FINAL BILL REPORT

ESHB 1272

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.

C 498 L 09

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning state general obligation bonds and related accounts.

Sponsors: House Committee on Capital Budget (originally sponsored by Representatives Dunshee and White; by request of Office of Financial Management).

House Committee on Capital Budget

Background:

Washington periodically issues general obligation bonds to finance projects authorized in the state capital and transportation budgets. General obligation bonds pledge the full faith and credit and taxing power of the state towards payment of debt service. Legislation authorizing the issuance of bonds requires a 60 percent majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.Bond authorization legislation generally specifies the account or accounts into which bond sale proceeds are deposited, as well as the source of debt service payments. When debt service payments are due, the State Treasurer withdraws the amounts necessary to make the payments from the State General Fund and deposits them into the bond retirement funds. The State Finance Committee, composed of the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the State Treasurer, is responsible for the issuance of all state bonds.

Summary:

The State Finance Committee is authorized to issue state general obligation bonds to finance $2.2 billion in projects in the 2009 Supplemental and 2009-11 Capital Budgets, and $1.95 billion for the State Route 520 corridor projects.The State Treasurer is required to withdraw from state general revenues the amounts necessary to make the principal and interest payments on the bonds and to deposit these amounts into the Bond Retirement Account.

Votes on Final Passage:

House

60

36

Senate

30

15

Effective:

July 26, 2009