SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6550

As of January 30, 2002

Title:  An act relating to removal of county seats.

Brief Description:  Prohibiting removal of a county seat when the courthouse is a historical building.

Sponsors:  Senators Honeyford, Sheahan, Hargrove, Hochstatter, Morton and McCaslin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  1/31/02.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Staff:  Diane Smith (786‑7410)

Background:  If the qualified voters of a county wish to move the county seat from its present location to another location, that option must be presented by petition to the board of county commissioners.  If the petition is signed by the number of voters equal to at least one third of the votes cast in the last general election, the board must hold an election.  At least 60 days before the election, the county must issue a financial impact statement that analyzes the cost to county government, county employees and the cities of the current and proposed locations of the county seat.

Summary of Bill:  If the county courthouse is listed on either the state or national registers of historic places, then the county seat is not subject to removal.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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