Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Education Committee

SB 5546

Brief Description:  Reclassifying the state board of education as a class four group.

Sponsors:  Senators McAuliffe, Finkbeiner, Rasmussen, B. Sheldon, Fairley, Johnson, Hewitt, Eide and Kohl‑Welles; by request of State Board of Education.

Hearing Date:  2/20/02

Staff:  Susan Morrissey (786‑7111).

Background:

Part‑time state boards and commissions are divided into five groups based primarily on the duties and functions of the board or commission.  The State Board of Education is currently a class three group.  Class three groups have rule making authority, perform quasi‑judicial functions, and regulate and set policies for professions, occupations, businesses, or industries.  In addition to food, lodging, and travel allowances, members of a class three group may receive up to $50 a day when attending an official meeting or performing statutory duties approved by the chair of the organization.

Class four groups perform the same functions as the class three groups; however, the duties of the class four group are considered to be of "overriding sensitivity and importance to the public welfare and the operation of state government."  Usually, a class four group meets more than 100 hours a year.  In addition to food, lodging, and travel allowances, members of a class four group may receive up to $100 a day when attending an official meeting or performing statutory duties approved by the chair of the organization.

Summary of Bill:

The State Board of Education is changed from a class three group to a class four group for the purpose of determining the compensation level paid to board members.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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