SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5369

                    As of February 12, 1997

Title:  An act relating to extending to local agencies the same authority now authorized for state agencies to protect taxpayer information under public records.

Brief Description:  Extending to local agencies the same authority now authorized for state agencies to protect taxpayer information under public records.

Sponsors:  Senators McCaslin, Haugen and Winsley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/13/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Staff:  Kathleen Healy (786-7403)

Background:  The Public Disclosure Act (PDA) was enacted to ensure that the public has full access to information concerning the conduct of government on every level.  To protect the right of individuals to privacy and the desirability of the efficient administration of government, certain exemptions are granted from public inspection and copying.

One exemption is information about a taxpayer regarding assessment or collection of a tax if the disclosure of the information is already prohibited under other statutes, or would violate the taxpayer=s right to privacy or result in unfair competitive disadvantage to the taxpayer.

Summary of Bill:  Another exemption is added to the Public Disclosure Act.  Information about a taxpayer with regard to the assessment or collection of any tax imposed by a local agency is considered exempt, if comparable information with regard to a state tax is exempt under the PDA.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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