SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SJR 8209

                      As of March 8, 1999

Brief Description:  Fixing legislative salaries at forty percent of the governor's salary.

Sponsors:  Senator Deccio.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Ways & Means:  3/8/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff:  Pete Cutler (786-7454)

Background:  In 1986 the voters approved an amendment to the State Constitution requiring that salaries for members of the Legislature, elected officials of the executive branch of state government, and judges of the state's Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, superior courts, and district courts be fixed by an independent commission created by statute.

As a result of the constitutional amendment, the Washington Citizens Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials was created effective January 1, 1987.  In odd numbered years, the commission is required to develop a proposed salary schedule and hold at least four meetings between February and June to take public testimony on the proposed schedule prior to adopting the salary schedule in June.  Any change in salary must be filed with the Secretary of State and becomes law 90 days thereafter unless a referendum petition is filed within that period.

The legislation which created the commission provides that it is state policy to base salaries of elected state officials on realistic standards in order that such officials may be paid according to the duties of their offices and so that citizens of the highest quality may be attracted to public service.

Summary of Bill:  The state Constitution is amended to provide that salaries for members of the Legislature must be fixed by the independent commission at 40 percent of the salary fixed for the Governor.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on March 4, 1999.

Effective Date:  Thirty days after the election at which it is approved.