reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.050 - Election.

RCW 36.32.050
Election.
(1) Except as provided otherwise in subsection (2) of this section or this chapter, county commissioners shall be elected by the qualified voters of the county and the person receiving the highest number of votes for the office of commissioner for the district in which he or she resides shall be declared duly elected from that district.
(2) Beginning in 2022, in any noncharter county with a population of four hundred thousand or more, county commissioners must be nominated and elected by the qualified electors of the commissioner district in which he or she resides. The person receiving the highest number of votes at a general election for the office of commissioner for the district in which he or she resides must be declared duly elected from that district.
[ 2018 c 301 § 7; 2009 c 549 § 4063; 1963 c 4 § 36.32.050. Prior: 1895 c 110 § 1; 1893 c 39 § 1; 1891 c 67 § 6; 1890 p 317 § 3; RRS § 4042.]
NOTES:
Findings—Short title—2018 c 301: See notes following RCW 36.32.051.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.051 - District-based elections—Definitions.

RCW 36.32.051
District-based elections—Definitions.
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "District" means a geographic area within county boundaries and designated in a county redistricting plan, as provided in RCW 36.32.054.
(2) "District election" means a candidate from each district is elected in a general election by the voters of the district in which the candidate resides.
(3) "District nomination" means a candidate from each district is nominated in a primary election by the voters of the district in which the candidate resides.
[ 2018 c 301 § 2.]
NOTES:
Findings—2018 c 301: "The legislature finds that the leaders of local jurisdictions should represent the interests of the communities they serve and should be accountable to all their constituents. The legislature further finds that district-based elections help to make elected officials more responsible to their constituents by bringing candidates closer to the communities from which they are elected. The legislature further finds that the districting process requires transparent and fair decision making in a bipartisan effort to ensure that districts constitute an accurate and balanced representation of the community." [ 2018 c 301 § 1.]
Short title—2018 c 301: "This act may be known and cited as the responsible representation act." [ 2018 c 301 § 11.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.052 - District-based elections—When required—Procedures.

RCW 36.32.052
District-based elections—When required—Procedures.
(1) Beginning in 2022, any noncharter county with a population of four hundred thousand or more must have a board of commissioners with five members, and must use district nominations and district elections for its commissioner positions, in accordance with RCW 36.32.050.
(a) By April 30, 2021, the county must establish a redistricting committee, in accordance with RCW 36.32.053, to create, review, and adjust county commissioner districts in accordance with subsection (1) of this section. The commissioner districts established by the redistricting committee must be designated as districts numerically one through five. Any districting plan adopted by the redistricting committee must designate the initial terms of office for each of the county commissioner positions, as provided in RCW 36.32.030(2).
(b) Beginning in 2022, district elections for all county commissioners in a noncharter county with a population of four hundred thousand or more must be held in accordance with any districting plan adopted by a redistricting committee that is established in accordance with RCW 36.32.054.
(2) After 2022, by April 30th of each year ending in one, each qualifying county must establish a redistricting committee in accordance with RCW 36.32.053. The redistricting committee must review and adjust as necessary the boundaries of the county's commissioner districts.
[ 2018 c 301 § 3.]
NOTES:
Findings—Short title—2018 c 301: See notes following RCW 36.32.051.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.053 - District-based elections—Redistricting committee—Membership.

RCW 36.32.053
District-based elections—Redistricting committee—Membership.
(1) A county redistricting committee established under this chapter must have five members appointed in each year ending in one, as follows:
(a) One member shall be appointed by the members of each of the two largest caucuses, respectively, of the house of representatives whose legislative districts are wholly or partially within the noncharter county with a population of four hundred thousand or more;
(b) One member shall be appointed by the members of each of the two largest caucuses, respectively, of the senate whose legislative districts are wholly or partially within the noncharter county with a population of four hundred thousand or more; and
(c) The fifth member, who shall serve as the nonvoting chair of the committee, shall be appointed by a majority of the other four members.
(2) Committee members may not be appointed until after January 1, 2021.
(a) If any member is not appointed in accordance with the process in subsection (1)(a) or (b) of this section by March 1st then the respective legislative leader of each caucus whose qualifying members have not made an appointment must make the respective appointment by April 1st. If any caucus does not have at least one qualifying member, then the legislative leader of that caucus shall make the appointment by April 1st.
(b) If the fifth member is not appointed in accordance with subsection (1)(c) of this section by April 15th, then the county board of commissioners must appoint the fifth member by April 30th.
(3) A vacancy on a redistricting committee must be filled in the same manner as the initial appointment within fifteen days after the vacancy occurs.
(4) No person may serve on a redistricting committee who:
(a) Is not a registered voter of the state at the time of appointment;
(b) Is not a resident of the county;
(c) Is or within two years before appointment was a consultant for or had a contract with the county, or had been a registered lobbyist that lobbies the county commission; or
(d) Is or within two years before appointment was an elected official or elected legislative, county, or state party officer.
(5) Members of a redistricting committee may not:
(a) Campaign for elective office while a member of the committee;
(b) Actively participate in or contribute to any political campaign of any candidate for county elective office while a member of the committee; or
(c) Hold or campaign for a seat as a county commissioner for two years after the date the redistricting committee concludes its duties under this chapter.
(6) Before serving on a county redistricting committee, every person must take and subscribe an oath to faithfully perform the duties of that office.
(7) The legislative body of the county will provide adequate funding and resources to support the duties of the redistricting committee.
[ 2018 c 301 § 4.]
NOTES:
Findings—Short title—2018 c 301: See notes following RCW 36.32.051.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.054 - District-based elections—Redistricting committee—Districting plan—Requirements.

