This chapter does not apply to any position in or employee of the Washington health benefit exchange established in chapter 43.71 RCW.

Effective date—2012 c 87 §§ 4, 16, 18, and 19-23: See note following RCW 43.71.030.

Spiritual care services—2012 c 87: See RCW 43.71.901.

The annual salaries of the following named state elected officials shall be prescribed by the Washington citizens' commission on salaries for elected officials: Governor; lieutenant governor: PROVIDED, That in arriving at the annual salary of the lieutenant governor the commission shall prescribe a fixed amount plus a sum equal to 1/260th of the difference between the annual salary of the lieutenant governor and the annual salary of the governor for each day that the lieutenant governor is called upon to perform the duties of the governor by reason of the absence from the state, removal, resignation, death, or disability of the governor; secretary of state; state treasurer; state auditor; attorney general; superintendent of public instruction; commissioner of public lands; and state insurance commissioner. Members of the legislature shall receive for their service per annum the amount prescribed by the Washington citizens' commission on salaries for elected officials; and in addition, reimbursement for mileage for travel to and from legislative sessions as provided in RCW 43.03.060.

Effective date—1986 c 161 § 1: "Section 1 of this act shall take effect on January 1, 1987." [ 1986 c 161 § 3.]

Severability—1986 c 161: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1986 c 161 § 5.]

Contingent effective date—Severability—1986 c 155: See notes following RCW 43.03.300.

Effective date—1979 ex.s. c 255: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1979." [ 1979 ex.s. c 255 § 11.]

Effective date—1977 ex.s. c 318: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect on July 1, 1977." [ 1977 ex.s. c 318 § 7.]

Severability—1975 1st ex.s. c 263: "If any provision of this 1975 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1975 1st ex.s. c 263 § 7.]

Effective date—1975 1st ex.s. c 263: "This 1975 amendatory act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1975." [ 1975 1st ex.s. c 263 § 8.]

Severability—1974 ex.s. c 149 (Initiative Measure No. 282): "If any provision of this act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1974 ex.s. c 149 § 7 (Initiative Measure No. 282).]

Construction—1965 ex.s. c 127: "The salary increases provided for herein shall take effect at the earliest time allowable by the Constitution of the state of Washington, including Article II, section 13, Article II, section 25, Article IV, section 13, and Article XXVIII: PROVIDED, That it is the intent of the legislature that nothing in this act shall render a member of the legislature or of the judiciary ineligible to file for and be elected to the legislature or the judiciary respectively." [ 1965 ex.s. c 127 § 5.]

Salaries of elected officials: State Constitution Art. 28 § 1.

Washington citizens' commission on salaries for elected officials: RCW 43.03.305.

Pursuant to Article XXVIII, section 1 of the state Constitution and RCW 43.03.010 and 43.03.310, the annual salaries of the state elected officials of the executive branch shall be as follows:

(1) Effective July 1, 2022:

(a) Governor. . . . $190,632

(b) Lieutenant governor. . . . $119,353

(c) Secretary of state. . . . $136,996

(d) Treasurer. . . . $156,303

(e) Auditor. . . . $134,526

(f) Attorney general. . . . $175,274

(g) Superintendent of public instruction. . . . $155,678

(h) Commissioner of public lands. . . . $155,678

(i) Insurance commissioner. . . . $140,110

(2) Effective July 1, 2023:

(a) Governor. . . . $198,257

(b) Lieutenant governor. . . . $124,127

(c) Secretary of state. . . . $145,714

(d) Treasurer. . . . $162,555

(e) Auditor. . . . $145,714

(f) Attorney general. . . . $187,543

(g) Superintendent of public instruction. . . . $161,905

(h) Commissioner of public lands. . . . $161,905

(i) Insurance commissioner. . . . $145,714

(3) Effective July 1, 2024:

(a) Governor. . . . $204,205

(b) Lieutenant governor. . . . $127,851

(c) Secretary of state. . . . $150,085

(d) Treasurer. . . . $167,432

(e) Auditor. . . . $150,085

(f) Attorney general. . . . $193,169

(g) Superintendent of public instruction. . . . $166,762

(h) Commissioner of public lands. . . . $166,762

(i) Insurance commissioner. . . . $150,085

(4) The lieutenant governor shall receive the fixed amount of his or her salary plus 1/260th of the difference between his or her salary and that of the governor for each day that the lieutenant governor is called upon to perform the duties of the governor by reason of the absence from the state, removal, resignation, death, or disability of the governor.

Pursuant to Article XXVIII, section 1 of the state Constitution and RCW 2.04.092, 2.06.062, 2.08.092, 3.58.010, and 43.03.310, the annual salaries of the judges of the state shall be as follows:

(1) Effective July 1, 2022:

(a) Chief justice of the supreme court. . . . $227,410

(b) Justices of the supreme court. . . . $224,176

(c) Judges of the court of appeals. . . . $213,400

(d) Judges of the superior court. . . . $203,169

(e) Full-time judges of the district

court. . . . $193,447

(2) Effective July 1, 2023:

(a) Chief justice of the supreme court. . . . $243,329

(b) Justices of the supreme court. . . . $239,868

(c) Judges of the court of appeals. . . . $228,338

(d) Judges of the superior court. . . . $217,391

(e) Full-time judges of the district

court. . . . $206,988

(3) Effective July 1, 2024:

(a) Chief justice of the supreme court. . . . $255,495

(b) Justices of the supreme court. . . . $251,861

(c) Judges of the court of appeals. . . . $239,755

(d) Judges of the superior court. . . . $228,261

(e) Full-time judges of the district

court. . . . $217,337

(4) The salary for a part-time district court judge shall be the proportion of full-time work for which the position is authorized, multiplied by the salary for a full-time district court judge.

Pursuant to Article XXVIII, section 1 of the state Constitution and RCW 43.03.010 and 43.03.310, the annual salary of members of the legislature shall be:

(1) Effective July 1, 2022:

(a) Legislators. . . . $57,876

(b) Speaker of the house. . . . $66,016

(c) Senate majority leader. . . . $66,016

(d) House minority leader. . . . $61,946

(e) Senate minority leader. . . . $61,946

(2) Effective July 1, 2023:

(a) Legislators. . . . $60,191

(b) Speaker of the house. . . . $68,657

(c) Senate majority leader. . . . $68,657

(d) House minority leader. . . . $64,424

(e) Senate minority leader. . . . $64,424

(3) Effective July 1, 2024:

(a) Legislators. . . . $61,997

(b) Speaker of the house. . . . $70,717

(c) Senate majority leader. . . . $70,717

(d) House minority leader. . . . $66,357

(e) Senate minority leader. . . . $66,357

Any person appointed to fill a vacancy that may occur in either the senate or house of representatives of the state legislature, prior to his or her qualification at the next succeeding regular or special session of the legislature shall be entitled to the same emoluments of office as the duly elected member whom he or she succeeded.

