Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government Committee |
SB 6171
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: Concerning civil penalties for knowing attendance by a member of a governing body at a meeting held in violation of the open public meetings act.
Sponsors: Senators Roach, Liias and Benton; by request of Attorney General.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 2/23/16
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
The Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) requires public access to attend all meetings of the governing body of a state or local agency or subagency that involves the transaction of official business. Any law, rule, regulation, or directive adopted by a governing body must be at an open meeting. The governing body must set a regular meeting schedule by law or rule and make meeting agendas available no less than 24 hours before a regular meeting.
The member of a governing body who attends a meeting in violation of any provision of the OPMA with knowledge of the violation may be charged a civil penalty of $100 assessed by a superior court judge. Any person may bring an action to enforce such a penalty.
Summary of Bill:
The penalty against the member of a governing body attending a meeting in violation of the OPMA is increased from $100 to $500. Any member who has previously been assessed a penalty is subject to a $1,000 penalty for any subsequent violation of the OPMA.
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.