SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    HB 2090

             AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS,

                               FEBRUARY 19, 1992

Brief Description:  Defining the "short term" for elective offices.

SPONSORS:Representatives Anderson, McLean, Pruitt and Bowman.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Roach, Vice Chairman; Madsen, and Sutherland.

Staff:  Rod McAulay (786‑7754)

Hearing Dates:April 4, 1991; February 19, 1992

BACKGROUND:

In 1976, the Legislature defined the "short term" of an office as being that brief period starting with the completion of the certification of election returns and ending with the start of the full term of office in January.  This definition applies only if the office is held by an appointee at the time of the election.  Although the title of the bill which created this definition was restricted to nonpartisan elections, this is the only definition of a "short term" provided by law.

A member of a school district's board of directors assumes office at the first scheduled meeting of the board which follows the election for the office.

SUMMARY:

A "short term" is defined for a partisan office as the brief period starting upon the completion of the certification of the returns of an election to fill a full term for the office and ending with the start of the full term.  It exists if a vacancy exists in the office on the date of the election or if the office is, on that date, held by a person appointed to fill a vacancy in the office.

A "short term" does not exist for the office of school district director.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

The bill would clarify an ambiguity in the law.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Office of Secretary of State