Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Relations Committee |
HB 2224
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: Concerning fiscal impact statements on state ballot measures.
Sponsors: Representative Walsh.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/15/20
Staff: Carrington Skinner (786-7192).
Background:
Among other duties, the Office of Financial Management (OFM), in consultation with other entities, is required to prepare fiscal impact statements for the following ballot measures:
an initiative to the people that is certified to the ballot;
an initiative to the Legislature that will appear on the ballot;
an alternative measure appearing on the ballot that the Legislature proposes to an initiative to the Legislature;
a referendum bill referred to voters by the Legislature; and
a referendum measure appearing on the ballot.
These fiscal impact statements must:
describe projected increases or decreases in revenues, costs, expenditures, or indebtedness that the state or local government will experience if the ballot measure is approved by voters;
include a summary not to exceed 100 words;
provide a more detailed statement that includes any assumptions used made to develop the fiscal impacts; and
be filed with the Secretary of State no later than August 10.
When appropriate, the fiscal impact statement may include estimated dollar amounts and a description that places the estimated dollar amount into context. Fiscal impact statements must be posted on the Secretary of State's website and included in the state voters' pamphlet.
Summary of Bill:
The OFM is required to provide a reasonable projection of the range of potential fiscal impact if the fiscal impact of a ballot measure is indeterminate. This projection must be based on reputable methods of fiscal analysis.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.