SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5068
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 January 25, 2013
Title: An act relating to the annexation of property owned by the state for military purposes.
Brief Description: Concerning the annexation of property owned by the state for military purposes.
Sponsors: Senators Conway and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Governmental Operations: 1/28/13.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS |
Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)
Background: Annexation of Land. Cities are authorized to annex unincorporated areas through several alternative processes. The most common annexation process is annexation by direct petition. This process is initiated by filing a petition signed by the owners of the subject property who represent not less than 10 percent of the assessed value of the property. The city to which the petition is directed responds by accepting, rejecting, or modifying the proposed annexation area.
To continue the process, a petition must then be signed by the owners of the property representing at least 60 percent of the assessed value of the property. The legislative body of the city then holds a public hearing and either rejects or accepts the petition. The annexation is finalized by adoption of an ordinance by the city's legislative body.
Other authorized annexation processes include the following:
annexation by election, which follows a similar process as annexation by direct petition, but annexation must be approved by a majority of the voters in the territory to be annexed. Annexation by election may be initiated by a resolution of the city's legislative body or through voter petition;
annexation by interlocal agreement, which allows for annexation based on an agreement between the city and county. An annexation by interlocal agreement can be overturned by the residents within the areas proposed for annexation;
the alternative annexation by direct petition method, which follows the same process as annexation by direct petition, but requires that the petitions include the signatures of owners of a majority of the acreage to be annexed and a majority of the registered voters in the area to be annexed;
annexation of unincorporated islands;
annexation of municipally-owned land; and
annexation of federally owned lands by gift or agreement.
The Adjutant General. The Adjutant General is the director of the Military Department and commander of the Washington National Guard. The Adjutant General keeps records of all land owned or used by the state for military purposes and possesses sole authority to execute leases and grant easements for the use of state military land.
Summary of Bill: The Adjutant General may petition for property owned by the state for military purposes to be annexed by a city or town if the annexation petition includes only that property. Once the Adjutant General files a petition for annexation by the city or town, the legislative body of the city or town may hold a public hearing on the proposed annexation and determine whether to reject or accept the petition.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.