HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 HCR 4430

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                  Government Administration

Brief Description:  Creating a joint select committee on county and city finances and organization.

Sponsors:  Representatives Wensman, D. Schmidt, Scott, Wolfe, L. Thomas, D. Sommers, Doumit, Gardner and Linville.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Government Administration:  2/6/98 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 12 members:  Representatives D. Schmidt, Chairman; D. Sommers, Vice Chairman; Scott, Ranking Minority Member; Gardner, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Doumit; Dunn; Dunshee; Reams; Smith; L. Thomas; Wensman and Wolfe.

Staff:  Steve Lundin (786-7127).

Background:  A wide variety of local governments exist in Washington State, including 39 counties, 278 cities and towns, and about 1,700 special purpose districts.

A number of city incorporations and major annexations of territory by cities have occurred since 1989.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The Task Force on County and City Finances or Organization is created composed of six members of the Legislature, three of whom are members of the Senate, two from the largest caucus and one from the next largest caucus, appointed by the President of the Senate, and three of whom are members of the House of Representatives,  two from the largest caucus and one from the next largest caucus, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The task force studies county and city finances and organization, especially relating to the incorporation of new cities, and reports its findings and any proposed legislation to the Legislature on or before December 31, 1999, when the task force dissolves.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  A task force is created rather than a joint select committee.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  This continues the committee=s prior work.  The Achilles heal of the Growth Management Act is lack of infrastructure funding. 

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representatives Wensman and Dave Schmidt, sponsors.