HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5142
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:
Environmental Health, Select
Title: An act relating to the disbursement of funds by air pollution control agencies.
Brief Description: Modifying the disbursement of funds by air pollution control agencies.
Sponsors: Senators Fraser and Swecker.
Brief History:
Select Committee on Environmental Health: 3/20/07 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Campbell, Chair; Hudgins, Vice Chair; Newhouse, Ranking Minority Member; Sump, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chase, Hailey, Hunt, Morrell and Wood.
Staff: Brad Avy (786-7289).
Background:
Local air pollution control authorities (authorities) are established by the Washington Clean
Air Act. Authorities are responsible for carrying out specified duties and powers relating to
air quality. Each county has an authority created within it; however, some county authorities
are inactive. Counties with inactive authorities are served by the Department of Ecology.
Seven multi-county authorities have been formed by county boards of commissioners by
combining a county authority with one or more adjacent county authorities. Each authority is
governed by a Board of Directors (Board).
The treasurer of each component city, town, or county within an authority must create a
separate fund for monies collected for the activated authorities. These monies must be
forwarded to the treasurer of the county designated by the Board. The designated treasurer
must establish and maintain these funds as authorized by the Board. Money must be
disbursed upon warrants drawn by a board-designated county auditor. The respective county
must be reimbursed for the services rendered by their treasurer and auditor.
Summary of Bill:
Monies collected for an air pollution control authority may be disbursed upon warrants drawn
by an authority or designated county auditor.
If an authority chooses to use a county auditor for the disbursement of funds, the Board must
reimburse the county for services performed by the auditor.
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 law says that air authorities have to go through the county to cut checks to
venders. Even so, many of the local air pollution authorities currently issue their own checks
based on differing legal interpretations. The bill allows the flexibility for local air pollution
control authorities to issue their own warrants if they wish, though it's not mandatory.
The proposed legislation provides for: improved efficiencies and effectiveness for air
pollution control agencies; reduced photocopying and duplicate record keeping; less process
and a more efficient use of taxpayer dollars; faster payment to businesses for services
provided; and better alignment of air agencies' financial services. Counties will benefit if
they do not issue warrants since currently they do not fully recoup their costs.
The State Auditor's Office recommended that our air agency start processing its own warrants
to reduce costs and improve efficiencies and to save the amount paid to the county every
year. The proposed legislation does nothing to erode or degrade any of the built-in checks
and balances.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Fraser, prime sponsor; and Richard Stedman, Olympia Region Clean Air Agency.