SENATE BILL REPORT
SJR 8212
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 14, 2014
Brief Description: Restricting changes in salaries for legislators.
Sponsors: Senators Hill, Fain, Litzow, Schoesler, Becker, King, Brown, Dammeier, Braun, Rivers, Honeyford and O'Ban.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 1/14/14.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Staff: Steve Jones (786-7440)
Background: Under an amendment to the state Constitution adopted in 1986, salaries for state legislators and other state elected officials are established by the Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials (Commission).
Changes to state elected officials' salaries are adopted by the Commission on a biennial basis in odd-numbered years, following a series of public hearings. In 2013, the Commission adopted salary adjustments that took effect on September 1, 2013, and additional adjustments that will take effect on September 1, 2014. In 2015, the Commission will hold public hearings for the purpose of determining any salary adjustments to take effect in 2015 and 2016.
The state budget is adopted by the Legislature on a biennial basis in odd-numbered years, with a supplemental state budget enacted in even-numbered years. Under the state Constitution, regular legislative sessions in odd-numbered years cannot exceed 105 consecutive days, and regular legislative sessions in even-numbered years cannot exceed 60 consecutive days. Special legislative sessions can be convened for periods of up to 30 days.
Summary of Bill: The state Constitution is amended to provide that changes in legislative salaries take effect only if the Legislature passes a biennial budget during the regular legislative session in odd-numbered years.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The Joint Resolution takes effect upon ratification by the voters at the November 2014 general election.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Citizens rightly expect the Legislature to complete its business in a timely manner. This Joint Resolution provides an incentive to complete the peoples' work on time. Many citizens rely on the delivery of critical state services, and the failure to enact a budget on time leaves those services in doubt.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Hill, prime sponsor.