SENATE BILL REPORT

SJR 8219

BYSenator Halsan

Providing for limitation of salary adjustments for state elected officials.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 28, 1988

Senate Staff:Barbara Howard (786-7410); Eugene Green (786-7405)

AS OF JANUARY 28, 1988

BACKGROUND:

At the 1986 general election, voters approved SHJR 49, which created a new, independent commission to set the salaries for statewide elected officials and state legislators.  Implementing legislation for the process was also adopted in 1986, contingent upon passage of the constitutional amendment.

Under the law, the Commission formulated separate schedules of salaries for statewide elected officials (RCW 43.03.011), judges (RCW 43.03.012) and legislators (RCW 43.03.013).  A referendum effort against the salary schedules failed for lack of sufficient valid signatures.

It has been suggested that a more direct and less cumbersome method for setting elected officials' salaries would be to eliminate the commission and tie the salaries to those periodically granted by the Legislature to state employees and teachers.

SUMMARY:

Subject to approval by the voters, the Constitution is amended to eliminate the Washington Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials.

In its place is a requirement that the Legislature adjust salaries for members of the Legislature, elected officials of the executive branch and judges (including district court judges) on July 1, 1989 and annually thereafter to reflect the average salary adjustments granted to classified state employees and certificated public school teachers during the last 12 months.  A formula for calculating these averages is to be established by the Legislature.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available