Eligibility of member of legislature to appointment or election to office of official whose salary was increased during legislator's term: RCW 3.58.010.

Whenever by reason of the absence from the state or the disability of the governor, the lieutenant governor is called upon temporarily to perform the duties of the office of governor, he or she shall be paid upon his or her personal voucher therefor the sum of ten dollars per day for expenses.

It is hereby declared to be the public policy of this state to base the salaries of public officials on realistic standards in order that such officials may be paid according to the true value of their services and the best qualified citizens may be attracted to public service. It is the purpose of this section and RCW 43.03.040 to effectuate this policy by utilizing the expert knowledge of citizens having access to pertinent facts concerning proper salaries for public officials, thus removing and dispelling any thought of political consideration in fixing the appropriateness of the amount of such salaries.

Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7: "Sections 1 through 118, 120 through 122, and 124 through 150 of chapter 7, Laws of 2010 1st sp. sess. are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect June 30, 2010." [ 2010 1st sp.s. c 26 § 12; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7 § 150.]

Severability—1970 ex.s. c 43: "If any provision of this 1970 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected." [ 1970 ex.s. c 43 § 7.]

(1) The office of financial management shall study the duties and salaries of the directors of the several departments and the members of the several boards and commissions of state government, who are subject to appointment by the governor or whose salaries are fixed by the governor, and of the chief executive officers of the following agencies of state government:

The arts commission; the human rights commission; the board of accountancy; the eastern Washington historical society; the Washington state historical society; the recreation and conservation office; the criminal justice training commission; the traffic safety commission; the horse racing commission; the public disclosure commission; the state conservation commission; the commission on Hispanic affairs; the commission on Asian Pacific American affairs; the state board for volunteer firefighters and reserve officers; the transportation improvement board; the public employment relations commission; and the energy facilities site evaluation council.

(2) The office of financial management shall report to the governor or the chairperson of the appropriate salary fixing authority at least once in each fiscal biennium on such date as the governor may designate, but not later than seventy-five days prior to the convening of each regular session of the legislature during an odd-numbered year, its recommendations for the salaries to be fixed for each position.

Effective date—Purpose—2011 1st sp.s. c 43: See notes following RCW 43.19.003.

Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.03.027.

Intent—Effective date—2007 c 241: See notes following RCW 79A.25.005.

Effective date—1993 c 281: See note following RCW 41.06.022.

Findings—1993 c 101: See note following RCW 27.34.010.

Effective date—1993 c 101: See RCW 27.34.916.

Savings—Severability—1988 c 167: See notes following RCW 47.26.121.

Contingent effective date—Severability—1986 c 155: See notes following RCW 43.03.300.

Severability—Effective date—1982 c 163: See notes following RCW 2.10.052.

Severability—1970 ex.s. c 43: See note following RCW 43.03.027.

(1) Wherever the compensation of any appointive state officer or employee is fixed by statute, it may be hereafter increased or decreased in the manner provided by law for the fixing of compensation of other appointive state officers or employees; but this subsection shall not apply to the heads of state departments.

(2) Wherever the compensation of any state officer appointed by the governor, or of any employee in any office or department under the control of any such officer, is fixed by statute, such compensation may hereafter, from time to time, be changed by the governor, and he or she shall have power to fix such compensation at any amount not to exceed the amount fixed by statute.

(3) From February 18, 2009, through June 30, 2013, a salary or wage increase shall not be granted to any position under this section, except that increases may be granted for positions for which the employer has demonstrated difficulty retaining qualified employees if the following conditions are met:

(a) The salary increase can be paid within existing resources;

(b) The salary increase will not adversely impact the provision of client services; and

(c) For any state agency of the executive branch, not including institutions of higher education, the salary increase is approved by the director of the office of financial management.

Any agency granting a salary increase from February 15, 2010, through June 30, 2011, to a position exempt under this section shall submit a report to the fiscal committees of the legislature no later than July 31, 2011, detailing the positions for which salary increases were granted, the size of the increases, and the reasons for giving the increases.

Any agency granting a salary increase from July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2013, to a position exempt under this section shall submit a report to the fiscal committees of the legislature by July 31, 2012, and July 31, 2013, detailing the positions for which salary increases were granted during the preceding fiscal year, the size of the increases, and the reasons for giving the increases.

From July 1, 2011, through June 29, 2013, salaries for all positions under this section are subject to RCW 41.04.820.

Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 39: See note following RCW 41.04.820.

Effective date—2010 c 1: See note following RCW 41.06.070.

Effective date—2009 c 5: See note following RCW 41.06.070.

Subject to RCW 41.04.820, the directors of the several departments and members of the several boards and commissions, whose salaries are fixed by the governor and the chief executive officers of the agencies named in RCW 43.03.028(1) as now or hereafter amended shall each severally receive such salaries, payable in monthly installments, as shall be fixed by the governor or the appropriate salary fixing authority, and, unless set according to RCW 41.26.717(1), in an amount not to exceed the recommendations of the office of financial management. From February 18, 2009, through June 30, 2013, a salary or wage increase shall not be granted to any position under this section, except that increases may be granted for positions for which the employer has demonstrated difficulty retaining qualified employees if the following conditions are met:

(1) The salary increase can be paid within existing resources;

(2) The salary increase will not adversely impact the provision of client services; and

(3) For any state agency of the executive branch, not including institutions of higher education, the salary increase is approved by the director of the office of financial management.

Any agency granting a salary increase from February 15, 2010, through June 30, 2011, to a position under this section shall submit a report to the fiscal committees of the legislature no later than July 31, 2011, detailing the positions for which salary increases were granted, the size of the increases, and the reasons for giving the increases.

Any agency granting a salary increase from July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2013, to a position under this section shall submit a report to the fiscal committees of the legislature by July 31, 2012, and July 31, 2013, detailing the positions for which salary increases were granted during the preceding fiscal year, the size of the increases, and the reasons for giving the increases.

Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 39: See note following RCW 41.04.820.

Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.03.027.

Effective date—2010 c 1: See note following RCW 41.06.070.

Effective date—2009 c 5: See note following RCW 41.06.070.

Severability—Effective dates—1993 sp.s. c 24: See notes following RCW 28A.310.020.

Contingent effective date—Severability—1986 c 155: See notes following RCW 43.03.300.

Severability—1970 ex.s. c 43: See note following RCW 43.03.027.

