HOUSE BILL REPORT

EHB 1461

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.

As Passed Legislature

Title: An act relating to options for determining the pay periods for county employees.

Brief Description: Regarding options for determining the pay periods for county employees.

Sponsors: Representatives Bailey, Hunt, Alexander, Hinkle, Haigh, Johnson, Haler, Ericksen, Chandler, Orcutt, Kretz and Kelley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Local Government & Housing: 2/4/09, 2/9/09 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/23/09, 92-0.

Passed Senate: 4/13/09, 46-0.

Passed Legislature.

Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill

  • Allows counties to adopt a weekly pay period for county officers and employees.

  • Allows a county using a semi-monthly pay period to adopt a biweekly pay period and make payments not later than 13 days after the end of each pay period.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT & HOUSING

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Simpson, Chair; Nelson, Vice Chair; Angel, Ranking Minority Member; Cox, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Miloscia, Short, Springer, Upthegrove and White.

Staff: Sara del Moral (786-7291) and Thamas Osborn (786-7129)

Background:

Counties may establish biweekly pay periods for county officers and employees. In counties assuming the functions of a metropolitan municipal corporation, compensation must be received no more than 13 days after the end of each pay period. In all other counties, compensation must be received no more than seven days after the end of each pay period.

Additionally, counties with a population of at least 5,000 may establish semi-monthly pay periods. Under this method, counties pay half the monthly salary on the 15th day of each month, and half the salary on the last day of each month. Payment is made not later than half a month after the end of each pay period.

Summary of Engrossed Bill:

The legislative authority of any county may adopt a weekly pay period.

The legislative authority of a county using a semi-monthly pay period may adopt a biweekly pay period and pay employees not later than 13 days after the end of each pay period.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) A county auditor brought this bill forward. This would help smaller counties by allowing flexibility in payroll procedures. It would help jurisdictions around the state.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Bailey, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.