5528 AMS BENT S2590.1

SB 5528 - S AMD TO S AMD (S-2577.2/03) 282

By Senator Benton

On page 1, after line 2 of the amendment, insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The framers of Washington state's Constitution intended to preserve balance between the three branches of state government by establishing a system of checks and balances, much as the founders of the United States had with the federal government. That the judicial, executive, and legislative branches operate independently, but within a system that ensures the people are not oppressed by any one individual branch of government, is fundamental to our republic. One important aspect of this system is senate confirmation of the executive branches appointments. The legislature finds that Article XIII, section 1 of the Washington state Constitution requires that the governor's appointments to boards, commissions, and public institutions be made with the advice and consent of the senate. The legislature further finds that senate confirmation of executive appointments has been applied inconsistently within the laws adopted by the legislature and often has not used the language of the Washington state Constitution regarding senate confirmation of appointments. The legislature intends to make consistent with constitutional language those appointments whose terms exceed four years. As a means of emphasizing the importance of senate confirmation in the checks and balances system, the legislature further intends to prohibit executive appointments from serving more than two years without senate confirmation."

Renumber the remaining sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

SB 5528 - S AMD TO S AMD (S-2577.2/03) 282

By Senator Benton

On page 55, line 3 of the title amendment, after "RCW 28B.80.390;" insert "creating a new section;"

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