HB 2738

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Local Government Committee

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.

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

Sponsors: Representatives Ormsby and Schindler.

Brief Summary of Bill

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

Hearing Date: 1/22/08

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

Background:

Civil service commissions for sheriffs' offices consists 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:

Create suitable rules and regulations for examinations, appointments, promotions, reallocations, transfers, reinstatements, demotions, suspensions, and discharges;
Inspect all departments, offices, places, positions, and employments under the commission's jurisdiction;
Conduct hearings and investigations in accordance with the rules and procedures;
Hear and determine appeals and complaints respecting the allocation of positions, the rejection of an examinee, and other matters referred to the commission; and
Provide for, formulate, and hold 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.