Title: An act relating to training for newly elected county officers.

Brief Description: Providing training for new county officers.

Sponsors: Representatives Flannigan, Hinkle, Takko and Shabro.

Brief History:

Local Government: 1/16/06 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by Representatives Simpson, Chair; Clibborn, Vice Chair; Schindler, Ranking Minority Member; Ahern, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; B. Sullivan, Takko and Woods.

Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).

Background:

State law contains numerous statutes pertaining to the duties, responsibilities, salaries, insurance coverage, and compensation for an elected county officer, but which become effective only subsequent to the official assumption of the office. Existing law does not address the issue of funding the reimbursement of expenses incurred by newly elected county officers for training and education pertinent to undertaking their official duties, but which are incurred prior to taking office.

Summary of Bill:

The expenses incurred by newly elected county officers in obtaining training and education pertinent to undertaking the duties of the office, but incurred before officially assuming office, may be reimbursed from public funds. The expenses subject to such reimbursement may include the actual cost of the training/education, as well as the reasonable costs of travel, housing, and meals. County funds may be used for reimbursing such expenses in the event there are no state funds available for this purpose.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: This bill is needed in order to provide a mechanism for the reimbursement of county officials for training/education expenses they incur prior to taking office. It is important for such officials to receive advance training and education pertaining to the official duties they will be assuming. The reimbursement allowed under this bill will provide an incentive to receive such training. This is a good bill that passed the house last year by unanimous vote.

Testimony Against: None.

Persons Testifying: Eric Johnson, Washington Association of Counties; Debbie Wilke, Washington Association of County Officials.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.