SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5419
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 4, 2011
Title: An act relating to providing mandatory notice and waiting periods before legislative action.
Brief Description: Providing mandatory notice and waiting periods before legislative action.
Sponsors: Senators Becker, Swecker, Delvin, Benton, Stevens, Holmquist Newbry, Honeyford, King, Sheldon and Roach.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/10/11.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)
Background: Legislative proceedings and internal operations may be governed by state constitutions, statutes, or legislative rules. Legislative rules typically establish committee and floor procedures. They may also govern administration, ethics, and decorum, among others.
Under the state Constitution, the two houses of the Washington State Legislature adopt rules to govern their respective proceedings. In addition, the House and Senate adopt joint rules to govern interactions between the bodies in matters of mutual interest.
Rules of both the House and Senate generally require five days notice before a bill may receive a public hearing, and also require that each bill be read on three separate days. Senate rule 45 (2) states that no committee may hold a public hearing on a proposal identified as a draft unless the draft has been made available to the public at least 24 hours prior to the hearing.
Any rule, including the three reading rule, may be temporarily suspended by the respective body with a two-thirds vote of the members present.
Washington operates on a biennial budget period that begins on July 1 of each odd-numbered year. Typically, the Legislature enacts three separate omnibus appropriations acts each odd-numbered year: operating, capital, and transportation. In even-numbered years these budgets may be amended by supplemental omnibus appropriations acts.
Summary of Bill: The Senate and the House may not hold a public hearing or vote on an omnibus operation, capital, or transportation appropriations bill; any tax or fee bill; or any proposed substitute, striking amendment, or conference committee report unless twenty-four hours have elapsed since the bill was made publicly available to the members of the Legislature and the public at large.
The requirements of this bill may be suspended by a two-thirds vote of the members of the Legislature.
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.