RCW 36.32.054
District-based elections—Redistricting committee—Districting plan—Requirements.
(1) Within one hundred twenty days after a redistricting committee is established under this chapter, the committee must prepare and publish a draft districting plan dividing the county into five commissioner districts. The committee must hold public meetings in preparing the draft, in compliance with chapter 42.30 RCW, and records of the committee must be available for public disclosure, pursuant to chapter 42.56 RCW.
(2) Within sixty days of publishing the draft districting plan, the committee must:
(a) Solicit written public comment on the draft;
(b) Hold at least one public hearing on the plan, including notice and public comment;
(c) Amend the draft as necessary after the public comment and hearing; and
(d) Either:
(i) Adopt the original or amended districting plan by a vote of at least three of the four voting committee members, and promptly file the adopted districting plan with the county auditor; or
(ii) Notify the state redistricting commission, established under chapter 44.05 RCW, with instructions to approve a districting plan for the county.
(3) If the committee instructs the state redistricting commission to approve a districting plan for the county, the state redistricting commission must convene or reconvene for purposes of approving a districting plan for the county, in addition to its duties under chapter 44.05 RCW. The committee may submit any proposed plans drafted by the committee or a committee member to assist the state redistricting commission. The state redistricting commission must approve a districting plan for the county within sixty days of receiving notice from the committee, and promptly file the plan with the county auditor.
(4) The districting plan is effective upon filing the plan with the county auditor either by the committee or by the state redistricting commission.
(5) County commissioner elections pursuant to the districting plan filed with the county auditor must begin in the next even-numbered year, and conducted in accordance with RCW 36.32.050.
(6) Each commissioner district established by a redistricting committee under this section must comprise as nearly as possible one-fifth of the population of the county. The boundaries of commissioner districts must:
(a) Correspond as nearly as practicable to election precinct boundaries; and
(b) Create districts with compact, contiguous territory containing geographic units, natural communities, and approximately equal populations.
(7) Upon filing of the adopted districting plan with the county auditor, or sixty days after providing notice to the state redistricting commission, the redistricting committee is dissolved until such time as a new redistricting committee is established as provided in RCW 36.32.051.
[ 2018 c 301 § 5.]
NOTES:
Findings—Short title—2018 c 301: See notes following RCW 36.32.051.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.055 - Five-member commission—When authorized—Ballot proposition—Petition—Procedures.

RCW 36.32.055
Five-member commission—When authorized—Ballot proposition—Petition—Procedures.
(1) The board of commissioners of any noncharter county with a population of three hundred thousand or more, and less than four hundred thousand, may cause a ballot proposition to be submitted at a general election to the voters of the county authorizing the board of commissioners to be increased to five members.
(2) As an alternative procedure, a ballot proposition shall be submitted to the voters of a noncharter county authorizing the board of commissioners to be increased to five members, upon petition of the county voters equal to at least ten percent of the voters voting at the last county general election. At least twenty percent of the signatures on the petition shall come from each of the existing commissioner districts.
Any petition requesting that such an election be held shall be submitted to the county auditor for verification of the signatures thereon. Within no more than thirty days after the submission of the petition, the auditor shall determine if the petition contains the requisite number of valid signatures. The auditor shall certify whether or not the petition has been signed by the requisite number of county voters and forward such petition to the board of county commissioners. If the petition has been signed by the requisite number of county voters, the board of county commissioners shall submit such a proposition to the voters for their approval or rejection at the next general election held at least sixty days after the proposition has been certified by the auditor.
[ 2018 c 301 § 9; 1990 c 252 § 2.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2018 c 301 § 9: "Section 9 of this act takes effect January 1, 2021." [ 2018 c 301 § 13.]
Findings—Short title—2018 c 301: See notes following RCW 36.32.051.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.0552 - Five-member commission—Newly created positions—How filled—County divided into five districts.

