SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5181

                    As of January 30, 1995

Title:  An act relating to the use of charge cards by municipal corporations and political subdivisions.

Brief Description:  Using charge cards by certain public entities.

Sponsors:  Senators Winsley, Haugen and Hale.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/1/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Staff:  Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background:  In 1984, municipal corporations and political subdivisions were given the authority to allow officers and employees to use charge cards to pay for authorized travel expenses.

The officer's or employee's travel expense voucher must be submitted within ten days of the billing date for the charge card.

Summary of Bill:  The permissive use of charge cards by officers and employees of municipal corporations and political subdivisions is expanded to include reasonable and necessary municipal expenses in addition to authorized travel expenses.

Use of the charge card to obtain cash advances is prohibited.  The local legislative authority is required to establish limits on the charge card.

The expense voucher must be submitted within 30 days of the charge card's billing date.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 20, 1995.

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