SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5770
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:
Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development, February 18, 2013
Title: An act relating to conservation district electronic deposit of employee pay and compensation.
Brief Description: Permitting conservation districts to use electronic deposits for employee pay and compensation.
Sponsors: Senators Honeyford, Hatfield and Hobbs.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development: 2/18/13 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Hatfield, Chair; Brown, Eide, Hobbs, Honeyford, Ranking Member; Schoesler and Shin.
Staff: Diane Smith (786-7410)
Background: General and special-purpose governments are authorized to pay their employees by disbursing funds to a financial institution rather than paying the employee personally. However, at least 25 employees must first request this service in writing.
Summary of Bill: Conservation districts are exempt from the requirement to obtain the written request of at least 25 employees before it disburses salary and wages to an approved financial institution on the employees' behalf.
Conservation districts may disburse salaries, wages, and any other approved payments to any approved financial institution on behalf of employees or contractors.
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 is a well-drafted good little bill. Conservation districts rarely have 25 total employees so the current law does not fit their circumstances. The State Auditor drew our attention to this situation and this small legal change will satisfy them.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Ron Schultz, WA State Conservation Commission; Jim Jessernig, WA Assn. of Conservation Districts.