Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee |
HB 1008
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Changing the definition of "immediate family" for purpose of membership on the Washington citizens' commission on salaries for elected officials.
Sponsors: Representatives Appleton and Hunt.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/12/11
Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).
Background:
The Washington Citizen's Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials (Commission) is an appointed body responsible for biennially creating a proposed schedule of salaries for specified state officials. The elected officials subject to the salary proposals of the Commission include:
members of the Legislature;
elected officials of the executive branch of state government; and
judges of the Supreme Court, courts of appeals, superior courts, and district courts.
The Commission consists of 16 members appointed by the Governor pursuant to specified selection procedures involving the Secretary of State, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of the Senate. Seven of the 16 members must be members of specified professions with experience in personnel management. Specified categories of individuals are ineligible for membership on the Commission, including:
state officials;
public employees;
lobbyists ; or
immediate family members of a state official, public employee, or lobbyist.
"Immediate family" is defined by statute to mean the parents, spouse or domestic partner, siblings, children, or dependent relative of a state official, public employee, or lobbyist.
Summary of Bill:
As it applies to public employees, the definition of "immediate family" is narrowed so as to include only the parents, spouse or domestic partner, siblings, children, or other dependent relative of the employee living in the household of the employee. This revision of the definition has the effect of authorizing a family member of a public employee to serve on the Commission provided the family member does not reside in the employee's home.
This revised definition of immediate family applies retroactively to those appointments made since February 15, 1987.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.