Brief Description: Providing training for new county officers.

Sponsors: Representatives Flannigan, Hinkle, Takko and Shabro.

Hearing Date: 1/27/05

Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).

Background:

State law contains numerous statutes pertaining to the duties, responsibilities, salaries, insurance coverage, and compensation for an elected county officer, but which become effective only subsequent to the official assumption of the office. Existing law does not address the issue of funding the reimbursement of expenses incurred by newly elected county officers for training and education pertinent to undertaking their official duties, but which are incurred prior to taking office.

Summary of Bill:

The expenses incurred by newly elected county officers in obtaining training and education pertinent to undertaking the duties of the office, but incurred before officially assuming office, may be reimbursed from public funds. The expenses subject to such reimbursement may include the actual cost of the training/education, as well as the reasonable costs of travel, housing, and meals. County funds may be used for reimbursing such expenses in the event there are no state funds available for this purpose.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 25, 2005.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.