Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government & Housing Committee |
HB 2531
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: Concerning vacancies in county offices.
Sponsors: Representatives White, Hunt, Upthegrove, Cody, Nelson and Hudgins.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/14/10
Staff: Becca Kenna-Schenk (786-7291) and Ethan Moreno (786-7386).
Background:
State statute requires the legislative authority in each county to fill county office vacancies at the next regular or special meeting of the authority after receiving notification of the vacancy. The appointed officer holds office until his or her successor assumes office following the next general election.
Summary of Bill:
The county legislative authority in a county with more than one million five hundred thousand residents is required to fill vacancies in nonpartisan offices within 30 days of notification of the vacancy. Consideration of whether the successor will run for office at the next election cannot be determinative in choosing the person to assume the vacant office. If the county legislative authority fails to fill the vacancy within 30 days of notification of the vacancy, the Governor is required to appoint a successor within 30 days after the county's appointment period closes.
The provisions of the act pertaining to the Governor's appointment responsibilities are retroactively effective for existing vacancies on a nonpartisan county legislative authority in a county with more than one million five hundred thousand residents.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.