Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Appropriations Committee

HB 1106

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: Making 2015-2017 operating appropriations.

Sponsors: Representatives Hunter, Ormsby and Sullivan; by request of Governor Inslee.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Makes biennial operating budget appropriations for the 2015-17 biennium.

Hearing Date: 1/12/15, 1/14/15

Staff: Charlie Gavigan (786-7340).

Background:

The state government operates on a fiscal biennium that begins on July 1 of each odd-numbered year. A two-year biennial operating budget is adopted every odd-numbered year. Supplemental budgets frequently are enacted in each of the following two years after adoption of the biennial budget. Appropriations are made in the biennial and supplemental budgets for the operation of state government and its various agencies and institutions, including higher education, as well as allocations for the funding of K-12 public schools.

Summary of Bill:

Near General Fund-State (General Fund-State and Education Legacy Trust Account) plus Opportunity Pathways Account appropriations for the 2015-17 biennium are $39.0 billion. Total budgeted funds are $79.0 billion (includes state, federal and other funds). Fund transfers and other provisions are made.

Some of the larger Near General Fund-State plus Opportunities Pathways Account appropriations for the biennium include:

Funding is provided for state employee and non-state employee collective bargaining agreements, arbitration awards, non-represented state employee compensation increases, Initiative 732 COLAs, and additional K-12 salary increases.

Fund transfers of approximately $667 million from other accounts to the General Fund-State are made, $450 million of which is from the Budget Stabilization Account.

Appropriation: The bill contains multiple appropriations.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.