HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1760

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 House Committee On:

Local Government & Housing

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: Representative Ormsby.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Local Government & Housing: 2/9/09, 2/11/09 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Creates a five-member option for civil service commissions for county sheriffs' offices. 

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT & HOUSING

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Simpson, Chair; Nelson, Vice Chair; Angel, Ranking Minority Member; Ericksen, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Cox, Miloscia, Short, Springer and White.

Staff: Sara del Moral (786-7291) and Thamas Osborn (786-7129)

Background:

A civil service commission (commission) for a county sheriff's office consists of three members appointed by the board of county commissioners. In the case of a commission serving multiple counties, members are delegated by the boards of county commissioners of each county.

Members of the commission serve six-year terms. At the time of appointment, no more than two members may be from the same political party. A commission has a number of responsibilities. Examples include:

Two members of a civil service commission constitute a quorum and the votes of two concurring members are sufficient for the decision of the commission.

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Summary of Bill:

A county legislative authority or authorities may increase the number of commission members from three to five. The two additional commissioners serve six-year terms. At the time the two additional commissioners are appointed, no more than three members may be from the same political party. Three members of a five-member commission constitute a quorum and the votes of three concurring members are sufficient to make a decision.

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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.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) A larger civil service commission would have more potential for diversity. This would better serve the county.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Mike Burgess, Spokane County.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.