SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1185
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 February 25, 2014
Title: An act relating to equitable allocation of auditor costs.
Brief Description: Concerning equitable allocation of auditor costs.
Sponsors: Representatives Takko, Alexander, Springer, Tharinger, Clibborn, Kochmar and Ryu.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/14, 83-15.
Committee Activity: Governmental Operations: 2/25/14.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS |
Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)
Background: County auditors maintain documents and records that must be officially filed or recorded, including real property records, marriage licenses, and vital statistics documents. County auditors charge $8 per hour for conducting searches in records.
Summary of Bill: A county auditor may charge up to the actual cost per hour for conducting searches in records, as established and conspicuously posted by the auditor. Actual costs may include employee costs such as salary and benefits, but not general and administrative overhead costs. If the county auditor has not determined the actual per-hour cost for searching records, the fee is $8.
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: County auditors are occasionally asked to conduct research when searching for records. This research, often relating to genealogical inquiries, can be time consuming. Auditors should be allowed to recover actual costs for conducting this research. The current $8 fee was set in the mid-1980s. The bill sets appropriate parameters.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Takko, prime sponsor; Monty Cobb, WA Assn. of County Officials.