SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6061
AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 14, 1994
Brief Description: Revising provisions relating to special elections to validate excess levies or bond issues.
SPONSORS: Senators Vognild, Winsley, Haugen and Sellar
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Haugen, Chairman; Drew, Vice Chairman; Loveland, McCaslin, Oke, Owen and Winsley.
Staff: Rod McAulay (786‑7754)
Hearing Dates: January 21, 1994; February 4, 1994
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT
BACKGROUND:
The election code fixes the dates for general elections, primaries and special elections. Special elections may be called by a county legislative authority if it deems an emergency to exist by presenting a resolution to the county auditor at least 45 days prior to the proposed election date. Special elections may be conducted in conjunction with a general election, a primary, or on specified days in February, March, April or May. In addition to these specified days, a special election to validate an excess levy or bond issue may be called at any time to meet the needs resulting from the failure of a county, school district, or junior taxing district to pass a special levy for the first time, or from fire, flood, earthquake, or other act of God.
It is believed that the failure of a county, school district or junior taxing district to pass an excess levy or bond issue the first time does not justify the potential added expense of scheduling a special election on a date other than on one of the days specified by statute.
SUMMARY:
The authority to call a special election at any time to validate an excess levy or bond issue to meet the needs resulting from the failure of a county, school district, or junior taxing district to pass a special levy for the first time is repealed.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: none requested
TESTIMONY FOR:
Eliminates number of "wild card" elections. Avoids cost. Disrupts preparation for regular elections. Affects integrity of elections because of stressed staff. Now have mail ballot alternative.
TESTIMONY AGAINST: None
TESTIFIED: Doug Cochrane, Yakima County Auditor; Don Whiting, Assistant Secretary of State
HOUSE AMENDMENT(S):
The special election date for April is changed from "the first Tuesday after the first Monday" to "the fourth Tuesday."