SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6000
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 February 18, 2015
Title: An act relating to joint meetings of multiple county legislative authorities.
Brief Description: Allowing joint meetings of multiple county legislative authorities.
Sponsors: Senator Dansel.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Security: 2/19/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & SECURITY |
Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)
Background: Washington counties provide regional services to all residents within their jurisdiction, including administering elections and furnishing judicial services, and a broader array of services to residents in unincorporated areas.
County legislative authorities, including county councils and boards of county commissioners, hold regular meetings at county seats to transact business required or permitted by law, such as adopting ordinances. County legislative authorities may hold special meetings at other locations in the county. However, county legislative authorities may not transact certain business at those special meetings, such as adopting ordinances. Those actions can only be transacted in regular meetings held at county seats.
On November 14, 2014, the Attorney General of Washington issued an opinion, AGO 2014, No. 7, stating that the legislative authority of one county may not meet outside its borders, and within another county's borders, to discuss joint, bi-county projects.
Summary of Bill: County legislative authorities of multiple counties may conduct joint meetings to transact business of participating counties if a meeting agenda item or items are of shared interest or concern to citizens in those counties. The joint meeting may be held outside of a county seat at a location within one of the participating counties.
All participating county legislative authorities must provide notice of the joint meeting at least 20 days before the joint meeting. Notice must be:
posted on each county's website;
published in a newspaper of general circulation in each county; and
sent via electronic transmission to any resident of each county who has chosen to receive notice of county legislative authority meetings at an email address.
A county legislative authority meeting outside of its county may not take final action at a joint meeting.
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.