Exceptions to restrictions on subsistence, lodging, or travel expenses under this chapter may be granted for the critically necessary work of an agency. For boards, commissions, councils, committees, or similar groups in agencies of the executive branch, the exceptions are subject to approval by the agency head or authorized designee. For boards, commissions, councils, committees, or similar groups in the executive branch under the purview of a separately elected official, president of an institution of higher education, chair, or executive director, the exceptions are subject to approval of the separately elected official, president of the institution of higher education, chair, or executive director. For agencies of the judicial branch, the exceptions shall be subject to approval of the chief justice of the supreme court. For the house of representatives and the senate, the exceptions shall be subject to the approval of the chief clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate, respectively, under the direction of the senate committee on facilities and operations and the executive rules committee of the house of representatives. For other legislative agencies, the exceptions shall be subject to approval of both the chief clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate under the direction of the senate committee on facilities and operations and the executive rules committee of the house of representatives.

Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 21: See note following RCW 72.23.025.

(1) The director of financial management shall prescribe reasonable allowances to cover reasonable and necessary subsistence and lodging expenses for elective and appointive officials and state employees while engaged on official business away from their designated posts of duty. The director of financial management may prescribe and regulate the allowances provided in lieu of subsistence and lodging expenses and may prescribe the conditions under which reimbursement for subsistence and lodging may be allowed. The schedule of allowances adopted by the office of financial management may include special allowances for foreign travel and other travel involving higher than usual costs for subsistence and lodging. The allowances established by the director shall not exceed the rates set by the federal government for federal employees. However, during the 2003-05 fiscal biennium, the allowances for any county that is part of a metropolitan statistical area, the largest city of which is in another state, shall equal the allowances prescribed for that larger city.

(2) Those persons appointed to serve without compensation on any state board, commission, or committee, if entitled to payment of travel expenses, shall be paid pursuant to special per diem rates prescribed in accordance with subsection (1) of this section by the office of financial management.

(3) The director of financial management may prescribe reasonable allowances to cover reasonable expenses for meals, coffee, and light refreshment served to elective and appointive officials and state employees regardless of travel status at a meeting where: (a) The purpose of the meeting is to conduct official state business or to provide formal training to state employees or state officials; (b) the meals, coffee, or light refreshment are an integral part of the meeting or training session; (c) the meeting or training session takes place away from the employee's or official's regular workplace; and (d) the agency head or authorized designee approves payments in advance for the meals, coffee, or light refreshment. In order to prevent abuse, the director may regulate such allowances and prescribe additional conditions for claiming the allowances.

(4) Upon approval of the agency head or authorized designee, an agency may serve coffee or light refreshments at a meeting where: (a) The purpose of the meeting is to conduct state business or to provide formal training that benefits the state; and (b) the coffee or light refreshment is an integral part of the meeting or training session. The director of financial management shall adopt requirements necessary to prohibit abuse of the authority authorized in this subsection.

(5) The director of financial management shall prescribe reasonable allowances to cover reasonable and necessary child and adult care expenses incurred by eligible members of a class one board, commission, council, committee, or similar group, who are authorized under RCW 43.03.220 to receive such allowances, while attending an official meeting or performing statutorily prescribed duties approved by the chairperson of the group.

(6) The schedule of allowances prescribed by the director under the terms of this section and any subsequent increases in any maximum allowance or special allowances for areas of higher than usual costs shall be reported to the ways and means committees of the house of representatives and the senate at each regular session of the legislature.

(7) No person designated as a member of a class one through class three or class five board, commission, council, committee, or similar group may receive an allowance for subsistence, lodging, or travel expenses if the allowance cost is funded by the state general fund, unless authorized under RCW 43.03.220 or granted an exception under RCW 43.03.049.

Findings—2022 c 245: See note following RCW 43.03.220.

Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 21: See note following RCW 72.23.025.

Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.03.027.

Severability—Effective date—2003 1st sp.s. c 25: See notes following RCW 19.28.351.

Effective date—Construction—1977 ex.s. c 312: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately except that any new schedule of allowances under either RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 as now or hereafter amended shall not be effective until July 1, 1977 or later." [ 1977 ex.s. c 312 § 5.]

Effective date—Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34: See notes following RCW 2.08.115.

(1) Whenever it becomes necessary for elective or appointive officials or employees of the state to travel away from their designated posts of duty while engaged on official business, and it is found to be more advantageous or economical to the state that travel be by a privately-owned vehicle rather than a common carrier or a state-owned or operated vehicle, a mileage rate established by the director of financial management shall be allowed. The mileage rate established by the director shall not exceed any rate set by the United States treasury department above which the substantiation requirements specified in Treasury Department Regulations section 1.274-5T(a)(1), as now law or hereafter amended, will apply.

(2) The director of financial management may prescribe and regulate the specific mileage rate or other allowance for the use of privately-owned vehicles or common carriers on official business and the conditions under which reimbursement of transportation costs may be allowed. The reimbursement or other payment for transportation expenses of any employee or appointive official of the state shall be based on the method deemed most advantageous or economical to the state.

(3) The mileage rate established by the director of financial management pursuant to this section and any subsequent changes thereto shall be reported to the ways and means committees of the house of representatives and the senate at each regular session of the legislature.

(4) No person designated as a member of a class one through class three or class five board, commission, council, committee, or similar group may receive an allowance for subsistence, lodging, or travel expenses if the allowance cost is funded by the state general fund, unless authorized under RCW 43.03.220 or granted an exception under RCW 43.03.049.

Findings—2022 c 245: See note following RCW 43.03.220.

Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 21: See note following RCW 72.23.025.

Effective date—Construction—1977 ex.s. c 312: See note following RCW 43.03.050.

Effective date—Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34: See notes following RCW 2.08.115.

Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, employees of the corporation formed under *RCW 67.40.020 shall be reimbursed for actual and reasonable travel and subsistence expenses incurred out of state for the purpose of marketing the convention center as may be requested or performed by the chief executive officer of the corporation subject to approval of the office of financial management. Reimbursement under this section may not be for promotional hosting expenditures.

*Reviser's note: RCW 67.40.020 was repealed by 2010 1st sp.s. c 15 § 15, effective December 30, 2010.

The allowances prescribed pursuant to RCW 43.03.050 as now or hereafter amended may be paid as reimbursements to individuals for subsistence and lodging expenses during official travel. Alternatively, amounts not exceeding those allowances may be paid directly to appropriate suppliers of subsistence and lodging, when more economical and advantageous to the state, under general rules and regulations adopted by the director of financial management with the advice of the state auditor. Payments to suppliers for subsistence and lodging expenses of individuals in travel status shall not result in a cost to the state in excess of what would be payable by way of reimbursements to the individuals involved.

Effective date—Construction—1977 ex.s. c 312: See note following RCW 43.03.050.

