HB 2738

SENATE BILL REPORT
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.

As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections, February 21, 2008

Title: An act relating to civil service commissions for sheriffs' offices.

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

Sponsors: Representatives Ormsby and Schindler.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/07/08, 95-0.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/21/08 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

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

Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)

Background: The civil service commission (Commission) for sheriffs' offices consists of a three-person commission appointed by the board of county commissioners for the county within which the sheriffs' office is located. Commissioners serve six-year terms. Each Commission has multiple duties and responsibilities, including the duty to:

make suitable rules and regulations providing in detail the manner in which examinations may be held, and promotions, appointments, suspensions, and discharges must be made;
inspect all offices, departments, places, positions, and employments under the Commission's jurisdiction;
hear and determine appeals or complaints respecting the allocation of positions, or the rejection of an examinee;
provide for, formulate, and hold competitive tests to determine the relative qualifications of a person who seeks employment in any class or position under the Commission's jurisdiction.

The Commission must meet at least once per month. At the time of appointment, not more than two commissioners must be adherents of the same political party. Two members of the Commission constitute a quorum, and the votes of any two members concurring is sufficient for the decision of all matters transacted by the Commission.

Summary of Bill: A civil service commission for sheriffs' offices consisting of five members may be established by ordinance.

If a five-member commission is established, the terms of the present commission members do not change.

Three members of a five-member commission constitute a quorum, and the votes of three members concurring is sufficient for the decision of all matters transacted by the commission.

At the time of appointment of the two additional commissioners, no more than three commissioners may be adherents of the same political party.

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: The bill doesn't cost any money - just looking to go from three members to five. There have been situations in the past in which with only three members and illness and recusals there were not sufficient members left to make decisions.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Todd Mielke, Spokane County Commissioner.