HB 2738

HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2738

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:
Local Government

Title: An act relating to civil service commissions for sheriffs' offices.

Brief Description: Creating a five-member option for civil service commissions for sheriffs' offices.

Sponsors: Representatives Ormsby and Schindler.

Brief History:

Local Government: 1/22/08 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Allows a civil service commission for sheriffs' offices to increase the number of commissioners from three to five.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Simpson, Chair; Takko, Vice Chair; Warnick, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Eddy, Nelson and Schmick.

Staff: Lyset Cadena (786-7291) and Ethan Moreno (786-7386).

Background:

Civil service commissions for sheriffs' offices consist of three members appointed by the board of county commissioners or the boards of county commissioners when combined civil service commissions are established. The first three members of the civil service commission shall serve staggered terms of two years, four years, and six years. Members appointed to the civil service commission afterwards serve six-year terms. At the time of appointment, no more than two members may be from the same political party.

A civil service commission for sheriffs' offices has the following duties and responsibilities:

creating suitable rules and regulations for examinations, appointments, promotions, reallocations, transfers, reinstatements, demotions, suspensions, and discharges;
inspecting all departments, offices, places, positions, and employments under the commission's jurisdiction;
conducting hearings and investigations in accordance with the rules and procedures of the commission;
hearing and determining appeals and complaints with respect to the allocation of positions, the rejection of an examinee, and other matters referred to the commission; and
providing for, formulating, and holding competitive tests to determine the relative qualifications of persons who seeks employment in any class or position under the commission's jurisdiction.

Two members of a civil service commission constitute a quorum and the votes of two concurring members is sufficient for the decision of the commission.

Summary of Bill:

Civil service commissions for sheriffs' offices are allowed to increase the number of members serving on the commission from three to five. If a commission is increased to five members, the terms of the three commissioners serving at the time of the increase will not be affected. The term of office for the two additional commissioners is six years. At the time of appointment of the two additional commissioners, no more than three members may be from the same political party. Three members of a five member commission constitute a quorum and the votes of three concurring members is sufficient for the decision of the commission.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The Spokane County Board of County Commissioners requested the increase in the number of civil service commissioners because it has been difficult for the current civil service commission to reach a quorum.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Ormsby, prime sponsor; and Mike Burgess, Spokane County.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.