Whenever it is reasonably necessary to the successful performance of the required duty of a state office, commission, department or institution to transfer a deputy or other employee from one station to another within the state, thereby necessitating a change of such deputy's or employee's domicile, it shall be lawful for such office, commission, department or institution to move such deputy's or employee's household goods and effects to the new station at the expense of the state, or to defray the actual cost of such removal by common carrier, or otherwise, at the expense of the state, in which latter event reimbursement to the deputy or employee shall be upon voucher submitted by him or her and approved by the department head.

Any state office, commission, department or institution may also pay the moving expenses of a new employee, necessitated by his or her acceptance of state employment, pursuant to mutual agreement with such employee in advance of his or her employment. Payment for all expenses authorized by RCW 43.03.060, 43.03.110 through 43.03.210 including moving expenses of new employees, exempt or classified, and others, shall be subject to reasonable rules adopted by the director of financial management, including regulations defining allowable moving costs: PROVIDED, That, if the new employee terminates or causes termination of his or her employment with the state within one year of the date of employment, the state shall be entitled to reimbursement for the moving costs which have been paid and may withhold such sum as necessary therefor from any amounts due the employee.

Effective date—Purpose—2011 1st sp.s. c 43: See notes following RCW 43.19.003.

An agency may, within existing resources, authorize lump sum relocation compensation when it determines it is necessary to successfully recruit and retain qualified candidates who will have to make a domiciliary move in order to accept the position. It is lawful for a state office, commission, department, or institution to, within existing resources, authorize lump sum relocation compensation as authorized by rule under chapter 41.06 RCW and in accordance with the provisions of chapter 43.88 RCW. If the person receiving the relocation payment terminates or causes termination with the state, for reasons other than layoff, disability separation, or other good cause as determined by an agency director, within one year of the date of the employment, the state is entitled to reimbursement of the lump sum compensation.

Findings—1999 c 297: "The legislature finds that recruiting and retaining a highly qualified workforce is essential to deliver high quality public programs. One factor that impairs recruitment or transfer of public employees is the housing cost differential between the rural and urban areas of the state. This housing cost differential can cause state employees to decline promotional or transfer opportunities if the costs associated with such moves are not compensated.

Therefore, the legislature finds that it is in the interest of the citizens of the state of Washington to authorize an employing agency to offer assistance to state employees to relocate from one part of the state to another. This assistance is referred to as relocation compensation and is commonplace with private and federal government employers." [ 1999 c 297 § 1.]

Any state office, commission, department or institution may agree to pay the travel expenses of a prospective employee as an inducement for such applicant to travel to a designated place to be interviewed by and for the convenience of such agency. Travel expenses authorized for prospective employees called for interviews shall be payable at rates in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 as now existing or hereafter amended. When an applicant is called to be interviewed by or on behalf of more than one agency, the authorized travel expenses may be paid directly by the authorizing personnel department or agency, subject to reimbursement from the interviewing agencies on a pro rata basis.

In the case of both classified and exempt positions, such travel expenses will be paid only for applicants being considered for the positions of director, deputy director, assistant director, or supervisor of state departments, boards or commissions; or equivalent or higher positions; or engineers, or other personnel having both executive and professional status. In the case of the state investment board, such travel expenses may also be paid for applicants being considered for investment officer positions. In the case of four-year institutions of higher education, such travel expenses will be paid only for applicants being considered for academic positions above the rank of instructor or professional or administrative employees in supervisory positions. In the case of community and technical colleges, such travel expenses may be paid for applicants being considered for full-time faculty positions or administrative employees in supervisory positions.

Effective date—Purpose—2011 1st sp.s. c 43: See notes following RCW 43.19.003.

Effective date—Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34: See notes following RCW 2.08.115.

Whenever it becomes necessary for an elective or appointive official or employee of the state to travel and to incur expenses for which reimbursement may be made, it shall be the policy of the state to make reasonable allowances to such officers and employees in advance of expenditure, on request of such officer or employee, under appropriate rules and regulations prescribed by the director of financial management.

"Department", as used herein, shall mean every department, office, agency or institution of state government.

The head of any state department may issue an advance warrant on the request of any officer or employee for the purpose of defraying his or her anticipated reimbursable expenses while traveling on business of such state department away from his or her designated post of duty, except expenses in connection with the use of a personal automobile. The amount of such advance shall not exceed the amount of such reasonably anticipated expenses of the officer or employee to be necessarily incurred in the course of such business of the state for a period of not to exceed ninety days. Department heads shall establish written policies prescribing a reasonable amount for which such warrants may be written.

On or before the tenth day following each month in which such advance was furnished to the officer or employee, he or she shall submit to the head of his or her department a fully itemized travel expense voucher fully justifying the expenditure of such advance or whatever part thereof has been expended, for legally reimbursable items on behalf of the state. Any unexpended portion of such advance shall be returned to the agency at the close of the authorized travel period. Payment shall accompany such itemized voucher at the close of the travel period; and may be made by check or similar instrument payable to the department. Any default in accounting for or repaying an advance shall render the full amount which is unpaid immediately due and payable with interest at the rate of ten percent per annum from the date of default until paid.

To protect the state from any losses on account of advances made as provided in RCW 43.03.150 through 43.03.210, the state shall have a prior lien against and a right to withhold any and all funds payable or to become payable by the state to such officer or employee to whom such advance has been given as provided in RCW 43.03.150 through 43.03.210, up to the amount of such advance and interest at the rate of ten percent per annum, until such time as repayment or justification has been made.

An advance made under RCW 43.03.150 through 43.03.210 shall be considered as having been made to such officer or employee to be expended by him or her as an agent of the state for state purposes only, and specifically to defray necessary costs while performing his or her official duties. No such advance shall be considered for any purpose as a loan to such officer or employee, and any unauthorized expenditure of such funds shall be considered a misappropriation of state funds by a custodian of such funds.

The director of financial management may prescribe rules and regulations to assist in carrying out the purposes of RCW 43.03.150 through 43.03.210 including regulation of travel by officers and employees and the conditions under which per diem and mileage shall be paid, so as to improve efficiency and conserve funds and to insure proper use and accountability of travel advances strictly in the public interest and for public purposes only.

(1) Any part-time board, commission, council, committee, or other similar group which is established by the executive, legislative, or judicial branch to participate in state government and which functions primarily in an advisory, coordinating, or planning capacity shall be identified as a class one group. Unless otherwise identified in law, all newly formed and existing groups are a class one group.

(2) Absent any other provision of law to the contrary, a stipend may be provided to a member of a class one group in accordance with this subsection.

(a) Subject to available funding, an agency may provide a stipend to individuals who are low income or have lived experience to support their participation in class one groups when the agency determines such participation is desirable in order to implement the principles of equity described in RCW 43.06D.020, provided that the individuals are not otherwise compensated for their attendance at meetings.

