HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2259

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                       Appropriations

Title:  An act relating to fiscal matters.

Brief Description:  Making appropriations for the fiscal biennium ending June 30, 1999.

Sponsors:  Representatives Huff, H. Sommers, Dickerson and Conway; by request of Governor Locke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Appropriations:  3/26/97, 3/28/97 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 17 members:  Representatives Huff, Chairman; Alexander, Vice Chairman; Clements, Vice Chairman; Wensman, Vice Chairman; Benson; Carlson; Cooke; Crouse; Dyer; Lambert; Lisk; Mastin; McMorris; Parlette; Sehlin; Sheahan and Talcott.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  Signed by 12 members:  Representatives H. Sommers, Ranking Minority Member; Doumit, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Gombosky, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chopp; Cody; Keiser; Kenney; Kessler; Linville; Poulsen; Regala and Tokuda.

Staff:  Victor Moore (786-7143).

Background:  The state government operates on the basis of a fiscal biennium that begins on July 1 of each odd-numbered year.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The 1997-99 Omnibus Appropriations Act is passed, making appropriations for the 1997-99 biennium.  The state general fund total is $18.994 billion.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The substitute bill reduces appropriations by $244 million, for a total state general fund appropriation of $18.994 billion.

Appropriation:  See bill.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 1997.