FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2496

C 180 L 02

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Modifying fire protection district tax provisions.

Sponsors:  By Representatives Dunshee and Mulliken.

House Committee on Local Government & Housing

Senate Committee on State & Local Government

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:

The Washington State Constitution specifies that propositions to levy additional taxes for fire protection district operating purposes must be limited to a period of one year.  Article VII, section 2 of the constitution requires the Legislature to affirm this taxing authority in statute.

Local fire protection districts submit levies for initial voter consideration at either a state primary or general election, or on other election dates as provided by law.  Levies may only be for a single year.  If the voters do not pass the levy request, the levy must be resubmitted.

Summary:

Provisions are enacted to implement House Joint Resolution 4220, which changes restrictions on the number of years that excess levies may be made by fire protection districts.  Fire protection districts, when specifically authorized to do so by a majority of at least three-fifths of the voters of the taxing district on the proposition (if the voter turnout equals at least 40 percent of the previous general election turnout), may levy an additional tax for a period of up to four years for general purposes and for a period of up to six years for the construction, modernization, or remodeling of facilities, as specified in the ballot proposition.

These provisions take effect January 1, 2003, if House Joint Resolution 4220 is approved by the voters at the next general election.

Votes on Final Passage:

House980

Senate480(Senate amended)

House940(House concurred)

Effective:  January 1, 2003 (if HJR 4220 is approved by the voters at the next general election)