HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2525

As Reported by House Committee On:

Local Government & Housing

Title:  An act relating to calling special meetings in second class cities and code cities.

Brief Description:  Making consistent rules for calling special meetings in cities.

Sponsors:  Representatives Lysen, Mulliken, Dunshee, Mielke and Miloscia.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Local Government & Housing:  1/31/02 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

$Amends the laws related to special meetings for second class cities and code cities to make them consistent with the open public meetings act.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT & HOUSING

Majority Report:  Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Dunshee, Chair; Mulliken, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Crouse, DeBolt, Dunn, Hatfield, Mielke and Sullivan.

Minority Report:  Without recommendation. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Edwards, Vice Chair; and Kirby.

Staff:  Amy Wood (786‑7127).

Background:

The Public Meetings Act requires that when public boards adopt resolutions, rules, and directives, they must do so at public meetings, either regularly scheduled meetings or special meetings for which notice is given.  The act provides that a special meeting may be called by either the presiding officer or by a majority of the members of the governing agency.

The statute relating to special meetings for mayor‑council second class cities allows only the mayor to call a special meeting and not a majority of the council members.

The statute relating to special meetings for code cities allows the mayor or any three council members to call a special meeting.  Three members is not a majority, however, in cities that have a seven member council.

Summary of  Bill:

The statutes regarding special meetings for second class cities and code cities are each amended to be consistent with the open public meetings act.  The statute relating to second class cities and the statute relating to code cities are each amended to allow the mayor or a majority of the members of the city council to call a special meeting.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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

Testimony For:  The bill is merely a housekeeping measure which will allow cities to continue doing what they already do.  The bill will add clarification to existing law.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified: Representative Lysen, prime sponsor; and Ron Rosenbloom, Association of Washington Cities.