SB 5142

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5142

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 Passed Senate, March 8, 2007

Title: An act relating to the disbursement of funds by air pollution control agencies.

Brief Description: Modifying the disbursement of funds by air pollution control agencies.

Committee Activity: Water, Energy & Telecommunications: 1/26/07, 1/30/07 [DP, DNP].

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Poulsen, Chair; Rockefeller, Vice Chair; Delvin, Fraser, Holmquist, Marr, Morton, Oemig, Pridemore and Regala.

Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senator Honeyford, Ranking Minority Member.

Background: Local air pollution control authorities (authorities) are established by the Washington Clean Air Act. Authorities are responsible for carrying out specified duties and powers relating to air quality. Each county has an authority created within it; however, some county authorities are inactive. Counties with inactive authorities are served by the Department of Ecology. Seven multi-county authorities have been formed by county boards of commissioners by combining county authorities with adjacent county's authorities. Each authority is governed by a board of directors (board).

The treasurer of each component city, town, or county within an authority must create a separate fund for monies collected for the activated authorities. These monies must be forwarded to the treasurer of the county designated by the board. The designated treasurer must establish and maintain these funds as authorized by the board. Money must be disbursed upon warrants drawn by a board-designated county auditor. The respective county must be reimbursed for the services rendered by their treasurer and auditor.

Summary of Bill: Monies collected for an air pollution control authority may be disbursed upon warrants drawn by an authority or designated county auditor. If an authority chooses to use a county auditor for the disbursement of funds, the county continues to be reimbursed for the service.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The bill streamlines activities and provides flexibility to air agencies. The current practice is duplicative of duties between auditor, treasurer and agency. It saves money for the agency and its constituents. The auditor would continue with routine audits of the agencies to provide oversight of financial activities.