Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Local Government & Housing Committee

SB 5322

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: Creating a five-member option for civil service commissions for sheriffs' offices.

Sponsors: Senator Fairley.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Allows a county legislative authority to increase the number of members of a civil service commission for a sheriff's office from three to five.

Hearing Date: 3/16/09

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

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.

A commission has a number of responsibilities. Examples include:

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. Two members of a commission constitute a quorum and the votes of two concurring members are sufficient to make a decision.

Summary of Bill:

A county legislative authority or authorities may enact an ordinance increasing the number of commission members on a civil service commission for a sheriff's office 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. For a five-member commission, three members constitute a quorum and the votes of three concurring members are sufficient to make a decision.

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.