SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6351

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Technology & Communications, January 29, 2004

Title: An act relating to allowing special meetings to be called through electronic mail notice.

Brief Description: Allowing fax and electronic mail notice of special meetings.

Sponsors: Senators Esser, Prentice, Mulliken, Parlette, Thibaudeau, Sheahan, Deccio, Pflug and Kohl-Welles.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Technology & Communications: 1/26/04, 1/29/04 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNICATIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Schmidt, Chair; Esser, Vice Chair; Berkey, Eide, McCaslin, Poulsen and Stevens.

Staff: William Bridges (786-7424)

Background: The Open Public Meetings Act requires the governing bodies of public agencies to publish the time and place of their regular meetings. For special meetings, which are meetings other than a regularly scheduled meeting, governing bodies must mail or personally deliver 24-hour written notice to their members and the media. The notice may be waived in writing or by telegram.

Summary of Bill: The 24-hour notice requirement for special meetings in the Open Public Meetings Act is updated to allow notice by fax and electronic mail. In addition, the notice requirement is updated to allow waivers by fax or electronic mail.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: The Clerk of King County Council informed the prime sponsor of this issue. This bill will allow local governments to reduce costs by using new technologies, while still assuring adequate notice to the public.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Senator Esser, prime sponsor.