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

HB 1228

Brief Description:  Extending state payment of election costs.

Sponsors:  Representative D. Schmidt.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Requires the state to pay a prorated share of state election costs during even‑numbered years according to a graduated schedule that makes the state entirely responsible by 2008.

Hearing Date:  2/2/01

Staff:  Catherine Blinn (786‑7114).

Background: 

The state is responsible for paying a prorated share of the cost of state primary and general elections held in odd‑numbered years.  County auditors apportion the state's share of election expenses, and file expense claims with the Secretary of State.  State‑wide issues addressed in odd‑numbered years are limited to the election of state officers for the remainder of unexpired terms, and the approval or rejection of state measures.  Similarly, every city, town and district is responsible for its proportionate share of the costs of a city, town or district election held with other elections.  County auditors recover those proportionate costs from each city, town and district.

Summary of Bill: 

The state will assume a prorated share of the cost of state primary and general elections held in even‑numbered years, but will do so according to the following graduated schedule:

$25% in 2002

$50% in 2004

$75% in 2006

$100% in 2008

The process for county auditors to file expense claims with the Secretary of State is already established.

Rulemaking Authority:  No express authority.

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

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on 1/26/01.