SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1012
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 March 8, 2011
Title: An act relating to planning commissioner terms of office.
Brief Description: Authorizing four-year terms for planning commissioners.
Sponsors: Representatives Angel, Haler, Klippert, Fagan, Rolfes and Fitzgibbon.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/07/11, 88-0.
Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 3/08/11.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)
Background: A city, town, or county may create a planning commission to provide its legislative authority with citizen reviews and recommendations on planning-related matters. While the local government entity has broad authority to define the role of its commission, such commissions often have two distinct functions. First, they may prepare and revise the community's comprehensive plan and local land use regulations, such as the zoning or subdivision code. Second, they may review development proposals, such as site plans and subdivisions, and make recommendations to the local governing body.
Commission membership falls into two categories: ex officio and appointive. Ex officio members are members by virtue of the public office they hold and may not comprise more than one-third of commission membership. Appointive members are appointed by the mayor or chair of the municipality and confirmed by the legislative body. A member's term in office depends on the member's category of membership and the longevity of the commission:
The terms of office for ex officio members correspond with their tenures in elected office.
The terms of office for the first appointive members to a newly-established commission range from one to six years, to provide for the expiration of the fewest possible terms in one year.
The terms of office for appointive members to established commissions are six years.
Summary of Bill: A city, town, or county legislative authority may establish a four-year or a six-year term of office for appointive members of an established planning commission. Terms of office for the first appointive members to a newly-established planning commission will continue to range from one to six years.
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: Six years is a very long commitment for planning commissioners. This bill provides flexibility to allow cities and counties to set a term at four years. The bill provides an option to local governments, it is not a mandate.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Briahna Taylor, City of Port Orchard.