WA
Washington House Bill HB1259

Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington House Bill HB1259

Introduced
1/12/23  
Refer
1/12/23  
Report Pass
1/25/23  
Refer
1/27/23  
Engrossed
2/8/23  
Refer
2/10/23  
Report Pass
3/17/23  
Enrolled
4/14/23  
Chaptered
4/20/23  

Caption

Updating the executive team of the office of the secretary of state by adding signing authority to the chief of staff position.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1259 is anticipated to have a significant impact on state laws regarding administrative functions within the Secretary of State's office. Specifically, it alters previous frameworks by formalizing the Chief of Staff's role in executing certain decisions that were previously reserved for higher officials. This change is expected to enhance the office's ability to operate effectively and respond to the needs of the state more promptly, thereby potentially leading to improved service delivery and governance.

Summary

House Bill 1259 aims to update the executive team of the Office of the Secretary of State by granting signing authority to the Chief of Staff position. This legislative effort reflects an initiative to enhance the operational capacity and efficiency within the state's administrative framework. By expanding the responsibilities of the Chief of Staff, the bill seeks to streamline processes and improve decision-making within the office, allowing for quicker responses and actions in state governance.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1259 appears to be largely favorable without significant opposition. Legislators and stakeholders have shown support for measures that promote efficiency in state operations. The emphasis on empowering the Chief of Staff is seen as a positive move towards modernizing the administrative functions of the Secretary of State’s office, although there are always concerns regarding the concentration of authority within any office, which must be closely monitored.

Contention

While the bill has received favorable votes, there are underlying concerns about the implications of expanding the Chief of Staff's authority. Detractors might voice apprehension about the potential for overreach or lack of checks on the Chief of Staff's actions, and whether this change could lead to inefficiencies or a dilution of accountability. However, these concerns did not seem to translate into significant public or legislative opposition during the discussions of the bill, indicating a general consensus on the need for efficiency in state administration.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WA SB5151

Revised for 1st Substitute: Updating the executive team of the office of the secretary of state by adding signing authority to the chief of staff position.Original: Updating the executive team of the office of the secretary of state by adding a chief of staff position.

WA HB2086

Updating processes of the office of independent investigations by changing authority to obtain and share investigative information and aligning with current operations and practices.

WA LB279

Change and eliminate provisions relating to executive officers of banks

WA HB1896

Increasing local law enforcement officers by authorizing a local sales and use tax credited against the state portion to hire additional officers and increasing the number of basic law enforcement courses offered by the criminal justice training commission.

WA SB6207

Updating processes of the office of independent investigations by changing authority to obtain and share investigative information and aligning with current operations and practices.

WA SB6095

Establishing clear authority for the secretary of health to issue standing orders.

WA HB1181

Improving the state's response to climate change by updating the state's planning framework.

WA HB1530

Expanding eligibility for employment of certain law enforcement and prosecutor office positions.

WA LB770

Require the Secretary of State to audit the offices of the Department of Motor Vehicles, the election commissioners, and the county clerks and all polling places for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act

WA HB1279

Ensuring that firefighters who accept promotional firefighter positions within a fire department remain members of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.