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resolve conflicts in existing laws regarding the assumption of office for these local officials, while also eliminating outdated statutory language that is no longer necessary. The bill clarifies that the term of incumbents ends and the term of successors begins immediately after December 31st following the election, with specific provisions for cases where election results are not certified by that date.

Key changes include the insertion of new language specifying that the oath of office must be taken "between the date of the final certification of the election and the day before the term of office begins," replacing the previous requirement that it could be taken "up to ten days prior to the scheduled date of assuming office." Additionally, the bill allows the oath to be taken at the last regular meeting of the governing body before the new official assumes office. These amendments aim to streamline the process and ensure clarity for local officials regarding their responsibilities and timelines.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 29A.60.280