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from the failure of a county, school district, or junior taxing district to pass a special levy for the first time is repealed.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."