H-1491.1 _______________________________________________
HOUSE BILL 1927
_______________________________________________
State of Washington 53rd Legislature 1993 Regular Session
By Representatives Carlson, Karahalios, Shin, Brumsickle, Basich, Silver, Brough, Wood, Hansen, Sehlin, Miller, Thomas and Kremen
Read first time 02/17/93. Referred to Committee on Appropriations.
AN ACT Relating to setting an upper limit on general fund--state appropriations; adding new sections to chapter 43.88 RCW; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. It is the intent of the legislature to improve the budgeting process for the general fund‑-state account by limiting the appropriations for the operating budget based on the November official state economic and revenue forecast. The purpose of this act is to specify the maximum funding levels and reduce overall spending for the budget. It is also the intent of this act that by setting the appropriations levels in November by agreement of the four caucuses and one representative from the governor's office that more effort will be spent on the priorities included in the budget rather than debating the actual funding levels.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. Within five working days, not to exceed one calendar week, after the November official state economic and revenue forecast is approved by the economic and revenue forecast council the budget limitation committee will convene. The budget limitation committee will consist of two representatives from each caucus of the house of representatives and senate and one participant from the governor's office. The budget limitation committee shall meet for no more than ten working days, not to exceed two calendar weeks, to determine the maximum levels for the general fund‑-state portions for each of the major parts of the operating budget. The maximum levels of funding should be based on available revenue sources for the upcoming budget.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The appropriation levels of funding established by the budget limitation committee are the general fund‑-state portions for the following parts of the budget: General government, human resources, natural resources, transportation, K-12 education, higher education, and special appropriations. Also, the budget limitation committee shall set the frame work for a balanced budget that will include an ending fund balance of no less than one percent of the total general fund‑-state budget. The appropriation levels must be based on available resources, excluding resource enhancements such as tax increases, fee increases, or increases in the costs of permits.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. In order to fulfill the state's duty under Article IX, section 1 of the state Constitution, K-12 education shall receive no less than fifty percent of the general fund‑-state appropriation as set by the budget limitation committee.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. The appropriations for each part of the operating budget passed by the legislature and signed by the governor may be no more than the levels under section 3 of this act. However, with the exception of K-12 education under section 4 of this act, all other areas of the budget may be funded below the levels set by the budget limitation committee.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. The appropriation levels must be passed by the house of representatives and senate and signed by the governor no later than January 31st of each year.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. If the February or March official state economic and revenue forecast, as approved, is below the November forecast, then the budget limitation committee shall convene one day after the approval of the February or March forecast. The budget limitation committee will amend the appropriation levels to meet the goals specified in sections 3, 4, and 5 of this act. The budget limitation committee must complete its agreement within one week of convening. The amended agreement must be passed by the house of representatives and senate and signed by the governor no later than March 30th of each year it is needed.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. Sections 2 through 7 of this act are each added to chapter 43.88 RCW.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. 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 shall take effect immediately.
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