(b) Stipends shall not exceed $200 for each day during which the member attends an official meeting or performs statutorily prescribed duties approved by the chairperson of the group.

(c) Individuals eligible for stipends under this section are eligible for reasonable allowances for child and adult care reimbursement, lodging, and travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 in addition to stipend amounts.

(d) Nothing in this subsection creates an employment relationship, or any membership or qualification in any state or other publicly supported retirement system, for this or any other title due to the payment of a stipend, lodging and travel expenses, or child care expenses provided under this section where such a relationship, membership, or qualification did not already exist.

(e) As allowable by federal and state law, state agencies will minimize, to the greatest extent possible, the impact of stipends and reimbursements on public assistance eligibility and benefit amounts.

(3) Except for members who qualify for a stipend under subsection (2) of this section, no person designated as a member of a class one board, commission, council, committee, or similar group may receive an allowance for subsistence, lodging, or travel expenses if the allowance cost is funded by the state general fund. Exceptions may be granted under RCW 43.03.049. Class one groups, when feasible, shall use an alternative means of conducting a meeting that does not require travel while still maximizing member and public participation and may use a meeting format that requires members to be physically present at one location only when necessary or required by law.

(4) Class one groups that are funded by sources other than the state general fund are encouraged to reduce travel, lodging, and other costs associated with conducting the business of the group including use of other meeting formats that do not require travel.

(5) Agencies exercising their authority to provide stipends and allowances under this section must follow the guidelines established by the office of equity pursuant to RCW 43.03.270.

(6) For purposes of this section:

(a) "Lived experience" means direct personal experience in the subject matter being addressed by the board, commission, council, committee, or other similar group.

(b) "Low income" means an individual whose income is not more than 400 percent of the federal poverty level, adjusted for family size.

Findings—2022 c 245: "The legislature finds that equitable public policy discussions should include individuals directly impacted by that policy. In order to do so, the legislature supports removing barriers to that participation. The legislature finds that asking community members with lower financial means to volunteer their time and expertise while state employees and representatives of advocacy organizations receive compensation from their respective agency or organization for their time and experience ultimately hinders full and open public participation. As a result, the legislature finds that removing financial barriers for those individuals fosters increased access to government and enriches public policy discussions and decisions, ultimately leading to more equitable and sustainable policy outcomes." [ 2022 c 245 § 1.]

Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 21: See note following RCW 72.23.025.

Effective date—2011 c 5: See note following RCW 43.79.487.

Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.03.027.

Legislative findings—1984 c 287: "The legislature finds that members of part-time boards, commissions, councils, committees, and other similar groups established by the executive, legislative, or judicial branches of state government make a valuable contribution to the public welfare. This time and talent so generously donated to the state is gratefully acknowledged.

The legislature further finds that membership on certain part-time groups involves responsibility for major policy decisions and represents a significant demand on the time and resources of members. The demands and responsibilities are well beyond reasonable expectations of an individual's gratuitous contribution to the public welfare. It is therefore appropriate to provide compensation to members of specific qualifying groups and further to provide three levels of compensation based on the responsibilities of the group and the time required to perform the group's statutory duties." [ 1984 c 287 § 1.]

Section headings—1984 c 287: "Section headings and captions used in RCW 43.03.220 through 43.03.250 do not constitute any part of the law." [ 1984 c 287 § 114.]

Severability—1984 c 287: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1984 c 287 § 115.]

Effective date—1984 c 287: "This act shall take effect on July 1, 1985." [ 1984 c 287 § 116.]

(1) Any agricultural commodity board or commission established pursuant to Title 15 or 16 RCW shall be identified as a class two group for purposes of compensation.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, each member of a class two group is eligible to receive compensation in an amount not to exceed one hundred dollars for each day during which the member attends an official meeting of the group or performs statutorily prescribed duties approved by the chairperson of the group. A person shall not receive compensation for a day of service under this section if the person (a) occupies a position, normally regarded as full-time in nature, in any agency of the federal government, Washington state government, or Washington state local government; and (b) receives any compensation from such government for working that day.

(3) Compensation may be paid a member under this section only if it is authorized under the law dealing in particular with the specific group to which the member belongs or dealing in particular with the members of that specific group.

(4) Beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011, no person designated as a member of a class two board, commission, council, committee, or similar group may receive an allowance for subsistence, lodging, or travel expenses if the allowance cost is funded by the state general fund. Exceptions may be granted under section 605, chapter 3, Laws of 2010. Class two groups, when feasible, shall use an alternative means of conducting a meeting that does not require travel while still maximizing member and public participation and may use a meeting format that requires members to be physically present at one location only when necessary or required by law. Meetings that require a member's physical presence at one location must be held in state facilities whenever possible((, and)). Meetings conducted using private facilities must be approved by the director of the office of financial management, except for facilities provided free of charge.

(5) Beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011, class two groups that are funded by sources other than the state general fund are encouraged to reduce travel, lodging, and other costs associated with conducting the business of the group including use of other meeting formats that do not require travel.

Effective date—2011 c 5: See note following RCW 43.79.487.

(1) Any agricultural commodity board or commission established pursuant to Title 15 or 16 RCW shall be identified as a class two group for purposes of compensation.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, each member of a class two group is eligible to receive compensation in an amount not to exceed one hundred dollars for each day during which the member attends an official meeting of the group or performs statutorily prescribed duties approved by the chairperson of the group. A person shall not receive compensation for a day of service under this section if the person (a) occupies a position, normally regarded as full-time in nature, in any agency of the federal government, Washington state government, or Washington state local government; and (b) receives any compensation from such government for working that day.

(3) Compensation may be paid a member under this section only if it is authorized under the law dealing in particular with the specific group to which the member belongs or dealing in particular with the members of that specific group.

(4) ((Beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011,)) No person designated as a member of a class two board, commission, council, committee, or similar group may receive an allowance for subsistence, lodging, or travel expenses if the allowance cost is funded by the state general fund. Exceptions may be granted under RCW 43.03.049 ((605, chapter 3, Laws of 2010)). Class two groups, when feasible, shall use an alternative means of conducting a meeting that does not require travel while still maximizing member and public participation and may use a meeting format that requires members to be physically present at one location only when necessary or required by law. ((Meetings that require a member's physical presence at one location must be held in state facilities whenever possible, and meetings conducted using private facilities must be approved by the director of the office of financial management.))

(5) ((Beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011,)) Class two groups that are funded by sources other than the state general fund are encouraged to reduce travel, lodging, and other costs associated with conducting the business of the group including use of other meeting formats that do not require travel.

Reviser's note: RCW 43.03.230 was amended twice during the 2011 legislative session, each without reference to the other. For rule of construction concerning sections amended more than once during the same legislative session, see RCW 1.12.025.

Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 21: See note following RCW 72.23.025.

Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.03.027.

Legislative findings—Section headings—Severability—Effective date—1984 c 287: See notes following RCW 43.03.220.

(1) Any part-time, statutory board, commission, council, committee, or other similar group which has rule-making authority, performs quasi-judicial functions, has responsibility for the administration or policy direction of a state agency or program, or performs regulatory or licensing functions with respect to a specific profession, occupation, business, or industry shall be identified as a class three group for purposes of compensation.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, each member of a class three group is eligible to receive compensation in an amount not to exceed fifty dollars for each day during which the member attends an official meeting of the group or performs statutorily prescribed duties approved by the chairperson of the group. A person shall not receive compensation for a day of service under this section if the person (a) occupies a position, normally regarded as full-time in nature, in any agency of the federal government, Washington state government, or Washington state local government; and (b) receives any compensation from such government for working that day.

(3) Compensation may be paid a member under this section only if it is authorized under the law dealing in particular with the specific group to which the member belongs or dealing in particular with the members of that specific group.

(4) Beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011, no person designated as a member of a class three board, commission, council, committee, or similar group may receive an allowance for subsistence, lodging, or travel expenses if the allowance cost is funded by the state general fund. Exceptions may be granted under section 605, chapter 3, Laws of 2010. Class three groups, when feasible, shall use an alternative means of conducting a meeting that does not require travel while still maximizing member and public participation and may use a meeting format that requires members to be physically present at one location only when necessary or required by law. Meetings that require a member's physical presence at one location must be held in state facilities whenever possible((, and)). Meetings conducted using private facilities must be approved by the director of the office of financial management, except for facilities provided free of charge.

(5) Beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011, class three groups that are funded by sources other than the state general fund are encouraged to reduce travel, lodging, and other costs associated with conducting the business of the group including use of other meeting formats that do not require travel.

Effective date—2011 c 5: See note following RCW 43.79.487.

(1) Any part-time, statutory board, commission, council, committee, or other similar group which has rule-making authority, performs quasi-judicial functions, has responsibility for the administration or policy direction of a state agency or program, or performs regulatory or licensing functions with respect to a specific profession, occupation, business, or industry shall be identified as a class three group for purposes of compensation.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, each member of a class three group is eligible to receive compensation in an amount not to exceed fifty dollars for each day during which the member attends an official meeting of the group or performs statutorily prescribed duties approved by the chairperson of the group. A person shall not receive compensation for a day of service under this section if the person (a) occupies a position, normally regarded as full-time in nature, in any agency of the federal government, Washington state government, or Washington state local government; and (b) receives any compensation from such government for working that day.

(3) Compensation may be paid a member under this section only if it is authorized under the law dealing in particular with the specific group to which the member belongs or dealing in particular with the members of that specific group.

(4) ((Beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011,)) No person designated as a member of a class three board, commission, council, committee, or similar group may receive an allowance for subsistence, lodging, or travel expenses if the allowance cost is funded by the state general fund. Exceptions may be granted under RCW 43.03.049 ((605, chapter 3, Laws of 2010)). Class three groups, when feasible, shall use an alternative means of conducting a meeting that does not require travel while still maximizing member and public participation and may use a meeting format that requires members to be physically present at one location only when necessary or required by law. ((Meetings that require a member's physical presence at one location must be held in state facilities whenever possible, and meetings conducted using private facilities must be approved by the director of the office of financial management.))

(5) ((Beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011,)) Class three groups that are funded by sources other than the state general fund are encouraged to reduce travel, lodging, and other costs associated with conducting the business of the group including use of other meeting formats that do not require travel.

Reviser's note: RCW 43.03.240 was amended twice during the 2011 legislative session, each without reference to the other. For rule of construction concerning sections amended more than once during the same legislative session, see RCW 1.12.025.

Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 21: See note following RCW 72.23.025.

Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.03.027.

Legislative findings—Section headings—Severability—Effective date—1984 c 287: See notes following RCW 43.03.220.

(1) A part-time, statutory board, commission, council, committee, or other similar group shall be identified as a class four group for purposes of compensation if the group:

(a) Has rule-making authority, performs quasi-judicial functions, or has responsibility for the administration or policy direction of a state agency or program;

(b) Has duties that are deemed by the legislature to be of overriding sensitivity and importance to the public welfare and the operation of state government; and

(c) Requires service from its members representing a significant demand on their time that is normally in excess of one hundred hours of meeting time per year.

(2) Each member of a class four group is eligible to receive compensation in an amount not to exceed one hundred dollars for each day during which the member attends an official meeting of the group or performs statutorily prescribed duties approved by the chairperson of the group. A person shall not receive compensation for a day of service under this section if the person (a) occupies a position, normally regarded as full-time in nature, in any agency of the federal government, Washington state government, or Washington state local government; and (b) receives any compensation from such government for working that day.

(3) Compensation may be paid a member under this section only if it is authorized under the law dealing in particular with the specific group to which the member belongs or dealing in particular with the members of that specific group.

(4) Beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011, class four groups, when feasible, shall use an alternative means of conducting a meeting that does not require travel while still maximizing member and public participation and may use a meeting format that requires members to be physically present at one location only when necessary or required by law. Meetings that require a member's physical presence at one location must be held in state facilities whenever possible((, and)). Meetings conducted using private facilities must be approved by the director of the office of financial management, except for facilities provided free of charge.

Effective date—2011 c 5: See note following RCW 43.79.487.

(1) A part-time, statutory board, commission, council, committee, or other similar group shall be identified as a class four group for purposes of compensation if the group:

(a) Has rule-making authority, performs quasi-judicial functions, or has responsibility for the administration or policy direction of a state agency or program;

(b) Has duties that are deemed by the legislature to be of overriding sensitivity and importance to the public welfare and the operation of state government; and

(c) Requires service from its members representing a significant demand on their time that is normally in excess of one hundred hours of meeting time per year.

(2) Each member of a class four group is eligible to receive compensation in an amount not to exceed one hundred dollars for each day during which the member attends an official meeting of the group or performs statutorily prescribed duties approved by the chairperson of the group. A person shall not receive compensation for a day of service under this section if the person (a) occupies a position, normally regarded as full-time in nature, in any agency of the federal government, Washington state government, or Washington state local government; and (b) receives any compensation from such government for working that day.

(3) Compensation may be paid a member under this section only if it is authorized under the law dealing in particular with the specific group to which the member belongs or dealing in particular with the members of that specific group.

