SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6389

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

          Agriculture & Environment, February 4, 1998

Title:  An act relating to the use of revenues under the county conservation futures levy.

Brief Description:  Prescribing the use of revenues under the county conservation futures levy.

Sponsors:  Senators Fraser and Swecker.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & Environment:  1/28/98, 2/4/98 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6389 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Morton, Chair; Swecker, Vice Chair; Fraser, McAuliffe, Newhouse, Oke and Rasmussen.

Staff:  Bob Lee (786-7404)

Background:  As part of the Open Space Taxation Act passed in 1971, the Legislature authorized counties to levy up to six and one-quarter cents per thousand dollars of assessed valuation.  The funds are authorized for purchasing real property in fee simple, or development rights to property so that it will be retained in open spaces.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  In addition to the purchase of real property, revenue generated by the conservation futures tax may be used for the development, maintenance and operation of the real property.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  A technical change was made.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  County governments often lack the necessary funding to develop, maintain, and operate the lands which they have acquired.  Counties need the discretionary authority to use a part of the existing conservation futures tax for development and maintenance.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Judy Wilson, Thurston County (pro).