SENATE BILL REPORT

                  ESHB 1070

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                 Ways & Means, April 12, 1995

Title:  An act relating to the capital budget.

Brief Description:  Adopting the capital budget.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Capital Budget (originally sponsored by Representatives Sehlin, Ogden, Dellwo, Schoesler, Sheahan and Chopp; by request of Office of Financial Management).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Ways & Means:  4/11/95, 4/12/95 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

  Signed by Senators Rinehart, Chair; Loveland, Vice Chair; Bauer, Drew, Fraser, Gaspard, Hargrove, Moyer, Pelz, Sheldon, Snyder, Spanel, Sutherland, Winsley and Wojahn.

Staff:  Michael Groesch (786-7434)

Background:  The programs and agencies of state government are funded on a two-year basis, with each fiscal biennium beginning on June 30 of even-numbered years.  The capital budget generally includes appropriations for the acquisition, construction, and repair of capital assets such as land, buildings, and other infrastructure improvements.  Funding for the capital budget is primarily from state general obligation bonds, with other funding derived from various dedicated taxes, fees, and state trust land timber revenues.

Summary of Amended Bill:  The omnibus 1995-97 capital budget is adopted.  The budget authorizes $1.5 billion in new capital projects, of which $795 million is from new state bonds.  Reappropriations of $1.3 billion are made for uncompleted projects approved in prior biennia.

The capital budget also authorizes state agencies to undertake various lease-purchase and lease-development projects.

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:  Authorization for new capital projects is increased from $1.4 billion to $1.5 billion, of which $795 million is from new state bonds rather than $695 million.  Reappropriations for uncompleted projects approved in prior biennia is reduced from $1.5 billion to $1.3 billion.

Appropriation:  $795 million from the State Building Construction Account for new capital projects.  Other appropriations are made.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.