SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1369

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, March 19, 2009

Title: An act relating to county elected officials keeping offices at the county seat.

Brief Description: Addressing county elected officials keeping offices at the county seat.

Sponsors: House Committee on Local Government & Housing (originally sponsored by Representatives Haler, Takko and Klippert).

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

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/19/09 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; McDermott, Pridemore and Swecker.

Staff: Aaron Gutierrez (786-7448)

Background: Each county's board of commissioners must provide furnished office space in the county courthouse for each of the county officers. That office is the official office for that officer. County officers include the clerk of the superior court, the sheriff, the treasurer, and the road engineer.

Summary of Bill: County boards of commissioners may provide additional office space outside the courthouse, so long as an office is maintained within the courthouse. The office in the courthouse does not need to be the official office.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a request from Benton County. The county is inadvertently out of compliance, and this bill would bring them back into compliance.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Haler, prime sponsor; Leo Bowman, Benton County.