HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                ESSB  6650

Title:  An act relating to employment contract exceptions to school district officers' conflicts of interest.

Brief Description:  Changing the scope of employment contract exceptions to school district officers' conflicts of interest.

Sponsors:  Senators Hochstatter and McAuliffe.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  February 24, 1998.

Analysis Prepared by:  Susan Morrissey (786-7111).

Background:  Under current law, officers of municipalities and school districts may not benefit from contracts (including employment contracts) with the municipality or school district with which they are associated.   There are limited exceptions permitted under the law.  Some of the exceptions apply to both second class and first class school districts.

There is an education statute that requires second class school districts to adopt a policy governing employment contracts.  However, there is no requirement for first class school districts to adopt such a policy.

Summary of Bill:  The education statute requiring second class school districts to adopt a policy governing employment contracts is expanded to include all school districts.  The statute is moved from a section of the code applicable only to second class school districts to a section of the code applicable to all school districts.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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