HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1437

As Reported by House Committee On:

Local Government & Housing

Title:  An act relating to election procedures for park and recreation district commissioners.

Brief Description:  Authorizing a primary for park and recreation district commissioner elections.

Sponsors:  Representative Kessler.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Local Government & Housing:  1/14/02, 1/31/02 [DPS].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

$Removes the prohibition on park and recreation districts from nominating candidates in a primary election.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT & HOUSING

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Dunshee, Chair; Edwards, Vice Chair; Mulliken, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Crouse, Hatfield, Kirby and Sullivan.

Minority Report:  Without recommendation. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Dunn and Mielke.

Staff:  Scott MacColl (786‑7106).

Background:

Park and recreation districts are special purpose districts that are governed by a five member board of commissioners.  Commissioners are elected to four‑year, staggered terms of office, and run for specific commissioner positions.  Elections are held biennially in conjunction with the general election in each odd‑numbered year, and are held in accordance with the provisions in state law dealing with general elections, except that there is no primary to elect candidates.  All persons filing and qualifying shall appear on the general election ballot and the person receiving the largest number of votes for each position is elected.

Summary of  Substitute Bill:

The prohibition on park and recreation districts from having a primary to nominate candidates is removed.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

Specifically references using a primary under the general election statutes, and removes the requirement that all persons filing and qualifying appear on the general election ballot.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: (In support)  This bill is to prevent unlimited numbers of people from being on the general election ballot.

(Concerns)  The primary election for park and recreation districts was originally eliminated due to the cost of the primary to the district.  The districts are billed on a pro rata basis for the election.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: (In support) Representative Kessler, prime sponsor.

(Concerns) Bob Terwilliger, Snohomish County Auditor.