(1) The department of commerce shall contract for the provision of municipal research and services to cities, towns, and counties. Contracts for municipal research and services shall be made with state agencies, educational institutions, or private consulting firms, that in the judgment of the department are qualified to provide such research and services. Contracts for staff support may be made with state agencies, educational institutions, or private consulting firms that in the judgment of the department are qualified to provide such support.

     (2) Municipal research and services shall consist of:

     (a) Studying and researching city, town, and county government and issues relating to city, town, and county government;

     (b) Acquiring, preparing, and distributing publications related to city, town, and county government and issues relating to city, town, and county government;

     (c) Providing educational conferences relating to city, town, and county government and issues relating to city, town, and county government; and

     (d) Furnishing legal, technical, consultative, and field services to cities, towns, and counties concerning planning, public health, utility services, fire protection, law enforcement, public works, and other issues relating to city, town, and county government.

     (3) Requests for legal services by county officials shall be sent to the office of the county prosecuting attorney. Responses by the department of commerce to county requests for legal services shall be provided to the requesting official and the county prosecuting attorney.

     (4) The department of commerce shall coordinate with the association of Washington cities and the Washington state association of counties in carrying out the activities in this section. Services to cities and towns shall be based upon the moneys appropriated to the department from the city and town research services account under RCW 43.110.060. Services to counties shall be based upon the moneys appropriated to the department from the county research services account under RCW 43.110.050.

[2010 c 271 § 701; 2000 c 227 § 3; 1997 c 437 § 2; 1990 c 104 § 2.]

NOTES:

     Purpose -- Effective date -- 2010 c 271: See notes following RCW 43.330.005.

     Effective date -- 2000 c 227: See note following RCW 43.110.060.

     Effective date -- 1997 c 437: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 1997." [1997 c 437 § 6.]