HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 HJR 4208

Brief Description:  Allowing school levies for four‑year periods.

Sponsors:  Representatives Wensman, B. Thomas, H. Sommers, Talcott, Cole, Regala, Constantine, Ballasiotes, Radcliff, D. Schmidt, Carlson, Clements, Dyer, Bush, Johnson, Cairnes, Quall, Morris, Keiser, Linville, Sterk, Dunn, Blalock, Hatfield, Dickerson, Conway, Thompson, Scott, Wood, O'Brien, Backlund, Cooke, Costa, Ogden, Cody, Kessler, Kenney, Cooper and Gardner.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  March 3, 1997.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Joe Hauth (786-7111).

Background: The Washington State Constitution specifies that propositions to levy additional taxes for school operating purposes be limited to a period of two years.  District operating levies must be reauthorized by the voters every two years.

Any amendment to change the constitution must be approved by a two-thirds majority of both houses of the Legislature, followed by approval of a majority of the people. 

Summary of Bill:  A constitutional amendment is proposed.  The two-year levy authority time limit is extended.  Propositions to levy additional taxes for school operating purposes may be for periods of up to four years. 

The secretary of state is directed to give proper notice of a constitutional amendment to be ratified by the people. 

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.