SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6529

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Government Operations & Elections, February 6, 2004

Title: An act relating to requiring senate confirmation of certain commission and department appointments.

Brief Description: Requiring senate confirmation of certain commission and department appointments.

Sponsors: Senators Benton, Mulliken, Murray, Oke, Stevens, Zarelli, Esser, Hewitt, Hale, Schmidt, Johnson and Honeyford.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/3/04, 2/6/04 [DPS, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6529 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Minority Report: Do not pass.

      Signed by Senator Fairley.

Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)

Background: Article XIII, Section 1 of the Constitution of the state of Washington provides that the regents, trustees, or commissioners of state institutions shall be appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; and upon all nominations made by the Governor, the question shall be taken by ayes and noes, and entered upon the journal.

Gubernatorial appointees subject to Senate confirmation continue to serve until rejected by a vote of the Senate. Appointees to the real estate commission of the state of Washington and public stadium authority are not currently subject to Senate confirmation by statute.

Summary of Substitute Bill: Gubernatorial appointees, subject to Senate confirmation, continue to serve until rejected by a vote of the Senate. If the Senate does not act before the conclusion of the next regularly scheduled legislative session, the appointee is considered confirmed. Appointees to the Real Estate Commission of the state of Washington and Public Stadium Authority are statutorily subject to Senate confirmation.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The provision requiring a vote of the people is removed. Appointees are considered confirmed by the Senate if not voted on by the end of the next regularly scheduled legislative session.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 31, 2004.

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

Testimony For: This is an important power that distinguishes the Senate from the House. This is a right and a duty that must be taken more seriously. Confirmation is a check on the executive power.

Testimony Against: The Senate has the authority to act already, the power just needs to be exercised.

Testified: PRO: Senator Benton, prime sponsor; CON: Chris Rose, Governor's Office.