Expanding the qualifications of those who may serve as a local health officer in rural counties.

 S-4360.1

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5990

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2026 Regular Session

By Senate Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senator Muzzall)

READ FIRST TIME 02/02/26.

AN ACT Relating to expanding the qualifications of those who may serve as a local health officer in rural counties; amending RCW 70.05.080 and 70.05.080 ; providing an effective date; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 70.05.080 and 1993 c 492 s 240 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) If the local board of health or other official responsible for appointing a local health officer under RCW 70.05.050 refuses or neglects to appoint a local health officer after a vacancy exists, the secretary of health may appoint a local health officer and fix the compensation. The local health officer so appointed shall have the same duties, powers and authority as though appointed under RCW 70.05.050 . Such local health officer shall serve until a qualified individual is appointed according to the procedures set forth in RCW 70.05.050 .