HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. HB 1923

Advisory Comm. Task Forces/Open Public Mtgs Act Public Hrg: 2/26/97

Brief Title

Reps. Sheldon/Dunn/D. Sommers                       Staff Contact: Bill Lynch

Sponsor                                     Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7092

BACKGROUND:

The Open Public Meetings Act requires the governing bodies of public agencies to hold their meetings open to the public unless otherwise exempted.  A Apublic agency@ includes local governments and all state agencies, boards, commissions, and institutions other than the courts and the Legislature.  Any subagency of a public agency is subject to the open meetings provisions if the subagency is created by or pursuant to a statute, ordinance, or other legislative act, such as a planning commission.  A committee of a governing body is subject to the open meetings provisions when it acts on behalf of the governing body, conducts hearings, or takes testimony or public comment.

There is no specific provision that subjects a task force or advisory committee to the open meetings laws when that task force or advisory committee pertains to the expenditure or use of tax receipts, and the Governor has appointed one or more of the members.    

SUMMARY:

Any advisory committee or task force with one or more members appointed by the Governor is subject to the Open Public Meetings Act if the advisory committee or task force relates to the expenditure or use of tax receipts.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not Requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.