SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2508
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
State & Local Government, February 25, 2002
Title: An act relating to medical plans for elected city officials.
Brief Description: Revising provisions relating to medical plans for elected city officials.
Sponsors: Representatives Berkey, Casada, Dunshee, DeBolt, Sullivan, Crouse and Kirby.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: State & Local Government: 2/21/02, 2/25/02 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Gardner, Chair; Fairley, Vice Chair; Hale, Haugen, Horn, Keiser, Kline, T. Sheldon and Swecker.
Staff: Mac Nicholson (786‑7445)
Background: The Washington Constitution prohibits the compensation of any public officer to be increased or diminished during their term of office. A county, city, or other political subdivision may provide for part or all of a health insurance plan for its employees and elected officials. The cost of the plan to the public agency is not considered additional compensation to the elected officials covered thereby. Specifically, school, fire, port, public utility, water‑sewer, public hospital, and irrigation district elected commissioners and county elected officials are listed as officials for whom the cost of medical plans is not considered additional compensation.
Summary of Bill: The elected officials for whom the cost of medical plans is not considered additional compensation is expanded to include all city and town elected officials. The decision by a city or town to extend such a policy or plan must be included on the council agenda, adopted in an open meeting, and included as a line item in the city budget.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: This bill just clarifies that a city can provide medical plans for their elected officials and it is not considered additional compensation.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: Ron Rosenbloom, AWC (pro).