SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5260
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 April 4, 2013
Title: An act relating to authorizing regular meetings of county legislative authorities to be held at alternate locations within the county.
Brief Description: Authorizing regular meetings of county legislative authorities to be held at alternate locations within the county.
Sponsors: Senators Schlicher, Smith, Rolfes, Keiser, Becker, Billig and Hobbs.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Governmental Operations: 2/11/13.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS |
Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)
Background: County legislative authorities, including county councils and boards of county commissioners, hold regular meetings at county seats to transact business required or permitted by law. They may hold special meetings at other locations in the county if agenda items are of unique interest to citizens in those locations. However, county legislative authorities are not authorized to transact business required or permitted by law at special meetings held outside the county seat.
Summary of Bill: County legislative authorities may occasionally conduct regular meetings outside the county seat but in the county if they determine that meeting at an alternate location would support greater citizen engagement in local government. This would enable county legislative authorities to transact business required or permitted by law at meetings outside of the county seat.
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: This bill appropriately creates heightened accessibility within local government. Citizens should be given the best opportunity to be involved in local government.
OTHER: This bill should address notification to the public of planned county meetings when those meetings occur outside of the county seat.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Nathan Schlicher, prime sponsor; Tom McBride, Kitsap County; Brian Enslow, WA Assn. of Counties.
OTHER: Rowland Thompson, Allied Daily Newspapers.