RCW 36.32.0552
Five-member commission—Newly created positions—How filled—County divided into five districts.
If the ballot proposition receives majority voter approval, the size of the board of county commissioners shall be increased to five members as provided in this section.
The two newly created positions shall be filled at elections to be held in the next year. The county shall, as provided in this section, be divided into five commissioner districts, so that each district shall comprise as nearly as possible one-fifth of the population of the county. No two members of the existing board of county commissioners may, at the time of the designation of such districts, permanently reside in one of the five districts. The division of the county into five districts shall be accomplished as follows:
(1) The board of county commissioners shall, by the 90th day prior to the first day of the filing period described in RCW 29A.24.050 of the year following the election, adopt a resolution creating the districts;
(2) If by the 89th day prior to the first day of the filing period described in RCW 29A.24.050 of the year following the election the board of county commissioners has failed to create the districts, the prosecuting attorney of the county shall petition the superior court of the county to appoint a referee to designate the five commissioner districts. The referee shall designate such districts by no later than the 60th day prior to the first day of the filing period described in RCW 29A.24.050 of the year following the election. The two commissioner districts within which no existing member of the board of county commissioners permanently resides shall be designated as districts four and five.
[ 2023 c 237 § 1; 1990 c 252 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.0554 - Five-member commission—Newly created positions—Terms of initially elected commissioners.

RCW 36.32.0554
Five-member commission—Newly created positions—Terms of initially elected commissioners.
The terms of the persons who are initially elected to positions four and five under RCW 36.32.0552 shall be as follows:
(1) If the year in which the primary and general elections are held is an even-numbered year, the person elected to position four shall be elected for a two-year term, and the person elected to position five shall be elected for a four-year term; or
(2) If the year in which the primary and general elections are held is an odd-numbered year, the person elected to position four shall be elected for a one-year term, and the person elected to position five shall be elected for a three-year term.
The length of the terms shall be calculated from the first day of January in the year following the election. Each person elected pursuant to subsection (1) or (2) of this section shall take office immediately upon the issuance of a certificate of his or her election.
Thereafter, persons elected to commissioner positions four and five shall be elected for four-year terms and shall take office at the same time the other members of the board of county commissioners take office.
[ 1990 c 252 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.0556 - Five-member commissions—Four-year terms—Nominations by districts—Elected by entire county—Quorum.

RCW 36.32.0556
Five-member commissions—Four-year terms—Nominations by districts—Elected by entire county—Quorum.
The commissioners in a five-member board of county commissioners shall be elected to four-year staggered terms. Each commissioner shall reside in a separate commissioner district. Each commissioner shall be nominated from a separate commissioner district by the voters of that district. Each shall be elected by the voters of the entire county. Three members of a five-member board of commissioners shall constitute a quorum to do business.
[ 1990 c 252 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.0558 - Five-member commissions—Vacancies.

RCW 36.32.0558
Five-member commissions—Vacancies.
Vacancies on a board of county commissioners consisting of five members shall be filled as provided in RCW 36.32.070, except that:
(1) Whenever there are three or more vacancies, the governor shall appoint one or more commissioners until there are a total of three commissioners;
(2) Whenever there are two vacancies, the three commissioners shall fill one of the vacancies;
(3) Whenever there is one vacancy, the four commissioners shall fill the single vacancy; and
(4) Whenever there is a vacancy after the general election in a year that the position appears on the ballot and before the start of the next term, the term of the successor who is of the same party as the incumbent may commence once he or she has qualified as defined in RCW 29A.04.133 and shall continue through the term for which he or she was elected.
[ 2015 c 53 § 64; 2003 c 238 § 2; 1990 c 252 § 6.]
NOTES:
Contingent effective date—2003 c 238: See note following RCW 36.16.110.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.060 - Conditions of official bond.

RCW 36.32.060
Conditions of official bond.
The bond of each county commissioner shall be payable to the county, and it shall be conditioned that the commissioner shall well and faithfully discharge the duties of his or her office, and not approve, audit, or order paid any illegal, unwarranted, or unjust claim against the county for personal services.
[ 2009 c 549 § 4064; 1963 c 4 § 36.32.060. Prior: 1955 c 157 § 10; prior: 1921 c 132 § 1, part; 1893 c 75 § 7, part; RRS § 4046, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.070 - Vacancies on board.

