SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5233
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 15, 2007
Title: An act relating to special purpose district commissioner per diem compensation.
Brief Description: Concerning special purpose district commissioner per diem compensation.
Sponsors: Senators Hatfield, McCaslin, Pridemore, Fairley and Haugen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/23/07, 2/15/07 [DPS, w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5233 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Kline, Pridemore and Swecker.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senators Roach, Ranking Minority Member; and Benton.
Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)
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.
Summary of Bill: Original bill as referred to committee not considered.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED SUBSTITUTE 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
10 years, beginning July 1, 2008.
The Office of Financial Management must calculate the new dollar threshold and transmit it to
the Office of the Code Reviser for publication in the Washington State Register at least one
month before the new dollar threshold is to take effect.
The substitute bill includes a technical change.
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 per diem rates for special purpose districts were last increased in 1998. This bill allows for automatic increases tied to the consumer price index. The end result is commissioners will not need to continually come back before the Legislature every 10 years for a raise.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Brian Hatfield, prime sponsor.