2969-S

On page 29, after line 24, insert the following:

"PART VI - REFERENDUM

NEW SECTION. Sec.601. (1) The secretary of state shall submit this act, except for sections 102 through 120 to the people for their adoption and ratification, or rejection, at a special election to be held in this state on or before June 20, 2002, in accordance with Article II, section 1 of the state Constitution and the laws adopted to facilitate its operation. The special election shall be limited to submission of this act to the people.

(2) If the people ratify this act, excluding sections 102 through 120, revenues generated shall be spent as detailed in a transportation appropriations act specifically making appropriations from this revenue, as enacted by the legislature.

(3) Pursuant to RCW 29.79.035 the statement of subject on the ballot title shall read: "The legislature has passed House Bill No. 2969, financing transportation improvements through transportation fees and taxes". The concise description on the ballot title shall read: "This bill would improve highway capacity, public transportation, passenger and freight rail, and transportation financing accountability through increased weight fees on trucks and large vehicles, fuel excise taxes, and sales tax on vehicles".

(4) The attorney general shall prepare the explanatory statement required by RCW 29.81.250 and transmit that statement regarding the referendum to the secretary of state no later than the last Monday of April before the special election.

(5) The secretary of state shall prepare and distribute a voters' pamphlet addressing this referendum measure following the procedures and requirements of chapter 29.81 RCW, except that the secretary of state may establish different deadlines for the appointment of committees to draft arguments for and against the referendum, for submitting arguments for and against the referendum, and for submitting rebuttal statements of arguments for and against the referendum.

(6) A county auditor may conduct the voting at this special election in all precincts of the county by mail using the procedures set forth in chapter 29.36 RCW.

(7) Notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 29.62.020, the county canvassing board in each county shall canvass and certify the votes cast at this special election in that county to the secretary of state no later than the seventh day following the election. Notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 29.62.120, the secretary of state shall canvass and certify the returns from the counties no later than the ninth day following the special election.

(8) The secretary of state shall reimburse each county for the cost of conducting the special election in that county in the same manner as state primary and general election costs are reimbursed under RCW 29.13.047 (1) and (3).

NEW SECTION. Sec. 602. If House Bill No. 2969, as enacted by the legislature, is not ratified by the voters by June 20, 2002 sections 102 through 120 of this act are null and void.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 603. Section 601 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety , or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately."

Renumber the sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.