SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5197

BYSenators Pullen, Talmadge, Nelson, Rasmussen and Warnke; by request of Governor

Broadening the definition of executive state officer.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 6, 1989; February 23, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5197 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; Madsen, Nelson, Newhouse, Rinehart, Talmadge, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Jon Carlson (786-7459)

                  February 24, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE, FEBRUARY 23, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Between January 1 and April 15 of each year, elected officials and executive state officers must file a statement of financial affairs for the preceding year with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC).  However, the list of those defined as "executive state officers" does not currently include a number of individuals who are in a position to make financial decisions, or who make decisions with financial implications.

SUMMARY:

A number of boards and commissions are added to the list of state agencies whose administrators, directors, and members must file a yearly statement of financial affairs as executive state officers under the Public Disclosure Act.

State executive officers who assume their positions before the effective date of this act, and who are exempt from financial reporting requirements, are not required to report under the provisions of this act until they are reappointed to such positions. 

All persons who are required to file a statement of financial affairs as executive state officers are consolidated into the public officials financial affairs section of the Public Disclosure Act.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The following are removed from the statement of financial affairs reporting requirement:  Adjutant General, Public Printer, Superintendent of the School for the Blind, Superintendent of the School for the Deaf, State Librarian, and the Community Economic Revitalization Board.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Fred Hellberg, OFM (pro); Evelyn Sun, Washington State Lottery