FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 5669

                          C 170 L 97

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Revising the collection of the metals mining and milling fee.

Sponsors:  Senator Morton; by request of Department of Revenue.

Senate Committee on Agriculture & Environment

House Committee on Finance

Background:  In 1994 the Legislature established a metals mining and milling fee which applied to hard rock precious metals such as gold, silver and some types of copper.  The fee became effective July 1, 1995, and the Department of Revenue was the collection agency.  At the present time, the Departments of Ecology and Natural Resources identify those taxpayers subject to the fee and calculate the amount due for each.  Billing and collection of payments are performed by the Department of Revenue.  At the present time, there are three taxpayers that are subject to the fee.

Summary:  The transfer of responsibility for collecting and administering the fee for metals mining is transferred from the Department of Revenue to the Department of Ecology.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 43 0

House     82 10

House     77 15 (House reconsidered)

Effective:  July 1, 1997