SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1291

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.

As of March 9, 2009

Title: An act relating to library district annexations.

Brief Description: Changing library district annexation provisions.

Sponsors: House Committee on Local Government & Housing (originally sponsored by Representatives Maxwell, Simpson, Green, Rodne, Clibborn, Hasegawa, Ormsby, Orwall, Liias, Hudgins, Johnson, Sullivan and Hunter).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/23/09, 92-0.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections:

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Edward Redmond (786-7471)

Background: The establishment, management, and operation of various public library districts are authorized by statutory law. The law provides that cities, towns, and counties may create public libraries. Statutory law also authorizes the establishment of special library districts including rural county library districts, intercounty rural library districts, and island library districts. The service areas of these special districts are as follows: (1) a rural county library district provides library services to all areas within a county not included within incorporated cities and towns; (2) an intercounty rural library district is organized to provide library service for all areas outside of incorporated cities and towns within two or more counties; and (3) an island library district is organized to provide library service for all areas outside of incorporated cities and towns on a single island only.

A city or town may join a special library district provided that its population does not exceed 100,000 at the time of annexation. The city or town seeking to annex must adopt an ordinance stating its intent.

Summary of Bill: The maximum population that a city or town may have at the time of annexation is increased. A city or town with a maximum population of 300,000 may annex to a special library district.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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