SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6696

                    As of January 24, 1996

Title:  An act relating to property owner notification regarding pending annexations of territory by direct petition method.

Brief Description:  Providing additional notice to persons potentially subject to annexation by petition.

Sponsors:  Senators Fairley, Haugen, Winsley, Sheldon and McCaslin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  1/25/96.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

Background:  A frequently used method of annexing unincorporated territory into code or noncode cities is by the direct petition method.  If the city council accepts the initial annexation proposal, a petition may be drafted and circulated.  For code cities, the petition must be signed by the owners of not less than 60 percent of the assessed value of the property for which annexation is petitioned (75 percent for noncode cities).  There is no vote of the people.

Concerns have been expressed that many people sign a direct annexation petition thinking that the petition is calling for a vote of the people.

Summary of Bill:  If the legislative body of a city allows the circulation of a direct annexation petition, the legislative body must give notice by mail, within ten working days after acceptance of the proposed annexation, to the owners or reported owners of all parcels of land within the area to be annexed.  The notice must include the following warning: 

"Caution:  The petition to be circulated is for the direct annexation of the described property.  If sufficient signatures are obtained, the annexation may occur without a vote of the residents."

The petition must also conspicuously display the same caution.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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