SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6009
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 April 16, 2019
Title: An act relating to making expenditures from the budget stabilization account for declared catastrophic events.
Brief Description: Making expenditures from the budget stabilization account for declared catastrophic events.
Sponsors: Senators Rolfes and Braun.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 4/18/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Staff: Julie Murray (786-7711)
Background: In 2007, the voters ratified a constitutional amendment that created the Budget Stabilization Account (BSA). In general, appropriations from the BSA require a three-fifths majority in each house of the Legislature, but in the case of a catastrophic event or low employment growth, the Legislature may appropriate from the BSA with a constitutional majority vote of each house.
On July 31, 2018, the Governor declared a state of emergency for all of Washington because of the high risk of wildfires throughout the state. On January 25, 2019, the Governor declared a state of emergency in all counties due to threats to life from the highly contagious and infectious measles virus.
Summary of Bill: The gubernatorial declarations of emergency due to wildfires and due to measles are cited.
For fiscal year 2019, $40.678 million is appropriated to the Department of Natural Resources for fire suppression costs incurred during the 2018 fire season. For fiscal year 2019, $744,000 is appropriated to the Department of Health for distribution to Clark County for public health costs incurred in response to the 2019 measles outbreak. Department of Health may not reduce the amount for any costs to administer the distribution.
The BSA appropriations do not alter the requirement to balance the budget in the ensuing biennium under the state's four-year balanced budget requirement, also known as the state budget outlook.
Appropriation: Two appropriations, totaling $41.422 million, are made to the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Health.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.