SENATE BILL REPORT

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.

As of Second Reading

Title: An act relating to auditor's fees.

Brief Description: Modifying certain auditor's fees.

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

Brief History: Passed House: 6/24/15, 59-38; 6/29/15, 73-24.

Committee Activity: Ways & Means:

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff: Steve Jones (786-7440)

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 that 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 Office of 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: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.