HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2391

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 Passed House:

February 11, 2016

Title: An act relating to county payroll draw days.

Brief Description: Concerning county payroll draw days.

Sponsors: Representatives McCabe, Appleton, Griffey, Tharinger, Springer, Peterson, McBride, Manweller, Johnson, Reykdal, Chandler, Fitzgibbon, Dent, Kochmar, Wilcox, Pike and Moscoso.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Local Government: 1/21/16, 1/26/16 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/11/16, 96-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Modifies draw-day procedures applicable in a county that pays its officers and employees once a month by increasing the amount of salary paid on the draw day and allowing payroll deductions from salary paid on the draw day.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Appleton, Chair; Gregerson, Vice Chair; Taylor, Ranking Minority Member; Griffey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Fitzgibbon, McBride, McCaslin, Peterson and Pike.

Staff: Cassie Jones (786-7303).

Background:

State law authorizes counties to pay their officers and employees according to these different methods:

Summary of Bill:

The draw day procedure for once-a-month pay is modified so that not more than 50 percent of earned salary is paid on the draw day. Additionally, payroll deductions may be deducted from salary that is paid on the draw day.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill aligns state and federal laws regarding payroll. Some counties use a monthly payroll. Because taxes are not taken out of the draw-day pay, the counties are out of compliance with the Internal Revenue Service . This bill would allow a county to comply with the federal government and not be fined. The increase to 50 percent of their monthly draw is for the convenience of the employee so in cases where federal deductions are made on the draw, the draw can also be increased to 50 percent. This bill would allow the counties to comply with federal laws without having to bear the costs of a new payroll system.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative McCabe, prime sponsor; and Charles Ross, Yakima County Auditor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.