SENATE BILL REPORT

                  ESSB 6170

              As Passed Senate, February 12, 1996

Title:  An act relating to consideration of health and environmental regulations in the valuation of real property.

Brief Description:  Authorizing consideration of health and environmental regulations in the valuation of real property.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Government Operations (originally sponsored by Senators Winsley and Haugen).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  1/24/96, 2/2/96 [DPS].

Passed Senate, 2/12/96, 49-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6170 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Staff:  Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background:  The county assessor must base the true and fair value of real property on certain criteria.  The statutory criteria for the appraisal include consistency with various land use restrictions but do not specifically address health and environmental regulations.  These regulations can also impact the value of property and are considered by private appraisers.

Summary of Bill:  The appraisal of the true and fair value of real property for property tax purposes must be consistent with federal, state and local health and environmental regulations.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  The bill takes effect January 1, 1997.

Testimony For:  This is a good bill which bring valuations of county assessors into line with market values.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Numerous people.