Spokane Municipal Code

Title 03 Administration and Personnel

Chapter 03.09 Domestic Partnership Benefits

Section 03.09.020 Definitions

1. “Basic living expenses” means the cost of basic food, shelter and any other expenses of a domestic partner which are paid at least in part by a program or benefit for which the partner qualified because of the domestic partnership. The individuals need not contribute equally or jointly to the cost of these expenses as long as they agree that both are responsible for the cost.

2. “Domestic partner” means an individual designated by an unmarried City official or employee in an affidavit filed with the City pursuant to SMC 3.09.030.

3. “Domestic partnership” shall consist of:

1. 1. two people who have been for at least six months, and are currently:

1. 1. 1. sharing the same regular and permanent residence;

1. 1. 2. having a close, personal relationship;

1. 1. 3. jointly responsible for “basic living expenses,” as defined above;

1. 1. 4. not married to anyone as recognized by the State of Washington;

1. 1. 5. eighteen years of age or older;

1. 1. 6. not related by blood closer than would bar marriage in the State of Washington;

1. 1. 7. mentally competent to consent to contract when the domestic partnership began;

1. 1. 8. each other’s sole domestic partner, intending to remain so indefinitely, and are responsible for each other’s common welfare; or

1. 2. a domestic partnership recognized by the State of Washington under chapter 26.60 RCW.

4. “Employee benefits” means all benefits provided to a City employee, spouse and children pursuant to collective bargaining agreements, ordinances, contracts or personnel policies.

Date Passed: Monday, September 26, 2011

Effective Date: Thursday, November 3, 2011

ORD C34775 Section 1