SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5070
AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 18, 1993
Brief Description: Using labor relations consultants.
SPONSORS: Senators Prentice and Roach
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Moore, Chairman; Prentice, Vice Chairman; Fraser, McAuliffe, Pelz, Prince, Sutherland, and Vognild.
Staff: Jonathan Seib (786‑7427)
Hearing Dates: January 26, 1993; February 8, 1993
BACKGROUND:
Current law requires each of the state's taxing districts and political subdivisions to file yearly financial reports with the State Auditor. Specific details about expenditures for labor relations consultants are not among the enumerated items that must be reported. There is concern, however, that the use of such consultants is increasing, and that the public should be kept informed about their use.
SUMMARY:
The yearly financial reports filed by taxing districts and political subdivisions with the State Auditor must include, in addition to the other enumerated items, a statement of all expenditures for labor relations consultants, with the identification of each consultant, compensation, and the terms and conditions of each agreement or arrangement.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: requested January 25, 1993
TESTIMONY FOR:
The use of outside labor consultants by local government is increasing. The public has a right to know how much this is costing and whether the consultant is charging fairly.
TESTIMONY AGAINST:
This information is already available from local jurisdictions; there is no need for this legislation. The bill "opens the door" for anyone to request a line item requirement in the auditing statute. The requirement in the bill would interfere with the duty of local jurisdictions to bargain aggressively.
TESTIFIED: PRO: Sam Kinville, County and City Employees; Pat Thompson, County and City Employees; CON: Jim Justin, Association of Washington Cities; Clif Finch, Association of Washington Business