SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1005
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 Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections, March 22, 2007
Title: An act relating to rates for the rental of county equipment.
Brief Description: Determining rates for the rental of county equipment.
Sponsors: Representatives Kessler, Ericks and B. Sullivan.
Brief History: Passed House: 1/29/07, 95-0.
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/20/07, 3/22/07 [DPA, DNP, w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS
Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Kline, Pridemore and Swecker.
Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by Senator Roach, Ranking Minority Member.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senator Benton.
Staff: Amy Van Horn (786-7784)
Background: State law requires counties to establish an "equipment rental and revolving fund"
in the county treasury for the purchase, repair, and maintenance of county road department
equipment. Various county departments pay into the fund.
The fund must be administered by the county engineer or other appointee of the county
government. The fund administrator establishes the terms and charges for the sale of materials
or supplies purchased, maintained, or manufactured with monies from the fund.
County departments may rent equipment owned by the fund. The county engineer must
determine the rental rates, and those rates are subject to annual review by the county government.
Existing law allows only the county engineer to determine the rental rates.
Summary of Bill: A county government is authorized to designate an appointee to set rates for the rental of equipment owned by the county's road equipment revolving fund.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT(S) AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Government Operations & Elections): Provides that this section does not restrict the ability of the county road administration board to directly inquire into the process of setting rental rates while in the performance of its statutory oversight responsibility.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill resolves a current conflict in the RCWs, and will help counties. The interested parties have also agreed to an amendment which will improve the bill.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Kessler, prime sponsor; Allen R. Sartin, Jefferson County; Eric Johnson, Washington Association of Counties.