The bill amends RCW 29A.60.280 to standardize the period in which elected officials of counties, cities, towns, and special purpose districts must take their oath of office. It aims to resolve conflicts in existing laws regarding the assumption of office for these local officials, while also clarifying that the term for these officials begins immediately after December 31st following their election, unless specific statutory provisions dictate otherwise. The bill also specifies that the oath of office must be taken as the final step of qualification and can now be taken between the date of the final certification of the election and the day before the term begins.

Key changes include the insertion of language that allows the oath to be taken during the specified timeframe, replacing the previous provisions that permitted the oath to be taken up to ten days prior to assuming office or at the last regular meeting before the new term. This revision aims to streamline the process and eliminate outdated statutory language that is no longer necessary.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 29A.60.280
Bill as Passed Legislature: 29A.60.280
Session Law: 29A.60.280