RCW 36.32.070
Vacancies on board.
Whenever there is a vacancy in the board of county commissioners, except as provided in RCW 36.32.0558, it shall be filled as follows:
(1) If there are three vacancies, the governor of the state shall appoint two of the officers. The two commissioners thus appointed shall then meet and select the third commissioner. If the two appointed commissioners fail to agree upon selection of the third after the expiration of five days from the day they were appointed, the governor shall appoint the remaining commissioner.
(2) Whenever there are two vacancies in the office of county commissioner, the governor shall appoint one commissioner, and the two commissioners then in office shall appoint the third commissioner. If they fail to agree upon a selection after the expiration of five days from the day of the governor's appointment, the governor shall appoint the third commissioner.
(3) Whenever there is one vacancy in the office of county commissioner, the two remaining commissioners shall fill the vacancy. If the two commissioners fail to agree upon a selection after the expiration of five days from the day the vacancy occurred, the governor shall appoint the third commissioner.
(4) Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of county commissioner after the general election in a year that the position appears on the ballot and before the start of the next term, the term of the successor who is of the same party as the incumbent may commence once he or she has qualified as defined in RCW 29A.04.133 and shall continue through the term for which he or she was elected.
[ 2015 c 53 § 65; 2003 c 238 § 3; 1990 c 252 § 7; 1963 c 4 § 36.32.070. Prior: 1933 c 100 § 1; RRS § 4038-1.]
NOTES:
Contingent effective date—2003 c 238: See note following RCW 36.16.110.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.080 - Regular meetings—Joint regular meetings—Regular meetings held outside of the county seat.

RCW 36.32.080
Regular meetings—Joint regular meetings—Regular meetings held outside of the county seat.
(1) The county legislative authority of each county shall hold regular meetings at the county seat or at a location designated in accordance with subsection (2) or (3) of this section to transact any business required or permitted by law.
(2)(a) Any two or more county legislative authorities may hold a joint regular meeting solely in the county seat of a participating county if the agenda item or items relate to actions or considerations of mutual interest or concern to the participating legislative authorities.
(b) A legislative authority participating in a joint regular meeting held in accordance with this subsection (2) must, for purposes of the meeting, comply with notice requirements for special meetings provided in RCW 42.30.080. This subsection (2)(b) does not apply to the legislative authority of the county in which the meeting will be held.
(3)(a) As an alternative option, regular meetings may be held 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 interest of supporting greater citizen engagement in local government at the following intervals:
(i) Once per calendar month in a city with a greater population than the city in which the county seat is located; and
(ii) Once per calendar quarter in any other location.
(b) No more than one meeting per calendar month may be held at an alternate location as provided for in this subsection (3).
(c) The county legislative authority must give notice of any regular meeting held pursuant to this subsection (3) at least 30 days before the time of the meeting specified in the notice. At a minimum, notice must be:
(i) Posted on the county's website;
(ii) Published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county; and
(iii) Sent via electronic transmission to any resident of the county who has chosen to receive the notice required under this section at an email address.
[ 2023 c 84 § 1; 2016 c 189 § 1. Prior: 2015 c 179 § 1; 2015 c 74 § 1; 1989 c 16 § 1; 1963 c 4 § 36.32.080; prior: 1893 c 105 § 1; Code 1881 § 2667; 1869 p 303 § 5; 1867 p 53 § 5; 1863 p 541 § 5; 1854 p 420 § 5; RRS § 4047. Cf. 1893 c 75 § 1; RRS § 4048.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.090 - Special meetings—Joint special meetings.

RCW 36.32.090
Special meetings—Joint special meetings.
(1) The county legislative authority of each county may hold special meetings at the county seat or at a location designated in accordance with subsection (2) or (3) of this section to transact the business of the county. Notice of a special meeting shall be made as provided in RCW 42.30.080.
(2) A special meeting may be held outside of the county seat at any location within the county if the agenda item or items are of unique interest or concern to the citizens of the portion of the county in which the special meeting is to be held.
(3) Any two or more county legislative authorities may hold a joint special meeting at the county seat or other agreed upon location within the jurisdiction of a participating county if the agenda item or items relate to actions or considerations of mutual interest or concern to the participating legislative authorities.
[ 2015 c 74 § 2; 1989 c 16 § 2; 1963 c 4 § 36.32.090. Prior: Code 1881 § 2669; 1869 p 304 § 7; 1867 p 53 § 7; 1863 p 541 § 7; 1854 p 420 § 7; RRS § 4049. Cf. 1893 c 75 § 2; RRS § 4050.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.100 - Chair of board—Election, powers.

RCW 36.32.100
Chair of board—Election, powers.
The board of county commissioners at their first session after the general election shall elect one of its number to preside at its meetings. He or she shall sign all documents requiring the signature of the board, and his or her signature as chair of the board shall be as legal and binding as if all members had affixed their names. In case the chair is absent at any meeting of the board, all documents requiring the signature of the board shall be signed by both members present.
[ 2009 c 549 § 4065; 1963 c 4 § 36.32.100. Prior: Code 1881 § 2676; 1869 p 305 § 14; 1867 p 55 § 14; 1863 p 542 § 14; 1854 p 421 § 14; RRS § 4051.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.110 - Clerk of board.

