ESHB 1368

SENATE BILL REPORT
ESHB 1368

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 26, 2007

Title: An act relating to special purpose district commissioner per diem compensation.

Brief Description: Concerning special purpose district commissioner per diem compensation.

Sponsors: House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Simpson, Hinkle, Armstrong and Linville).

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/22/07, 3/26/07 [DPA].

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Kline, Pridemore and Swecker.

Background: Special purpose districts are defined as every municipal and quasi-municipal corporation other than counties, cities, and towns. Special purpose districts include water-sewer districts, fire protection districts, port districts, public utility districts, county park and recreation service areas, flood control zone districts, diking districts, drainage improvement districts, and solid waste collection districts. The governing authority of a special purpose district consists of the commission, council, or other body which directs the affairs of a special purpose district. Currently, members of the governing body of special purpose district receive a per diem amount of $70 per day, or portion of a day, devoted to the business of the district.

The consumer price index (CPI) is an index prepared and published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor which measures average changes in prices of goods and services. It is used to illustrate the extent that prices have risen or the amount of inflation that has taken place.

Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT(S) AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Government Operations & Elections): The per diem amount for a member of a governing body of a special purpose district is increased to $90 per day, or portion of a day, devoted to the business of the district.

The per diem amount must be adjusted for inflation by the Office of Financial Management every five years, beginning July 1, 2008, based upon changes in the CPI during that time. If more than one CPI is developed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for areas within Washington, the index covering the greatest number of people, exclusively within the boundaries of the state, must be used for the adjustment for inflation.

A person holding office as commissioner for two or more special purpose districts must receive only that per diem compensation authorized for one of his or her commissioner positions as compensation for attending a meeting or conducting business while representing more than one of his or her districts. However, such commissioner may receive additional per diem compensation if approved by resolution of all boards of the affected commissions.

A person holding office as commissioner for two or more special purpose districts must receive only that per diem compensation authorized for one of his or her commissioner positions as compensation for attending an official meeting or conducting official services or duties while representing more than one of his or her districts.

A commissioner will receive per diem for a day, or portion of a day, spent in actual attendance at official meetings or in performance of other official services or duties on behalf of a district.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a good bill. The striking amendment incorporates the best of the House and Senate bills. We fully support this bill.