HOUSE 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 House Committee On:

Local Government & Housing

Title: An act relating to county elected officials keeping offices at the county seat.

Brief Description: Addressing county elected officials keeping offices at the county seat.

Sponsors: Senators Delvin, Hewitt, Schoesler, Carrell, Swecker, Parlette, Stevens and Honeyford.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Local Government & Housing: 3/16/09 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Authorizes a board of county commissioners to provide offices at a location other than the county seat for certain county officials.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT & HOUSING

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Simpson, Chair; Nelson, Vice Chair; Angel, Ranking Minority Member; Cox, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Miloscia, Short, Springer, Upthegrove, White and Williams.

Staff: Sara del Moral (786-7291)

Background:

State law requires a board of county commissioners to provide an office for each county officer at the county courthouse. In all counties, the courthouse is located at the county seat, although state law does not provide for its location.

Additionally, state law requires the superior court clerk, the county sheriff, the county treasurer, and the county road engineer to keep their offices at the county seat.

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Summary of Bill:

At the discretion of the board of county commissioners, the superior court clerk, the county sheriff, the county treasurer, and the county road engineer may keep offices at a location other than the county seat, provided they maintain an office at the county seat.

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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) In Benton County, the county seat is Prosser, but most of the business is done in the Tri-Cities. This bill just allows a county to locate offices where services are most needed.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Senator Jerome Delvin, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.