(4) ((Beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011,)) Class four groups, when feasible, shall use an alternative means of conducting a meeting that does not require travel while still maximizing member and public participation and may use a meeting format that requires members to be physically present at one location only when necessary or required by law. ((Meetings that require a member's physical presence at one location must be held in state facilities whenever possible, and meetings conducted using private facilities must be approved by the director of the office of financial management.))

Reviser's note: RCW 43.03.250 was amended twice during the 2011 legislative session, each without reference to the other. For rule of construction concerning sections amended more than once during the same legislative session, see RCW 1.12.025.

Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 21: See note following RCW 72.23.025.

Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.03.027.

Legislative findings—Section headings—Severability—Effective date—1984 c 287: See notes following RCW 43.03.220.

(1) Any part-time commission that has rule-making authority, performs quasi-judicial functions, has responsibility for the policy direction of a health profession credentialing program, and performs regulatory and licensing functions with respect to a health care profession licensed under Title 18 RCW shall be identified as a class five group for purposes of compensation.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, each member of a class five group is eligible to receive compensation in an amount not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars for each day during which the member attends an official meeting of the group or performs statutorily prescribed duties approved by the chairperson of the group. A person shall not receive compensation for a day of service under this section if the person (a) occupies a position, normally regarded as full-time in nature, in any agency of the federal government, Washington state government, or Washington state local government; and (b) receives any compensation from such government for working that day.

(3) Compensation may be paid a member under this section only if it is necessarily incurred in the course of authorized business consistent with the responsibilities of the commission established by law.

(4) Beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011, no person designated as a member of a class five board, commission, council, committee, or similar group may receive an allowance for subsistence, lodging, or travel expenses if the allowance cost is funded by the state general fund. Exceptions may be granted under section 605, chapter 3, Laws of 2010. Class five groups, when feasible, shall use an alternative means of conducting a meeting that does not require travel while still maximizing member and public participation and may use a meeting format that requires members to be physically present at one location only when necessary or required by law. Meetings that require a member's physical presence at one location must be held in state facilities whenever possible((, and)). Meetings conducted using private facilities must be approved by the director of the office of financial management, except for facilities provided free of charge.

(5) Beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011, class five groups that are funded by sources other than the state general fund are encouraged to reduce travel, lodging, and other costs associated with conducting the business of the group including use of other meeting formats that do not require travel.

Effective date—2011 c 5: See note following RCW 43.79.487.

(1) Any part-time commission that has rule-making authority, performs quasi-judicial functions, has responsibility for the policy direction of a health profession credentialing program, and performs regulatory and licensing functions with respect to a health care profession licensed under Title 18 RCW shall be identified as a class five group for purposes of compensation.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, each member of a class five group is eligible to receive compensation in an amount not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars for each day during which the member attends an official meeting of the group or performs statutorily prescribed duties approved by the chairperson of the group. A person shall not receive compensation for a day of service under this section if the person (a) occupies a position, normally regarded as full-time in nature, in any agency of the federal government, Washington state government, or Washington state local government; and (b) receives any compensation from such government for working that day.

(3) Compensation may be paid a member under this section only if it is necessarily incurred in the course of authorized business consistent with the responsibilities of the commission established by law.

(4) ((Beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011,)) No person designated as a member of a class five board, commission, council, committee, or similar group may receive an allowance for subsistence, lodging, or travel expenses if the allowance cost is funded by the state general fund. Exceptions may be granted under RCW 43.03.049 ((605, chapter 3, Laws of 2010)). Class five groups, when feasible, shall use an alternative means of conducting a meeting that does not require travel while still maximizing member and public participation and may use a meeting format that requires members to be physically present at one location only when necessary or required by law. ((Meetings that require a member's physical presence at one location must be held in state facilities whenever possible, and meetings conducted using private facilities must be approved by the director of the office of financial management.))

(5) ((Beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011,)) Class five groups that are funded by sources other than the state general fund are encouraged to reduce travel, lodging, and other costs associated with conducting the business of the group including use of other meeting formats that do not require travel.

Reviser's note: RCW 43.03.265 was amended twice during the 2011 legislative session, each without reference to the other. For rule of construction concerning sections amended more than once during the same legislative session, see RCW 1.12.025.

Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 21: See note following RCW 72.23.025.

Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.03.027.

(1) By December 1, 2022, the office of equity shall develop uniform equity-driven guidelines for agencies on the issuance of stipends and allowances authorized under RCW 43.03.220 to provide for consistent application of the law. In developing the guidelines, the office of equity shall consult with stakeholders including, but not limited to, state agencies and impacted communities. The guidelines for providing allowances must include the reasonable allowances as prescribed by the office of financial management under RCW 43.03.050.

(2) Agencies exercising their authority under RCW 43.03.220 to provide stipends or allowances to members of class one groups shall adhere to the guidelines established under subsection (1) of this section.

Findings—2022 c 245: See note following RCW 43.03.220.

(1) An agency exercising its authority to provide stipends under RCW 43.03.220(2) must report to the Washington state office of equity by August 30, 2023, and August 30, 2024, for state fiscal years 2023 and 2024 respectively, the following information:

(a) A brief description of the groups for which stipends have been made available including:

(i) Number of members receiving a stipend or allowance; and

(ii) Aggregate demographic information of members of class one groups including race, ethnicity, income, and geographic representation by county;

(b) The amount of stipends distributed;

(c) The amount of allowances distributed;

(d) An analysis of whether and how the availability of stipends and allowances has reduced barriers to participation and increased the diversity of group participants; and

(e) An analysis of whether the provision of stipends and allowances resulted in more applications and willingness to participate.

(2) The Washington state office of equity shall:

(a) Compile and analyze the information received from agencies under this section; and

(b) Prepare a report, in compliance with RCW 43.01.036, to the governor and legislature by December 1, 2024. The report must include:

(i) An overall evaluation of the stipend process authorized in RCW 43.03.220(2);

(ii) Recommendations for improving the process; and

(iii) Recommendations to further decrease barriers to participation and increase the diversity of group applicants.

Findings—2022 c 245: See note following RCW 43.03.220.

The legislature hereby declares it to be the policy of this state to base salaries of elected state officials on realistic standards in order that such officials may be paid according to the duties of their offices and so that citizens of the highest quality may be attracted to public service. It is the purpose of RCW 43.03.300 through 43.03.310 to effectuate this policy by creating a citizens' commission to establish proper salaries for such officials, thus removing political considerations in fixing the appropriateness of the amount of such salaries.

Contingent effective date—1986 c 155: "This act shall take effect on January 1, 1987, if the proposed amendment to Article XXVIII of the state Constitution establishing an exclusive process for changes in the salaries of members of the legislature and other elected state officials is validly submitted and is approved and ratified by the voters at a general election held in November, 1986. If such proposed amendment is not so submitted and approved and ratified, this act shall be null and void in its entirety." [ 1986 c 155 § 16.] 1986 House Joint Resolution No. 49 was approved at the November 1986 general election. See Article XXVIII, section 1 and Amendment 78 of the state Constitution.

