SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 6600
AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 14, 1994
Brief Description: Analyzing property tax systems.
SPONSORS: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Owen, Skratek, Franklin, McAuliffe, M. Rasmussen, Haugen, Fraser, Sheldon, Moore, Gaspard, Snyder, Sutherland, Oke and Winsley)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6600 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Rinehart, Chairman; Quigley, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Bluechel, Gaspard, Hargrove, Hochstatter, Ludwig, McDonald, Moyer, Niemi, Snyder, Spanel, Williams and Wojahn.
Staff: Terry Wilson (786‑7715)
Hearing Dates: February 7, 1994; February 8, 1994
BACKGROUND:
The markets for real estate have experienced substantial volatility over the last few years due to changing economic conditions. Because all real property in this state is subject to the property tax based on its market value, many taxpayers have experienced large increases in property taxes, especially taxpayers living on fixed or low incomes. This has led to many complaints about the equity of the property tax system.
SUMMARY:
An appropriation is made to the Senate and House of Representatives for the purpose of employing a consultant to conduct a study of the property tax system of Washington and other states. The goal of the study is to analyze the existing system with an emphasis on the problems resulting from changes in economic conditions and actual impacts on residential property taxes. The study shall consider possible changes to the system, including the adoption of an alternative system, that would alleviate the problems of the current system and operate to enhance the confidence of persons in the property tax system beyond that confidence level that now exists. Alternative systems considered may include two-tiered property tax systems, property classification systems, tax or value limitations, exemptions, or alternative tax bases.
Appropriation: $100,000
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: none requested
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
TESTIMONY FOR: None
TESTIMONY AGAINST: None
TESTIFIED: No one