SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SJR 8209

                    As of February 12, 1997

Brief Description:  Authorizing school levies for up to a four‑year period of support.

Sponsors:  Senators Goings, McAuliffe, Winsley, Kohl, Hochstatter, Spanel, Wood, Bauer, Newhouse, Patterson, Finkbeiner, Hale, Deccio, McCaslin, Sheldon, Loveland, McDonald, Strannigan, Rasmussen, Jacobsen, Fairley, Snyder, Franklin, Kline and Brown.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  2/14/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  Karen Carter (786-7424)

Background:  The Washington State Constitution specifies that propositions to levy additional taxes for school operating purposes be limited to a period of two years.  For a district operating levy to continue, it 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:  An amendment to change the constitution is proposed.  The two-year limit is modified.  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.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 4, 1997.