SENATE BILL REPORT

                           SJR 8205

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 4, 1993

Brief Description:  Allowing taxing districts to approve levies with a simple majority of votes cast.

SPONSORS: Senator Winsley

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff:  Terry Wilson (786‑7715)

Hearing Dates:

BACKGROUND:

The State Constitution limits the amount of property taxes that may be imposed on real and personal property without voter approval to 1 percent of its true and fair value.  Taxes imposed under the 1 percent limit are termed "regular" levies.

The 1 percent limit may be exceeded if approved by 60 percent of the voters voting on the proposition.  For bond retirement levies, the number of persons voting must at least equal 40 percent of those voting in the last general election.  For other levies, if the number of persons voting does not exceed 40 percent of those voting in the last general election, the number of "yes" votes must at least equal 60 percent of a number equal to 40 percent of the number of voters voting in the last general election.  In other words, the "yes" vote must at least equal 24 percent of the number of voters voting in the last general election (60 percent times 40 percent = 24 percent).

SUMMARY:

The voting requirement on excess levies is lowered from 60 percent to a simple majority for all elections in which at least 40 percent of the number of voters voting in the last general election participate.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

Effective Date:  The resolution takes effect if approved at the November 1993 general election.