SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6481

                    As of January 25, 2000

Title:  An act relating to independent commissions to set salaries for city and town mayors and councilmembers.

Brief Description:  Clarifying authority for cities and towns to create independent salary commissions.

Sponsors:  Senator Bauer.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  1/27/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Staff:  Roger Brodniak (786-7445)

Background:  The Washington Citizen=s Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials was created by initiative in 1986.  The commission establishes salaries for state-elected officials.  Members are appointed:  (1) by both chambers of the Legislature with the approval of the Governor; and (2) at random from each of the nine congressional districts.  There are no independent salary commissions for city and town elected officials.

Summary of Bill:  Independent salary commissions are created to establish salaries for mayors and council members in charter cities or towns.  Commission members are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council.  Members may not serve more than two terms on the commission, and may not be an immediate family member of a city official or employee.

Changes in salary adopted by the commission become effective and are incorporated into the city or town budget without further action of the city council or salary commission.  Salary increases become effective immediately, while salary decreases become effective when the current official=s term of office has ended.

Any increase or decrease in salary is subject to a referendum petition by the people of the city or town, and may be submitted to the voters in the next general or municipal election.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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