SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 2682

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

           Government Operations, February 20, 1996

Title:  An act relating to library capital facility areas.

Brief Description:  Authorizing elections to create library capital facility areas at any general or special election.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Capital Budget (originally sponsored by Representatives Hymes, Wolfe, Honeyford and Reams).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/15/96, 2/20/96 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

  Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Goings, Hale, Heavey, McCaslin and Winsley.

Staff:  Rod McAulay (786-7754).

Background:  1995 legislation authorized the establishment of library capital facility areas, if approved by the majority of voters in the proposed area voting at a general election. The election is called by the legislative authority of the county or counties in which the area is located upon the receipt of a petition from the library district board.  In the petition, the governing bodies must agree to the allocation of election costs. 

The library capital facility area may issue bonds paid back through an excess levy on property in the area.  Excess levy elections may occur only at general elections.

Summary of Amended Bill:  The vote to establish a library capital facility area and any votes for an excess levy may occur at a general or special election.  County legislative authorities are encouraged to request elections at general elections or already scheduled special elections.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The amended bill makes technical corrections.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This provides a wonderful tool for library districts.  Buildings can be established in discrete parts of a large district.  Greater flexibility is provided in holding votes.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Hymes, prime sponsor; Thelma Kruse, Timberland Regional Library.