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

HB 3200

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Establishing a cemetery district in a county.

Sponsors: Representatives Schmick, Simpson, Warnick, Schindler and Sullivan.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Revises cemetery district petition requirements used in counties by allowing no less than 10 percent of registered voters residing in the proposed district to sign the petition.
  • Allows county legislative authorities to provide a ballot proposition creating the proposed cemetery district.

Hearing Date: 2/4/08

Staff: Lyset Cadena (786-7291).

Background:

Cemetery districts may be established to acquire, maintain, manage, improve, and operate cemeteries and conduct any of the businesses of a cemetery.

A petition to create a cemetery district must be signed by no less than 15 percent of the registered voters that reside within the boundaries of the proposed district. The petition must designate the boundaries of the proposed district or describe the lands to be included in the proposed district. After the petition has been verified by the county auditor, the county legislative authority must fix a date and time for the public hearing. If the county legislative authority finds the creation of a cemetery district to be conducive to public welfare and convenience, the county legislative authority must designate the name and number of the district and fix the boundaries.

Summary of Bill:

A proposed cemetery district petition must be signed by no less than 10 percent of the registered voters that reside within the boundaries of the proposed district.

A county legislative authority may provide a ballot proposition to create a cemetery district. The ballot proposition must designate the boundaries of the proposed district or describe the lands to be included in the proposed district. The ballot proposition must be submitted to the voters residing within the proposed district.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.