Bill > HB1761

This bill clarifies and standardizes the timing of oath-taking for local elected officials in Washington state. Currently, there are conflicting laws about when elected officials can assume office for counties, cities, towns, and special purpose districts. The bill modifies existing law to specify that the oath of office can be taken either after the last regular meeting of the governing body before the official assumes office or up to that meeting. This provides more flexibility for newly elected officials while maintaining a consistent process. The bill maintains the existing provision that an official's term typically ends on December 31st following their election and begins immediately after, with exceptions for situations where election results are not certified by January 1st or where specific statutes dictate different term lengths. School district board members are exempt from these provisions and continue to begin their terms at the first official board meeting after election results are certified. The overall purpose is to remove statutory conflicts and simplify the process of assuming local elected office.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1761&Year=2025&Initiative=false