SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5065
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 of March 4, 2009
Title: An act relating to election of prosecuting attorneys.
Brief Description: Providing for nonpartisan election of prosecuting attorneys.
Sponsors: Senator Kline.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/05/09, 2/12/09 [DPF].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Staff: Aaron Gutierrez (786-7448)
Background: "Partisan office" means a public office for which a candidate may indicate a political party preference.
The following elective offices are partisan:
United States Senate;
United States House of Representatives;
state legislative offices; and
county offices.
The following elective offices are non-partisan:
the Superintendent of Public Instruction;
state judicial offices; and
county judicial offices, as well as any county offices declared non-partisan by home-rule charter.
Summary of Bill: The office of county prosecuting attorney is non-partisan. No person may hold both a nonpartisan and partisan elective office at the same time.
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: Justice does not have a partisan preference. The nature of the justice system will always leave one party disappointed, and having a partisan preference presents a reason to assign blame. Not having a partisan preference will help gain the public's trust. The King County executive only has one partisan position: the county prosecuting attorney.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Janice Ellis, Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney; Rea Culwell, Columbia County Prosecuting Attorney; Dan Satterberg, King County Prosecuting Attorney.