HB 1282-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Finds that some people may have difficulty gaining access to the political process and that the process can be improved by providing alternative mechanisms for participation by the citizens of the state. The legislature intends to establish a self-funding pilot process by which citizens can receive information about public issues and provide input to their elected officials.

Provides that any person who lives or works in Washington may volunteer to act as a citizen councilor by sending a letter of application to the state auditor and paying a fee as set by the state auditor to recover the costs of the citizen councilor program.

Provides that citizen councilors shall act collectively as advisors for the legislature. Conveners of citizen councilor groups shall be those designated by the citizen councilor coordinator or deputy citizen councilor coordinator under this act from among citizen councilors who volunteer to host a group.

Provides that citizen councilor groups shall: (1) Gather information and study issues determined to be important to the citizens of the state;

(2) Solicit input, comments, and suggestions from citizens and groups throughout the state; and

(3) By December 1st of each calendar year, file a written report of the groups' activities, including the subjects addressed by the group and the conclusions and collective advice from the group, with the citizen councilor coordinator.