RCW 36.32.110
Clerk of board.
The county auditor shall be the clerk of the board of county commissioners unless the board of county commissioners designates one of its employees to serve as clerk who shall attend its meetings and keep a record of its proceedings.
[ 1981 c 240 § 1; 1963 c 4 § 36.32.110. Prior: Code 1881 § 2668; 1869 p 304 § 6; 1867 p 53 § 6; 1863 p 541 § 6; 1854 p 420 § 6; RRS § 4052.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.121 - Community revitalization financing—Public improvements.

RCW 36.32.121
Community revitalization financing—Public improvements.
In addition to other authority that a county possesses, a county may provide any public improvement as defined under RCW 39.89.020, but this additional authority is limited to participating in the financing of the public improvements as provided under RCW 39.89.050.
This section does not limit the authority of a county to otherwise participate in the public improvements if that authority exists elsewhere.
[ 2001 c 212 § 13.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.122 - Authority to regulate massage therapists—Limitations.

RCW 36.32.122
Authority to regulate massage therapists—Limitations.
(1) A state licensed massage therapist seeking a county license to operate a massage business must provide verification of his or her state massage license as provided for in RCW 18.108.030.
(2) The county may charge a licensing or operating fee, but the fee charged a state licensed massage therapist shall not exceed the licensing or operating fee imposed on similar health care providers, such as physical therapists or occupational therapists, operating within the same county.
(3) A state licensed massage therapist is not subject to additional licensing requirements not currently imposed on similar health care providers, such as physical therapists or occupational therapists.
[ 2016 c 41 § 25; 1991 c 182 § 3.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2016 c 41: See note following RCW 18.108.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.125 - Adoption of certain regulations proscribed.

RCW 36.32.125
Adoption of certain regulations proscribed.
Nothing in this chapter shall permit the counties to adopt, by reference or by ordinance, regulations relating to the subject matter contained in chapters 19.28, 43.22, 70.79, or 70.87 RCW.
[ 1971 ex.s. c 117 § 2.]
NOTES:
Adoption of provisions relating to electricians and electrical installations by ordinance proscribed: RCW 19.28.101.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.127 - Driving while under the influence of liquor or drugs—Minimum penalties.

RCW 36.32.127
Driving while under the influence of liquor or drugs—Minimum penalties.
No county may establish a penalty for an act that constitutes the crime of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, as provided for in RCW 46.61.502, or the crime of being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, as provided in RCW 46.61.504, that is less than the penalties prescribed for those crimes in RCW 46.61.5055.
[ 1995 c 332 § 9; 1994 c 275 § 37; 1983 c 165 § 41.]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates—1995 c 332: See notes following RCW 46.20.308.
Short title—Effective date—1994 c 275: See notes following RCW 46.04.015.
Legislative finding, intent—Effective dates—Severability—1983 c 165: See notes following RCW 46.20.308.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.130 - Postponement of action.

RCW 36.32.130
Postponement of action.
When only two members are present at a meeting of the board, and a division takes place on any question, the matter under consideration shall be postponed to the next subsequent meeting.
[ 1963 c 4 § 36.32.130. Prior: Code 1881 § 2671; 1869 p 304 § 9; 1867 p 53 § 9; 1863 p 541 § 9; 1854 p 421 § 9; RRS § 4055.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.135 - Official seal.

RCW 36.32.135
Official seal.
The county commissioners of each county shall have and use a seal for the purpose of sealing their proceedings, and copies of the same when signed and sealed by the said county commissioners, and attested by their clerk, shall be admitted as evidence of such proceedings in the trial of any cause in any court in this state; and until such seal shall be provided, the private seal of the chair of such board of county commissioners shall be adopted as a seal.
[ 2009 c 549 § 4066; 1963 c 4 § 36.32.135. Prior: Code 1881 § 2672; 1854 p 421 § 10; RRS § 4069. Formerly RCW 36.16.080.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.140 - Record of proceedings.

RCW 36.32.140
Record of proceedings.
The board of county commissioners shall cause to be recorded, in a book kept for that purpose, all their proceedings and determinations touching all matters properly cognizable before it; and all books, accounts, vouchers, and papers, touching the business or property of the county shall be carefully kept by the clerk, and be open to public inspection.
[ 1963 c 4 § 36.32.140. Prior: Code 1881 § 2675; 1869 p 305 § 13; 1867 p 54 § 13; 1863 p 542 § 13; 1854 p 421 § 13; RRS § 4072.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.150 - Transcribing mutilated records.

