Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government & Housing Committee |
HB 1369
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. |
Brief Description: Addressing county elected officials keeping offices at the county seat.
Sponsors: Representatives Haler, Takko and Klippert.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/2/09
Staff: Sara del Moral (786-7291)
Background:
The general legal framework by which Washington's 39 counties must operate is found within the state constitution. The constitution includes provisions for county organization, governance, and elected officials, including the establishment of county clerks, sheriffs, and treasurers. With some exceptions, the specific powers and duties of elected county officials are prescribed in statute. For example, state law obligates superior court clerks, county sheriffs, county treasurers, and county road engineers to keep their offices at their county seats.
Summary of Bill:
Provisions regarding the location of certain county offices are amended. The superior court clerk, the sheriff, the county treasurer and the county road engineer must keep an office at the county seat, not his or her office at the county seat.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.