SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5728

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 Senate Committee On:

Government Operations & Elections, February 19, 2009

Title: An act relating to elections to fill the remainder of unexpired terms of office for certain statewide elected officials.

Brief Description: Concerning elections to fill the remainder of unexpired terms of office for certain statewide elected officials.

Sponsors: Senators McDermott, Fairley, Oemig, Pridemore and Shin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/19/09 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; McDermott.

Staff: Alison Mendiola (786-7483)

Background: When a state officer leaves office before the completion of that person's term, another person is appointed to fill that office until the next general election. Statewide general elections in odd-numbered years may only fill the remainder of unexpired terms of specific state offices. The offices are as follows:

Summary of Bill: A person may be elected to fill the remainder of an unexpired term for the office of Governor at a general election held in an odd-numbered year.

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: PRO: The Office of the Governor should be treated in the same manner as the other statewide elective offices.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator McDermott, prime sponsor.