Title: An act relating to training for newly elected county officers.

Brief Description: Providing training for new county officers.

Sponsors: Representatives Flannigan, Hinkle, Takko and Shabro.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/03/05, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/31/05 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Berkey, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Fairley, Haugen, Kline, McCaslin, Mulliken and Pridemore.

Staff: Genevieve Pisarski (786-7488)

Background: Statutory requirements regarding duties, responsibilities, salaries, insurance coverage, and compensation for elected county officers apply only after they take office. There is no provision for reimbursing newly elected county officers for training and education expenses they incur before taking office.

Summary of Bill: Expenses incurred by newly elected county officers before they take office may be reimbursed from public funds, if they are for the actual costs of training and education pertaining to county government, including the reasonable costs of travel, housing, and meals. County funds may be used, if there are no state funds available.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Testimony For: The Washington State Association of Counties provides post-election training for county officials. This will increase participation and provide better prepared officials.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Bill Vogler, WSAC