RCW 36.32.150
Transcribing mutilated records.
The county commissioners shall, when any of the county records become so mutilated that their handling becomes dangerous to the safety of such records, and when in the judgment of the county commissioners it may become necessary to, order the transcribing of said records at a sum not exceeding eight cents per folio of one hundred words, in books to be provided for that purpose by the county.
[ 1963 c 4 § 36.32.150. Prior: 1893 c 14 § 1; RRS § 4065.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.155 - Transcribing mutilated records—Prior transcribing validated.

RCW 36.32.155
Transcribing mutilated records—Prior transcribing validated.
All records transcribed by order of any board of county commissioners in this state prior to the effective date of chapter 14, Laws of 1893, shall be and are hereby declared the legal records of said county the same as if transcribed under the provisions of RCW 36.32.150 through 36.32.170.
[ 1963 c 4 § 36.32.155. Prior: 1893 c 14 § 4; RRS § 4068.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.160 - Transcribing mutilated records—Auditor to direct transcribing, certify.

RCW 36.32.160
Transcribing mutilated records—Auditor to direct transcribing, certify.
The books containing the transcribed records shall be certified by the county auditor, under whose direction the transcribing was done, as being true copies of the original.
[ 1963 c 4 § 36.32.160. Prior: 1893 c 14 § 2; RRS § 4066.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.170 - Transcribing mutilated records—Original records to be preserved.

RCW 36.32.170
Transcribing mutilated records—Original records to be preserved.
All the original record books, after the transcribing thereof, shall be filed away in the auditor's office and only be used in case of contest on the correctness of the transcribed records.
[ 1963 c 4 § 36.32.170. Prior: 1893 c 14 § 3; RRS § 4067.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.200 - Special attorneys, employment of.

RCW 36.32.200
Special attorneys, employment of.
It shall be unlawful for a county legislative authority to employ or contract with any attorney or counsel to perform any duty which any prosecuting attorney is authorized or required by law to perform, unless the contract of employment of such attorney or counsel has been first reduced to writing and approved by the presiding superior court judge of the county in writing endorsed thereon. This section shall not prohibit the appointment of deputy prosecuting attorneys in the manner provided by law.
Any contract written pursuant to this section shall be limited to two years in duration.
[ 1983 c 129 § 1; 1963 c 4 § 36.32.200. Prior: 1905 c 25 § 1; RRS § 4075.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.210 - Inventory of county capitalized assets.

RCW 36.32.210
Inventory of county capitalized assets.
Each board of county commissioners of the several counties of the state of Washington shall file with the auditor of the county a full and complete inventory of all capitalized assets kept in accordance with standards established by the state auditor.
[ 2017 c 37 § 1; 2003 c 53 § 204; 1997 c 245 § 3; 1995 c 194 § 5; 1969 ex.s. c 182 § 2; 1963 c 108 § 1; 1963 c 4 § 36.32.210. Prior: 1931 c 95 § 1; RRS § 4056-1. FORMER PARTS OF SECTION: (i) 1931 c 95 § 2; RRS § 4056-2, now codified as RCW 36.32.213. (ii) 1931 c 95 § 3; RRS § 4056-3, now codified as RCW 36.32.215.]
NOTES:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
State building code: Chapter 19.27 RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.232 - Contract goals for county electric ferry vessel procurement.

RCW 36.32.232
Contract goals for county electric ferry vessel procurement.
To increase small business participation in ferry vessel procurement, the Washington state department of transportation's office of equal opportunity shall establish contract goals for county electric ferry vessel procurement.
(1) The contract goal is defined as a percentage of the contract award amount that the prime contractor must meet by subcontracting with small business enterprises.
(2) Small business enterprises intending to benefit from the small business enterprise enforceable goals program established in this section must meet the definition of "small business" in RCW 39.26.010.
[ 2021 c 224 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.240 - Competitive bids—Purchasing department—Counties with a population of less than four hundred thousand.

RCW 36.32.240
Competitive bids—Purchasing department—Counties with a population of less than four hundred thousand.
(1) In any county the county legislative authority may by resolution establish a county purchasing department.
(2) In each county with a population of less than four hundred thousand which exercises this option, the purchasing department shall contract on a competitive basis for all public works, enter into leases of personal property on a competitive basis, and purchase all supplies, materials, and equipment, on a competitive basis, for all departments of the county, as provided in this chapter and chapter 39.04 RCW, except that the county purchasing department is not required to make purchases for the county hospital, or make purchases that are paid from the county road fund or equipment rental and revolving fund.
[ 2009 c 229 § 7; 1996 c 219 § 1; 1993 c 198 § 5; 1991 c 363 § 57; 1985 c 169 § 8; 1983 c 3 § 77; 1974 ex.s. c 52 § 1; 1967 ex.s. c 144 § 15; 1963 c 4 § 36.32.240. Prior: 1961 c 169 § 1; 1949 c 33 § 1; 1945 c 61 § 1; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 10322-15.]
NOTES:
Purpose—Captions not law—1991 c 363: See notes following RCW 2.32.180.
Severability—1967 ex.s. c 144: See note following RCW 36.900.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.245 - Competitive bids—Requirements—Advertisements—Exceptions.

