HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 HJR 4237

             As Reported By House Committee on:

                           Housing

Brief Description:  Amending the Constitution to allow property tax relief for low‑income property owners.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Nelson, Mitchell, Leonard, Ogden, Franklin, Jones, Wang and Anderson.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Housing, February 5, 1992, DP.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

HOUSING

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 5 members:  Representatives Nelson, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Mitchell, Ranking Minority Member; Leonard; and Ogden.

Minority Report: Without recommendation.  Signed by 2 members:  Representatives Winsley, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; and Ballard.

Staff:  Kenny Pittman (786-7392).

Background:  The Washington Constitution requires taxes be uniformly applied to real estate.  The voters have approved a constitutional amendment to allow either a property tax exemption or property tax deferral for property owned by retired persons through the Senior Citizens and Retired Disabled Person Property Tax Exemption Program.

Summary of Bill:  The Washington Constitution is amended to allow the Legislature to grant low-income property owners relief from the property tax on their residences.  The Legislature is required to limit the property tax relief program to property owners below a specific income level.  Additional restrictions and conditions may be placed on any property tax relief granted to low-income property owners.  The constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at the next general election.

Fiscal Note:  Requested January 15, 1992.

Effective Date:  After approval by the voters at the November general election.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  None.