HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6786

BYSenator Patrick

Authorizing city and town councilmembers to serve as reserve police officers.

House Committe on Local Government

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  (13)

      Signed by Representatives Haugen, Chair; Cooper, Vice Chair; Ferguson, Ranking Republican Member; Kirby, Nealey, Nelson, Nutley, Phillips, Raiter, Rayburn, Wolfe, Wood and Zellinsky.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (1)

      Signed by Representative Horn.

House Staff:Bill Lynch (786-7092)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

FEBRUARY 22, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The legislative body of any city or town may, by unanimous vote, authorize any of its members to serve as volunteer firemen and to receive any compensation, insurance or other benefits available to such volunteers.

It would be consistent to extend the scope of this authority to allow members to also serve as reserve law enforcement officers.

SUMMARY:

BILL AS AMENDED:  The legislative body of any city or town may, by unanimous vote, authorize any of its members to serve as volunteer firefighters or reserve law enforcement officers.  Such members will receive the same compensation, insurance and other benefits received by other volunteer firefighters or reserve law enforcement officers employed by the city or town.

AMENDED BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  The bill is also made applicable to code cities.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Senator Patrick, Prime Sponsor; and Stan Finkelstein, Association of Washington Cities.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    This measure provides flexibility for smaller jurisdictions.  It allows for reserve police officers what is allowed for volunteer firefighters.  The unanimous vote requirement ensures that the legislative body is supportive.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.