SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5291

BYSenators Metcalf, Barr, Benitz and Rasmussen

Requiring open meetings for interagency agreements.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 9, 1989

Senate Staff:Barbara Howard (786-7410); Sam Thompson (786-7754)

AS OF FEBRUARY 8, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Washington's Interlocal Cooperation Act allows broad flexibility for joint contracting among state agencies, units of local government, federal agencies and federally recognized Indian tribes.  The provisions also allow for contracts with public agencies having similar powers in other states.

It has been suggested that negotiations for some formal agreements between state agencies and other public bodies have not been conducted openly enough to serve the public interest.

SUMMARY:

Actions and deliberations on proposed agreements under the Interlocal Cooperation Act must be undertaken openly. Participating state agencies are required to give notice and permit the public and any interested individual to attend public meetings.  Such negotiations are specifically subject to the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act (Chap. 42.30 RCW) and the 1989 Administrative Procedure Act (Chap. 34.05 RCW).

A severability clause is included.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested