SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5621

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 Passed Senate, February 5, 2010

Title: An act relating to hearing examiner fees.

Brief Description: Regarding hearing examiner fees.

Sponsors: Senators Kline and Marr.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Judiciary: 1/30/09, 2/04/09 [DP, w/oRec].

Passed Senate: 2/05/10, 35-13.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Kline, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; McCaslin, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, Kohl-Welles and Tom.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.

Signed by Senators Carrell and Roach.

Staff: Lidia Mori (786-7755)

Background: Local governments in Washington have the option of hiring or contracting with a hearing examiner to conduct required quasi-judicial hearings, usually in place of local bodies such as the planning commission, the board of adjustment, the board of county commissioners, or the city council. This delegation is specifically authorized for plat approval hearings.

A plat is a map or representation of a subdivision dividing tracts or parcels of land. A plat forms the basis for the legal description of land used in land contracts and deeds. Local governments have the authority to establish fees for hearing examiner functions.

Summary of Bill: Hearing examiner fees may not exceed the cost of filing an appeal of the hearing examiner's decision in superior court. RCW 36.18.020 sets the fee for appealing a hearing examiner's decision in superior court at $200.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.

Persons Testifying: No one.