SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SJR 8201

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 14, 1991

Brief Description:  Amending the Constitution to authorize the county assessor to use assessment practices that provide that the true and fair value of real property be based on current use.

SPONSORS:Senators Madsen, Sutherland, Conner, Barr, Bauer and Roach.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Staff:  Martin Lovinger (786‑7443)

Hearing Dates:February 21, 1991

BACKGROUND:

The Washington State Constitution provides that property is to be valued for tax purposes on the basis of its true and fair value which is not limited to its current use.  In 1967 the State Constitution was amended to permit the Legislature to authorize farms, agricultural lands, standing timber, timber lands, and open space used for recreational or scenic purposes to be valued, for tax purposes, on the basis of current use rather than true and fair value.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature is permitted to authorize that all real property be valued, for tax purposes, on the basis of current use rather than true and fair value.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available