Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Local Government & Housing Committee

HB 2496

Brief Description:  Modifying fire protection district tax provisions.

Sponsors:  Representatives Dunshee and Mulliken.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Authorizing fire protection district levies for periods not exceeding four years.

Hearing Date:  1/30/02

Staff:  Amy Wood (786‑7127).

Background:

The Washington State Constitution specifies that propositions to levy additional taxes for fire protection district operating purposes must be limited to a period of one year.  Article VII, section 2 of the constitution requires the Legislature to affirm this taxing authority in statute.

Local fire protection districts submit levies for initial voter consideration at either a state primary or general election, or on other election dates as provided by law.  Levies may only be for a single year.  If the voters do not pass the levy request, the levy must be resubmitted.

Summary of Bill:

State laws are modified to increase the one year time period for authorizing a fire protection district operating levy.  Propositions to levy additional taxes for fire district operating purposes may be for a period of up to four years.

The act takes effect if an accompanying constitutional amendment is approved at the next general election.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.