SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 1790

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

             Government Operations, March 22, 1995

Title:  An act relating to the appointment of the director of a combined city and county health department.

Brief Description:  Changing appointment provisions for the director of a combined city and county health department.

Sponsors:  Representatives Reams, R. Fisher, Sommers and Dyer.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  3/22/95 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Hale and Winsley.

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

Background:  Any city with 100,000 or more population, and the county in which it is located, are authorized to establish and operate a combined city and county health department, and to appoint the director of Public Health.  The director of Public Health is appointed by the county executive and the mayor of the city for a term of four years.  The director may be reappointed for another four years.  The appointment is effective upon a majority vote confirmation of the legislative authority of the county and the legislative authority of the city.

Summary of Bill:  The requirement that the director of Public Health be appointed for a term of four years is eliminated.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  There is no need for the public health director's team of appointments to be in state law.  This should be a local decision.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Robin Appleford, King County (pro).