SB 5525

HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5525

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 medical insurance for city officials.

Brief Description: Adding city officials to the list of public agencies eligible for medical insurance coverage outside of compensation.

Sponsors: Senators Oemig, Swecker and Regala.

Brief History:

Local Government: 3/20/07 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Adds specified, elected city officials to the list of public officials for whom the costs of employment-related health insurance provided by a public entity are not deemed to be "additional compensation."

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Simpson, Chair; Eddy, Vice Chair; Curtis, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Ross, B. Sullivan and Takko.

Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).

Background:

Article II, section 25, of the State Constitution, prohibits any increase or reduction in the "compensation" paid to any elected public official during his or her term in office.

For public employees and specified elected officials, the cost incurred by a public entity in providing employment-related medical insurance is not deemed to be "additional compensation" to such officials or employees. This provision does not currently apply to the elected officials of cities and towns, but does apply to the following categories of elected officials:

county officials;
fire protection district commissioners;
port district commissioners;
public utility district commissioners;
water-sewer district commissioners;
public hospital district commissioners; and
irrigation district commissioners.

Summary of Bill:

The cost of medical insurance provided to elected officials in specified categories of municipalities is not deemed to be "additional compensation" to such officials. The elected officials subject to this provision are those holding office in the following types of municipalities:

cities with a commission form of government;
first class cities;
second class cities;
towns;
cities with a mayor-council plan of government; and
cities with a council-mayor plan of government.

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) This is a good bill because it authorizes elected officials from cities and towns to receive increased health insurance benefits commensurate with other public officials and employees.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Victoria Lincoln, Association of Washington Cities.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.