SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1645
As Passed Senate, March 31, 2023
Title: An act relating to meetings of county legislative authorities.
Brief Description: Concerning meetings of county legislative authorities.
Sponsors: Representatives Barnard, Duerr, Connors, Riccelli, Cheney, Hutchins, McClintock, Chambers, McEntire, Sandlin, Eslick, Low, Street, Maycumber, Fitzgibbon, Macri, Reed, Rude, Lekanoff and Ramel.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/4/23, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs: 3/14/23 [DP].
Floor Activity: Passed Senate: 3/31/23, 47-1.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Authorizes county legislative bodies to hold regular meetings outside of the county seat up to once per calendar month or per calendar quarter under certain circumstances.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT, LAND USE & TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Lovelett, Chair; Salomon, Vice Chair; Torres, Ranking Member; Kauffman and Short.
Staff: Maggie Douglas (786-7279)
Background:

County legislative authorities are responsible for directing the short- and long-range policy goals and outcomes for the county government and its constituents.
 
County legislative authorities are required to hold all regular meetings at the county seat. A regular meeting is defined as a meeting that is held in accordance to a schedule adopted by ordinance, resolution, order or rule by the county legislative authority. The legislative authority may, no more than once per calendar quarter, hold a regular meeting at a location outside of the county seat but within the county if the county legislative authority determines that holding a meeting at an alternate location would be in the interests of supporting greater citizen engagement in local government. Notice of the meeting must be provided at least 30 days prior to the meeting on the county's website, in a newspaper of general circulation, and to any county resident who has asked to receive notice by electronic mail.
Summary of Bill:

The county legislative authority may increase the frequency of holding regular meetings outside the county seat to no more than once per calendar month in a city with a population greater than the city in which the county seat is located, or once per calendar quarter in any other location. No more than one meeting per calendar month may be held at an alternate location.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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:

No public hearing was held.
Persons Testifying: N/A
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: N/A