RCW 36.32.245
Competitive bids—Requirements—Advertisements—Exceptions.
(1) No contract for the purchase of materials, equipment, or supplies may be entered into by the county legislative authority or by any elected or appointed officer of the county until after bids have been submitted to the county. Bid specifications shall be in writing and shall be filed with the clerk of the county legislative authority for public inspection. An advertisement shall be published in the official newspaper of the county stating the time and place where bids will be opened, the time after which bids will not be received, the materials, equipment, supplies, or services to be purchased, and that the specifications may be seen at the office of the clerk of the county legislative authority. The advertisement shall be published at least once at least thirteen days prior to the last date upon which bids will be received.
(2) The bids shall be in writing, may be in either hard copy or electronic form as specified by the county, and shall be filed with the clerk. The bids shall be opened and read in public at the time and place named in the advertisement. Contracts requiring competitive bidding under this section may be awarded only to the lowest responsible bidder. Immediately after the award is made, the bid quotations shall be recorded and open to public inspection and shall be available by telephone inquiry. Any or all bids may be rejected for good cause.
(3) For advertisement and formal sealed bidding to be dispensed with as to purchases between ten thousand and fifty thousand dollars, the county legislative authority must use the uniform process to award contracts as provided in RCW 39.04.190. Advertisement and formal sealed bidding may be dispensed with as to purchases of less than ten thousand dollars upon the order of the county legislative authority.
(4) This section does not apply to performance-based contracts, as defined in *RCW 39.35A.020(4), that are negotiated under chapter 39.35A RCW; or contracts and purchases for the printing of election ballots, voting machine labels, and all other election material containing the names of candidates and ballot titles.
(5) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the legislative authority of any county from allowing for preferential purchase of products made from recycled materials or products that may be recycled or reused.
(6) This section does not apply to contracting for public defender services by a county.
[ 2016 c 95 § 9; 2007 c 88 § 1. Prior: 1993 c 233 § 1; 1993 c 198 § 7; 1991 c 363 § 62.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 39.35A.020 was amended by 2022 c 128 § 2, changing subsection (4) to subsection (6).
Intent—2016 c 95: See note following RCW 36.62.252.
Purpose—Captions not law—1991 c 363: See notes following RCW 2.32.180.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.253 - Competitive bids—Leases of personal property.

RCW 36.32.253
Competitive bids—Leases of personal property.
No lease of personal property may be entered into by the county legislative authority or by any elected or appointed officer of the county except upon use of the procedures specified in this chapter and chapter 39.04 RCW for awarding contracts for purchases when it leases personal property from the lowest responsible bidder.
[ 1993 c 198 § 6; 1991 c 363 § 63.]
NOTES:
Purpose—Captions not law—1991 c 363: See notes following RCW 2.32.180.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.256 - Competitive bids—Multiple awards for road maintenance materials.

RCW 36.32.256
Competitive bids—Multiple awards for road maintenance materials.
A county when calling for competitive bids for the procurement of road maintenance materials may award to multiple bidders for the same commodity when the bid specifications provide for the factors of haul distance to be included in the determination of which vendor is truly the lowest price to the county. The county may readvertise for additional bidders and vendors if it deems it necessary in the public interest.
[ 1991 c 363 § 61.]
NOTES:
Purpose—Captions not law—1991 c 363: See notes following RCW 2.32.180.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.260 - Competitive bids—Purchasing agent.

RCW 36.32.260
Competitive bids—Purchasing agent.
In any county having a purchasing department the board of county commissioners shall appoint a county purchasing agent, who shall be the head of such purchasing department. The county purchasing agent shall have had previous purchasing experience as purchasing agent of a commercial, industrial, institutional, or governmental plant or agency, and shall be placed under such bond as the board may require. The board may establish a central storeroom or storerooms in charge of the county purchasing agent in which supplies and equipment may be stored and issued upon proper requisition by department heads. The purchasing agent shall be responsible for maintaining perpetual inventories of supplies and equipment and shall at least yearly, or oftener when so required by the board, report to the county commissioners a balancing of the inventory record with the actual amount of supplies or equipment on hand.
[ 1963 c 4 § 36.32.260. Prior: 1961 c 169 § 2; 1945 c 61 § 3; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 10322-17.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.265 - Competitive bids—Inapplicability to certain agreements relating to water pollution control, solid waste handling facilities.

