SB 5620

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5620

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 6, 2007

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

Brief Description: Clarifying the authority of the civil service commissions for sheriffs' offices.

Sponsors: Senator Fairley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/13/07 [DP].

Passed Senate: 3/06/07, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

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

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. Each Commission is required to elect a chief examiner who also serves as Secretary of the Commission. The chief examiner is required to keep the records for the Commission, preserve all reports made, superintend and keep record of all examinations held under the Commission's direction, and perform such other duties as the Commission may prescribe.

Summary of Bill: The civil service commission for sheriff's offices has supervisory responsibility over the chief examiner.

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: This is a simple bill to clarify that the chief examiner of a civil service commission for a sheriffs' office is to be supervised by the commission. The question has come up in the past when the commission and the examiner are housed in different locations. This bill will resolve that question once and for all.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Glenn Dunnam, citizen.