Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Education Committee

SB 5546

Brief Description:  Reclassifying the state board of education as a class four group.

Sponsors:  By Senators McAuliffe, Finkbeiner, Rasmussen, B. Sheldon, Fairley, Johnson, Hewitt, Eide and Kohl‑Welles; by request of State Board of Education.

Hearing Date:  3/22/01.

Staff:  Susan Morrissey (786‑7111).

Background: 

Part-time state boards and commissions are divided into five groups based primarily on the duties and functions of the board or commission.  The State Board of Education is currently a class three group.  Class three groups have rulemaking authority, perform quasi-judicial functions, and regulate and set policies for professions, occupations, businesses, or industries.  Members of a class three group may receive up to $50 a day when attending an official meeting, in addition to food, lodging, and travel allowances.

Class four groups perform the same functions as the class three groups; however, the duties of the class four group are considered to be of "overriding sensitivity and importance to the public welfare and the operation of state government."  Usually, a class four group meets more than 100 hours a year.  Members of a class four group may receive up to $100 a day when attending an official meeting, in addition to food, lodging, and travel allowances.

Summary of Bill: 

The State Board of Education is changed from a class three group to a class four group.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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