RCW 36.32.265
Competitive bids—Inapplicability to certain agreements relating to water pollution control, solid waste handling facilities.
RCW 36.32.240, 36.32.250, and 36.32.260 do not apply to the selection of persons or entities to construct or develop water pollution control facilities or to provide water pollution control services under RCW 70A.140.040 or the selection of persons or entities to construct or develop solid waste handling facilities or to provide solid waste handling services under RCW 36.58.090.
[ 2021 c 65 § 25; 1989 c 399 § 8; 1987 c 436 § 9.]
NOTES:
Explanatory statement—2021 c 65: See note following RCW 53.54.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.270 - Competitive bids—Exemptions.

RCW 36.32.270
Competitive bids—Exemptions.
The county legislative authority may waive the competitive bidding requirements of this chapter pursuant to RCW 39.04.280 if an exemption contained within that section applies to the purchase or public work.
[ 1998 c 278 § 4; 1963 c 4 § 36.32.270. Prior: 1961 c 169 § 3; 1945 c 61 § 4; Rem. Supp. 1945 § 10322-18.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.280 - Regulation of watercourses.

RCW 36.32.280
Regulation of watercourses.
The state in the exercise of its sovereign and police power authorizes any county alone or acting jointly with any other county to regulate and control the flow of waters, both navigable and nonnavigable, within such county or counties, for the purpose of preventing floods which may threaten or cause damage, public or private.
[ 1963 c 4 § 36.32.280. Prior: 1921 c 30 § 1; RRS § 4057-1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.290 - Regulation of watercourses—Removal of obstructions.

RCW 36.32.290
Regulation of watercourses—Removal of obstructions.
When the board of county commissioners of any county deems it essential to the public interest for flood prevention purposes it may remove drifts, jams, logs, debris, gravel, earth, stone or bars forming obstructions to the stream, or other material from the beds, channels, and banks of watercourses in any manner deemed expedient, including the deposit thereof on bars not forming obstructions to the stream, or on subsidiary or high water channels of such watercourses.
[ 1963 c 4 § 36.32.290. Prior: 1921 c 30 § 2; RRS § 4057-2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.300 - Regulation of watercourses—Trees may be removed from riverbanks.

RCW 36.32.300
Regulation of watercourses—Trees may be removed from riverbanks.
When any forest trees are situated upon the bank of any watercourse or so close thereto as to be in danger of falling into it, the owner or occupant of any of the premises shall be notified to remove them forthwith. The notice shall be based upon a resolution or order of the county commissioners and may be given by mail to the last known address of the owner or occupant. If the trees are not removed within ten days after the date of the notice, the county may thereupon fell them.
[ 1963 c 4 § 36.32.300. Prior: 1921 c 30 § 3; RRS § 4057-3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.302 - Transfer of ownership of county-owned vessel—Review of vessel's physical condition.

RCW 36.32.302
Transfer of ownership of county-owned vessel—Review of vessel's physical condition.
(1) Prior to transferring ownership of a county-owned vessel, the county shall conduct a thorough review of the physical condition of the vessel, the vessel's operating capability, and any containers and other materials that are not fixed to the vessel.
(2) If the county determines that the vessel is in a state of advanced deterioration or poses a reasonably imminent threat to human health or safety, including a threat of environmental contamination, the county may: (a) Not transfer the vessel until the conditions identified under this subsection have been corrected; or (b) permanently dispose of the vessel by landfill, deconstruction, or other related method.
(3) Vessels taken into custody under chapter 79.100 RCW are not subject to this section or RCW 36.32.304.
[ 2013 c 291 § 19.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.32 - County Commissioners. › 36.32.304 - Transfer of ownership of county-owned vessel—Further requirements.

RCW 36.32.304
Transfer of ownership of county-owned vessel—Further requirements.
(1) Following the inspection required under RCW 36.32.302 and prior to transferring ownership of a county-owned vessel, a county shall obtain the following from the transferee:
(a) The purposes for which the transferee intends to use the vessel; and
(b) Information demonstrating the prospective owner's intent to obtain legal moorage following the transfer, in the manner determined by the county.
(2)(a) The county shall remove any containers or other materials that are not fixed to the vessel and contain hazardous substances, as defined under RCW 70A.305.020.
(b) However, the county may transfer a vessel with:
(i) Those containers or materials described under (a) of this subsection where the transferee demonstrates to the county's satisfaction that the container's or material's presence is consistent with the anticipated use of the vessel; and
(ii) A reasonable amount of fuel as determined by the county, based on factors including the vessel's size, condition, and anticipated use of the vessel including initial destination following transfer.
(c) The county may consult with the department of ecology in carrying out the requirements of this subsection.
(3) Prior to sale, and unless the vessel has a title or valid marine document, the county is required to apply for a certificate of title for the vessel under RCW 88.02.510 and register the vessel under RCW 88.02.550.
[ 2020 c 20 § 1020; 2013 c 291 § 20.]