Severability—1986 c 155: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1986 c 155 § 15.]

There is created a commission to be known as the Washington citizens' commission on salaries for elected officials, to consist of members appointed by the governor as provided in this section.

(1) One registered voter from each congressional district shall be selected by the secretary of state from among those registered voters eligible to vote at the time persons are selected for appointment to serve on the commission. The secretary shall establish policies and procedures for conducting the selection by lot. The policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, those for notifying persons selected and for providing a new selection from a congressional district if a person selected from the district declines appointment to the commission or if, following the person's appointment, the person's position on the commission becomes vacant before the end of the person's term of office.

(2) Seven commission members, all residents of this state, shall be selected jointly by the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate. The persons selected under this subsection shall have had experience in the field of personnel management. Of these seven members, one shall be selected from each of the following five sectors in this state: Private institutions of higher education; business; professional personnel management; legal profession; and organized labor. Of the two remaining members, one shall be a person recommended to the speaker and the president by the chair of the Washington personnel resources board and one shall be a person recommended by majority vote of the presidents of the state's four-year institutions of higher education.

(3) The secretary of state shall forward the names of persons selected under subsection (1) of this section and the speaker of the house of representatives and president of the senate shall forward the names of persons selected under subsection (2) of this section to the governor who shall appoint these persons to the commission. Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, all members shall serve four-year terms and the names of the persons selected for appointment to the commission shall be forwarded to the governor not later than the first day of July every two years.

(4) No person may be appointed to more than two terms. No member of the commission may be removed by the governor during his or her term of office unless for cause of incapacity, incompetence, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office or for a disqualifying change of residence.

The unexcused absence of any person who is a member of the commission from two consecutive meetings of the commission shall constitute the relinquishment of that person's membership on the commission. Such a relinquishment creates a vacancy in that person's position on the commission. A member's absence may be excused by the chair of the commission upon the member's written request if the chair believes there is just cause for the absence. Such a request must be received by the chair before the meeting for which the absence is to be excused. A member's absence from a meeting of the commission may also be excused during the meeting for which the member is absent by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the commission present at the meeting.

(5) No state official, public employee, or lobbyist, or immediate family member of the official, employee, or lobbyist, subject to the registration requirements of chapter 42.17A RCW is eligible for membership on the commission.

As used in this subsection the phrase "immediate family" means the parents, spouse or domestic partner, siblings, children, or dependent relative of the official or lobbyist whether or not living in the household of the official or lobbyist, and the parent, spouse or domestic partner, sibling, child, or dependent relative of the employee, living in the household of the employee or who is dependent in whole or in part for his or her support upon the earnings of the state employee.

(6)(a) Upon a vacancy in any position on the commission, a successor shall be selected and appointed to fill the unexpired term. The selection and appointment shall be concluded within thirty days of the date the position becomes vacant and shall be conducted in the same manner as originally provided.

(b) Initial members appointed from congressional districts created after July 22, 2011, shall be selected and appointed in the manner provided in subsection (1) of this section. The selection and appointment must be concluded within ninety days of the date the district is created. The term of an initial member appointed under this subsection terminates July 1st of an even-numbered year so that at no point may the terms of more than one-half plus one of the members selected under subsection (1) of this section terminate in the same year.

Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.

Effective date—2011 c 60: See RCW 42.17A.919.

Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.

Effective date—1995 c 3: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [February 10, 1995]." [ 1995 c 3 § 3.]

Effective date—1993 c 281: See note following RCW 41.06.022.

Contingent effective date—Severability—1986 c 155: See notes following RCW 43.03.300.

(1) From July 1, 2011, through June 29, 2013, any state elected official of the executive branch may voluntarily reduce his or her salary from that established pursuant to Article XXVIII, section 1 of the state Constitution by three percent.

(2) The department of personnel and office of financial management shall develop a form to be used by any state elected official of the executive branch to execute the salary reduction under subsection (1) of this section through the state's central personnel payroll system.

(3) A voluntary reduction in salary shall be effective and continue through June 29, 2013, unless the state elected official of the executive branch directs in writing that the department of personnel discontinue the reduction.

Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 39: See note following RCW 41.04.820.

(1) The citizens' commission on salaries for elected officials shall study the relationship of salaries to the duties of members of the legislature, all elected officials of the executive branch of state government, and all judges of the supreme court, court of appeals, superior courts, and district courts, and shall fix the salary for each respective position.

(2) Except as provided otherwise in RCW 43.03.305 and this section, the commission shall be solely responsible for its own organization, operation, and action and shall enjoy the fullest cooperation of all state officials, departments, and agencies.

(3) Members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be eligible to receive a subsistence allowance and travel expenses pursuant to RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

(4) The members of the commission shall elect a chair from among their number. The commission shall set a schedule of salaries by an affirmative vote of not less than nine members of the commission.

(5) The commission shall file its initial schedule of salaries for the elected officials with the secretary of state no later than the first Monday in June, 1987, and shall file a schedule biennially thereafter. Each such schedule shall be filed in legislative bill form, shall be assigned a chapter number and published with the session laws of the legislature, and shall be codified by the statute law committee. The signature of the chair of the commission shall be affixed to each schedule submitted to the secretary of state. The chair shall certify that the schedule has been adopted in accordance with the provisions of state law and with the rules, if any, of the commission. Such schedules shall become effective ninety days after the filing thereof, except as provided in Article XXVIII, section 1 of the state Constitution. State laws regarding referendum petitions shall apply to such schedules to the extent consistent with Article XXVIII, section 1 of the state Constitution.

(6) Before the filing of any salary schedule, the commission shall first develop a proposed salary schedule and then hold no fewer than four regular meetings as defined by chapter 42.30 RCW to take public testimony on the proposed schedule within the four months immediately preceding the filing. In the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium, the commission shall hold no more than two regular meetings as defined by chapter 42.30 RCW to take public testimony on the proposed schedule within the four months immediately preceding the filing. At the last public hearing that is held as a regular meeting on the proposed schedule, the commission shall adopt the salary schedule as originally proposed or as amended at that meeting that will be filed with the secretary of state.

(7) All meetings, actions, hearings, and business of the commission shall be subject in full to the open public meetings act, chapter 42.30 RCW.

(8) Salaries of the officials referred to in subsection (1) of this section that are in effect on January 12, 1987, shall continue until modified by the commission under this section.

Effective date—2009 c 564: See note following RCW 2.68.020.

Effective date—1995 c 3: See note following RCW 43.03.305.

Contingent effective date—Severability—1986 c 155: See notes following RCW 43.03.300.