SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2800
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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Security, February 22, 2016
Title: An act relating to correcting a double amendment concerning county legislative authorities.
Brief Description: Correcting a double amendment concerning county legislative authorities.
Sponsors: Representative Haler.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/16/16, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Security: 2/22/16, 2/22/16 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & SECURITY |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Pearson, Vice Chair; Habib, McCoy and Takko.
Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)
Background: In 2015, the Legislature adopted two bill dealing with meetings of county legislative authorities. SHB 1145 established that two or more county legislative authorities may hold a joint regular meeting in the county seat of one of the participating counties if agenda items are of mutual interest or concern to the legislative authorities. Participating legislative authorities, in whose counties the meeting is not held, must provide notice of the meeting in accordance with the rules for special meetings.
HB 1013 established that county legislative authorities may hold a regular meeting in a location in the county that is outside the county seat. This may be done no more than once per calendar quarter, and only if the legislative authority determines that holding a meeting at an alternate location is in the interest of supporting greater citizen engagement in local government. A legislative authority holding a meeting outside of the county seat must give notice of the meeting at least 30 days before the meeting. The notice must be posted on the county's website, published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, and sent via electronic mail (e-mail) to residents of the county who have chosen to receive the notice via e-mail.
Summary of Bill: The statute is amended to reference both subsections that were added in SHB 1145 and HB 1013 and to correct internal references. The reference to receiving notice via electronic mail (email) is corrected.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is a clean-up bill. There were two sections that appeared to be in conflict with each other and this bill is designed to straighten those issues out. The provisions have worked well for the recent appointment of a vacancy in the Legislature in Pierce County and Thurston County. This bill is bringing the counties together and giving them the ability to meet together.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Haler, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.