BILL REQ. #:  S-4257.3 

Read first time 01/18/2006.   Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.

     AN ACT Relating to creation of a full-time state legislature; adding a new section to chapter 44.04 RCW; creating a new section; and providing contingent effective dates.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   In the twenty-first century, members of the legislature are confronted with increased complexity of issues facing the legislature, increased demands for their time, increased accountability standards, and the resulting difficulty in meeting public obligations while having to earn a second income to support their families.
     In order for service in the state legislature to remain open to all segments of society, and in order for legislators to have the time to develop expertise in the complex areas addressed by the legislature, a full-time state legislature is needed. A full-time state legislature will allow members to devote their talents and energies to accomplishing the work of the people, and avoid conflicts or apparent conflicts between the member's private interests and official responsibilities.
     This act is not intended to extend or otherwise change the current length or frequency of regular sessions, or of interim committee meeting schedules. It is also not intended to increase staff size. It is intended to give the members the financial freedom to commit their time completely to their public duties.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 44.04 RCW to read as follows:
     The offices of state senator and state representative are full-time positions and no member of the Washington state legislature may hold any office, position, or employment that would decrease the ability of the legislator to give the equivalent of full-time employment attention to the business of the legislature. This section is not intended to completely preclude a legislator from having other employment.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   This act takes effect July 1, 2007, if the Washington citizens' commission on salaries for elected officials has adopted a salary for state senators and state representatives effective no later than September 1, 2007, that is at least twice the salary for state senators and state representatives in effect September 1, 2006, and if no referendum petition has been filed under Article XXVIII, section 1 of the state Constitution. If such a salary is adopted and such a referendum is validly submitted to and approved by the voters, this act takes effect on the thirtieth day after the election at which the referendum is approved. If such a salary has not been adopted or if such a referendum is validly submitted to and disapproved by the voters, this act is void in its entirety.