SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2006

As of March 27, 2003

Title: An act relating to nuisance abatement powers of county governments.

Brief Description: Authorizing nuisance abatement powers of county governments.

Sponsors: Representatives Schindler, Gombosky, Ahern, Sump, Wood, Jarrett, Crouse, Pearson, Clements, Ericksen and Moeller.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/28/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: A nuisance is generally defined as an act or failure to act that results in an interference with the use or enjoyment of property that may endanger the health or safety of others.

First class cities, second class cities, and towns are granted specific statutory authority to declare and abate nuisances, and to impose fines upon parties who create, continue, or cause nuisances. Code cities are granted all the powers that cities of any class have, including the power to declare and abate nuisances. Counties have broad statutory powers to enforce police and sanitary regulations by appropriate resolutions or ordinances; however, unlike cities and towns, counties do not have specific statutory authority regarding nuisances.

Summary of Bill: Counties are given specific statutory authority to declare and abate nuisances, and to impose fines upon parties who create, cause, or commit a nuisance.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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