SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6383

                    As of January 22, 1996

Title:  An act relating to the authority to conduct executive sessions under the Open Public Meetings Act to discuss sales of personal property.

Brief Description:  Allowing personal property prices to be discussed in executive session.

Sponsors:  Senators Hale, Winsley, Haugen and Swecker.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  1/23/96.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Staff:  Rod McAulay (786-7754)

Background:  The Open Public Meetings Act generally requires that governmental bodies conduct the public's business in public.  Exceptions to this rule are provided for various matters which may be considered in a closed executive session. One of these matters is to consider the minimum price at which real estate will be offered for sale or lease when public knowledge would cause a likelihood of decreased price. A similar exception does not exist when a governmental body is considering the sale or lease of personal property.

Summary of Bill:  A state or local governing body may exclude the public and conduct business in an executive session to consider the minimum price at which personal property will be offered for sale or lease when public knowledge regarding such consideration would cause a likelihood of decreased price.  Final action selling or leasing real or personal property must be taken in a meeting open to the public.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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