SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6698

                    As of February 3, 2000

Title:  An act relating to citizen participation in the discussion of public issues.

Brief Description:  Creating the citizen councilor program.

Sponsors:  Senators Thibaudeau, McDonald, Snyder, Winsley, Jacobsen, Rasmussen, Haugen, McAuliffe, Kohl‑Welles and Costa.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  2/3/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Staff:  Roger Brodniak (786-7445)

Background:  The Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development is a state agency responsible for coordinating certain community-based programs and services.  Concerns have been raised that some citizens have difficulty accessing political processes that rely on public hearings held at locations that are distant from their residence or workplace.

Summary of Bill:  The offices of Citizen Councilor Coordinator and Deputy Citizen Councilor Coordinator are created within the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development.  The officers must be given space to work in existing offices, and are initially to serve as volunteers.  They may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred.

The Citizen Councilor Program is created, whereby a number of citizen councilors discuss relevant political issues with citizens around the state.  Citizen councilor groups are the foundation for the program, and are coordinated by the Citizen Councilor Coordinator.

Funding for the program consists of donations.  Direct appropriation is allowed, but not required.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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