SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6588
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 of January 18, 2010
Title: An act relating to limiting the holding of more than one elected position.
Brief Description: Limiting the holding of more than one elected position.
Sponsors: Senators Fairley, Kline, Oemig, Prentice and Kohl-Welles.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/21/10.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Staff: Edward Redmond (786-7471)
Background: Current statutory law restricts a candidate from appearing on the ballot for more than one office at the same election. The two exceptions to this rule are filings for precinct committee officer and filings for a temporary position, such as charter review board member or freeholder. The Washington Supreme Court and Attorney General's Office have rendered decisions finding it improper for a public official to hold incompatible public offices. Statutory law is currently silent, however, regarding the holding of two elected positions concurrently.
Compensation for some elected positions is by way of a salary. Compensation for other positions, such as fire districts, water districts, sewer districts, public hospital districts, metropolitan park districts, school boards, and some town councils, is paid on a per diem or per meeting basis. The per diem or per meeting compensation was adjusted in 2008 at the rate of $90 per day. This rate is adjusted by the Office of Financial Management every five years.
Summary of Bill: A city, county, or statewide elected official may only hold one elected position at a time except for voluntary work. Voluntary work is defined as any city, county, or statewide elected position with compensation of less than $500 per month.
Any elected official holding two positions prior to this bill's effective date may continue to serve out the remainder of each term. At the expiration of each term, that elected official may subsequently only hold one elected office at a time.
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.