HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2368

                    As Passed Legislature

Title:  An act relating to the practice of law by deputy sheriffs.

Brief Description:  Allowing deputy sheriffs to practice law.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Padden, Riley, Mielke and Paris.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Judiciary, February 4, 1992, DP;

Passed House, February 13, 1992, 90-0;

Amended by Senate;

Passed Legislature.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

JUDICIARY

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 18 members:  Representatives Appelwick, Chair; Ludwig, Vice Chair; Padden, Ranking Minority Member; Paris, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Belcher; Broback; Forner; Hargrove; Inslee; Locke; Mielke; H. Myers; Riley; Scott; D. Sommers; Tate; Vance; and Wineberry.

Staff:  Pat Shelledy (786-7149).

Background:  Deputy sheriffs are currently statutorily prohibited from practicing law.

Summary of Bill:  Deputy sheriffs may practice law.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  The bill contains provisions assuring that potential conflicts of interest between the professions are minimized.  The bill will allow a deputy sheriff who is also an attorney to practice law.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Mike Patrick, Washington State Council of Police Officers (in favor).