SB 5620

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Local Government Committee

SB 5620

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: Clarifying the authority of the civil service commissions for sheriffs' offices.

Sponsors: Senator Fairley.

Brief Summary of Bill

Grants civil service commissions for sheriffs' offices supervisory responsibility for the chief examiner appointed by each commission to serve as its secretary.

Hearing Date: 3/20/07

Staff: Ethan Moreno (786-7386).

Background:

An initiative measure adopted by voters in 1958 established three-person civil service commissions (commissions) in each county to, in part, adopt rules and regulations governing personnel administration in sheriffs' offices. The initiative also authorized qualifying counties to establish combined civil service systems to serve the counties so combined. Commission members are appointed by the appropriate boards of county commissioners to serve six-year terms without compensation.

In addition to making personnel rules and regulations, commissions are also charged with other powers and duties, including:

Holding regular meetings at least once each month;
Giving practical tests to determine the capacity of persons to perform duties of a position that is to be filled;
Making investigations and reports concerning specific personnel requirements, rules, and regulations; and
Hearing and determining appeals or complaints regarding the allocation of positions.

Commissions must appoint, through a competitive examination process, a chief examiner to serve as a secretary of the commission. The chief examiner must be properly qualified and is required by statute to:

Keep the records for and preserve reports made to the commission;
Superintend and keep records of examinations held under the commission's direction; and
Perform other duties directed by the commission.

Although the chief examiner is appointed by the commission, statute does not expressly confer the commission with supervisory responsibility for the position.

Summary of Bill:

Commissions are granted supervisory responsibility for chief examiners.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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