Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Appropriations Committee

HB 2195

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: Modifying certain auditor's fees.

Sponsors: Representatives Lytton, Walkinshaw, Orwall, Chandler and Fagan.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Increases the surcharge collected by county auditors or recording officers for recording instruments from $2 to $3.

Hearing Date: 4/6/15

Staff: Meghan Bunch (786-7119).

Background:

County auditors are the recording officers of counties for a variety of documents relating to real property, marriage licenses, other vital statistic documents, and other matters that are required by law to be filed and recorded in the county. Fees that must be collected by the county auditor for filing or recording various documents are established by statute.

Current statute sets a $2 surcharge county auditors or recording officers must charge for recording instruments. This surcharge is deposited into the Washington State Heritage Center Account and managed by the Secretary of State.

Summary of Bill:

The surcharge collected by county auditors or recording officers for recording instruments is increased from $2 to $3.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.