Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
State Government

HB 1008

Brief Description:  Reviewing initiative measures for fiscal impact.

Sponsors:  Representatives Morris, H. Sommers, Linville, D. Schmidt, McIntire, Rockefeller and Edmonds.

Brief Summary of Bill

$The Office of Financial Management prepares a fiscal analysis on the effects of each state initiative or referendum measure on taxes or fees.  The analysis is included in the state voters' pamphlet.

Hearing Date:  1/29/01

Staff:  Steve Lundin (786‑7127).

Background: 

The state constitution vests the legislative power of the state in the State Legislature, but grants state voters initiative and referendum on state legislation.  The Secretary of State prepares a state voters' pamphlet that, among other subjects, includes information on any state initiative or referendum measure submitted to voters.

Summary of Bill: 

The Office of Financial Management (OFM) determines if any state initiative or referendum measure affects a tax or fee by: (1) Amending, repealing, or restricting the collection of an existing tax or fee used to fund general governmental purposes; (2) increasing or reducing the percentage rate or amount of such a tax or fee; or (3) creates, extends, or eliminates an exemption to such a tax or fee.  The analysis must be sent to the petitioner within seven working days upon receipt of the measure.

This fiscal analysis is included, with the initiative or referendum, in the state voters' pamphlet.

Rulemaking Authority:  No express authority.

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

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.