Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee |
SB 6104
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 state agency hours of operation.
Sponsors: Senators Prentice and Tom; by request of Office of Financial Management and Department of Personnel.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/24/09
Staff: Pam Madson (786-7111)
Background:
State law requires all state offices to be open for business from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for legal holidays. This requirement does not apply to courts of record, the Office of the Attorney General, or the Lieutenant Governor.
The state Public Records Act requires that state agencies, the Senate, and the House of Representatives make public records available for inspection and copying during customary business hours. If the office's business hours are 30 hours a week or less, public records must be available Monday through Friday excluding holidays from 9:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Persons may arrange to inspect records at other times.
Summary of Bill:
State offices must be open for business a minimum of 40 hours per week. Public records must be available for copying and inspection during customary office hours of state agencies, the Senate and the House of Representatives for a minimum of 30 hours a week. Weeks including holidays are excluded.
Specific times of day are not specified for business hours or for inspection and copying of public records.
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.