SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1566

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Government Operations & Elections, March 26, 2003

Title: An act relating to the retention of original claims by county auditors.

Brief Description: Modifying record retention provisions for county auditors.

Sponsors: Representative Alexander.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/26/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Stevens, Vice Chair; Fairley, Kastama and McCaslin.

Staff: Ronda Larson (786-7429)

Background: The county auditor audits all claims, demands, and accounts chargeable to the county, including original cost bills. The auditor also pays all approved claims through warrants drawn from the county treasurer. The auditor must retain records of these claims and any supporting documentation.

Summary of Bill: County auditors are given the additional option of retaining electronic copies of claims, bills, and specified associated records. The auditor must keep the electronic records in a format sufficient for the conduct of official business. The term "claims" does not include claims for damages filed against counties.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: Many counties are fiduciaries for taxing districts. Current law requires auditors to retain originals of the county bills that the auditors pay. The auditors tell us they do not need the originals, but that the statute does not allow them to retain the information electronically.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Representative Alexander, prime sponsor.