SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6063

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                 Ways & Means, March 25, 1997

Title:  An act relating to the capital budget.

Brief Description:  Adopting the capital budget.

Sponsors:  Senators Strannigan and Fraser; by request of Governor Locke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Ways & Means:  3/24/97, 3/25/97 [DPS, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6063 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators West, Chair; Deccio, Vice Chair; Strannigan, Vice Chair; Hochstatter, Long, McDonald, Roach, Rossi, Swecker, Winsley and Zarelli.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

  Signed by Senators Brown, Kohl, Loveland, Sheldon, Snyder, Spanel and Thibaudeau.

Staff:  Michael Groesch (786-7434)

Background:  The programs and agencies of state government are funded on a two-year basis, with each fiscal biennium beginning on June 30 of even-numbered years.  The capital budget generally includes appropriations for the acquisition, construction, and repair of capital assets such as land, buildings, and other infrastructure improvements.  Funding for the capital budget is primarily from state general obligation bonds, with other funding derived from various dedicated taxes, fees, and state trust land timber revenues.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The omnibus 1997-99 capital budget is adopted.  The budget authorizes $1.868 billion in new capital projects, of which $875 million is from new state bonds.  Reappropriations of $1.4 billion are made for uncompleted projects approved in prior biennia.

The capital budget also authorizes state agencies to undertake various lease-purchase and lease-development projects.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  Appropriations are modified.  Detailed information is available from the Ways & Means Committee.

Appropriation:  $875 million from general fund-supported bonds for new capital projects.  Other appropriations are made.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.