SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1066
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections, February 02, 2009
Title: An act relating to special elections for changing the form of government of a noncharter code city.
Brief Description: Regarding special elections for changing the form of government of a noncharter code city.
Sponsors: Representatives Rolfes, Appleton and Moeller.
Brief History: Passed House: 1/28/09, 95-2.
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/02/09 [DP, DNP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; McDermott and Pridemore.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senator Roach, Ranking Minority Member.
Staff: Aaron Gutierrez (786-7448)
Background: A noncharter code city is a city that does not have a charter, and has elected to be incorporated subject to the optional municipal code under Title 35A.
A noncharter code city may abandon its classification as a noncharter code city and move to a different form of government. This process can be initiated upon passage of a resolution by the city’s legislative body or upon filing of a petition with the county auditor. The number of signatures on the petition must be no less than 10 percent of the number of votes cast in the last general municipal election.
Once initiated, the proposal is submitted to the voters at the next municipal general election.
Summary of Bill: If initiated by a resolution of the legislative body, a proposal to change the form of government of a noncharter code city may also be submitted to the voters at a special election held prior to the next general election if such special election is called for in the resolution.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill fixes an inadvertent error that is creating an issue for Bainbridge Island. The citizens must vote on whether or not to have a mayor, and at the same time chose who the mayor will be. The bill is a simple correction to keep local decisions local.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Rockefeller; Dennis Vogt, Andrew Maron, citizen.