FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5795

                           FULL VETO

                     As Passed Legislature

Brief Description:  Authorizing an alternate method for reducing city limits for cities with over fifty thousand population.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Government Operations (originally sponsored by Senator Heavey).

Senate Committee on Government Operations

House Committee on Government Operations

Background:  The question of reduction of city limits can be submitted to the voters by either a resolution of the city legislative body or by a petition signed by at least 10 percent of the voters voting at the last general municipal election.  The question of reduction of city limits is voted on by all voters of the city and must receive a three-fifths favorable vote.  This action may be subject to potential review by a boundary review board.

Summary:  For cities with a population over 400,000 (Seattle), an alternative method for reduction of city limits is established as follows:  (1) the area to be excluded must contain at least 10 percent of the qualified voters of the city; (2) the petition must be signed by at least 25 percent of those in the area proposed for exclusion voting at the last general municipal election; and (3) only the voters of the area proposed for exclusion vote on the question of reduction of city limits.  This alternative procedure is not subject to potential review by the boundary review board.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    30 14

House     58 39 (House amended)

Senate        (Senate refused to concur)

House     62 31 (House receded)