SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1285
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 of March 18, 2019
Title: An act relating to adding the treasurer to the public works board.
Brief Description: Adding the treasurer to the public works board.
Sponsors: Representatives Doglio, Steele, Kirby, Tharinger, Ryu, DeBolt, Volz, Dolan, Frame and Rude; by request of State Treasurer.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/07/19, 93-4.
Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections: 3/15/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Staff: Melissa Van Gorkom (786-7491)
Background: The Public Works Board (Board) administers the public works assistance account to provide loans to local governments and special purpose districts with infrastructure projects. The Board is staffed by the Department of Commerce and includes 13 voting members appointed by the Governor including:
two elected officials and one public works manager representing cities;
two elected officials and one public works manager representing counties;
three members representing public utility and water-sewer districts; and
four members representing the general public.
Members appointed by the Governor serve a four-year term and may be removed by the Governor for cause. If a vacancy occurs by death, resignation, or otherwise, the Governor will fill the vacant position for the unexpired term.
Summary of Bill: Board membership is increased from 13 to 14 members by adding the state treasurer, or the state treasurer's designee.
The authority of the Governor to remove a member of the Board or fill a vacancy is clarified to only pertain to members of the Board appointed by the Governor, not the state treasurer.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Adding the treasurer to the Board brings more fiscal knowledge to the Board as well as the expertise of staff from the Treasurer's Office. The Treasurer is in charge of managing public money from the point in time it is collected to the time it is spent in state government. The Treasurer has vast experience in banking investment, debt management and bonding and would bring that experience to the table. It could not be more fitting for the Treasurer to be a part of the Board.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Beth Doglio, Prime Sponsor; Catherine Mele, Office of the State Treasurer; Mara Machulsky, Public Works Board.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.