SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5795

               As Passed Senate, March 15, 1995

Title:  An act relating to reduction of city limits.

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).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/23/95, 3/1/95 [DPS].

Passed Senate, 3/15/95, 30-14.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5795 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

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 of Bill:  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.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  The people of West Seattle are tired of being treated as second-class citizens.

Testimony Against:  The City of Seattle should remain intact.

Testified:  Hurlo A Bonney, Admiral Community Council (pro); Charlie Chong, Neighborhood Rights Campaign (pro); Mike Doubleday, City of Seattle (con).

House Amendment(s):  The House amendments apply the new procedure for reduction of city limits to all cities and towns (not just Seattle).