SHB 1392

SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1392

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 29, 2007

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: House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Moeller, Curtis, B. Sullivan, Appleton, Chase and Schual-Berke).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/23/07, 93-0.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/29/07 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

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

Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)

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 Substitute Bill: The cost of medical insurance provided to municipal court judges and elected officials in specified categories of municipalities is not deemed to be "additional compensation" to such officials.

In addition to municipal court judges, the municipal officials subject to the provisions of the act are those holding office in the following categories of municipality:

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-manager plan of government.

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: None.

Persons Testifying: No one.