SENATE BILL REPORT
SJR 8222
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Ways & Means, February 7, 2012
Brief Description: Requiring six-year balanced budgets.
Sponsors: Senators Kastama, Tom, Rolfes, Hobbs, Hatfield, Regala, Hill, Haugen and Litzow.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 2/06/12, 2/07/12 [DP, DNP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Murray, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Parlette, Ranking Minority Member Capital; Baumgartner, Hatfield, Hewitt, Holmquist Newbry, Honeyford, Kastama, Padden, Schoesler and Tom.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senator Conway.
Staff: Steve Jones (786-7440)
Background: The expenses of the agencies, institutions, and programs of state government are appropriated by the Legislature in a biennial appropriations act. The state Budget and Accounting Act requires the Governor to submit to the Legislature a biennial budget proposal that is balanced within the state's existing revenues. However, neither state law nor the state Constitution require the Legislature to enact a balanced state budget act.
Summary of Bill: Beginning with Fiscal Year 2014, the Legislature may not enact, nor may the Governor sign into law, a budget bill that makes appropriations from the state General Fund for that fiscal year in an amount that exceeds state General Fund Revenues, as forecast by the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council.
In addition, the Legislature may not enact, nor may the Governor sign into law, a budget bill that would require appropriations from the state General Fund to maintain current program and service levels in any of the five subsequent fiscal years in an amount that exceeds state General Fund Revenues for that fiscal year, as forecast by the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The Joint Resolution takes effect if approved by the voters at the November 2012 general election.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.
Persons Testifying: No one.