the powers or functions of a municipal officer.

Exceptions are made to this general prohibition with respect to certain contractual arrangements meeting specified criteria, including but not limited to the following:

leasing arrangements made by port districts;
specified contracts involving payment of not more than $1,500 per month;
certain employment contracts involving wages of not more than $200 per month;
the designation of a school director to act as clerk or purchasing agent for a school district; and
specified substitute teaching contracts.

Summary of Bill:

Municipal officers are prohibited from having a beneficial interest in any "contracts for personal services" related to his or her office, which he or she was involved in creating, or which involves the receipt of compensation from another person with a beneficial interest in such contract.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.