SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5015

As Passed Senate, March 5, 2001

Title:  An act relating to the definition of border area.

Brief Description:  Modifying the definition of border area.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Morton, McCaslin and Gardner).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Judiciary:  1/15/01, 2/6/01 [DPS].

Passed Senate:  3/5/01, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5015 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Kline, Chair; Constantine, Vice Chair; Costa, Johnson, Kastama, Long, McCaslin, Roach, Thibaudeau and Zarelli.

Staff:  Lidia Mori (786‑7755)

Background:  The liquor revolving fund was created by the Legislature and consists of license and permit fees, penalties, forfeitures and all other moneys received by the Liquor Control Board.  After the money in the liquor revolving fund is distributed as required by statute, the excess funds are disbursed according to a specific formula.  This formula directs that three tenths of 1 percent of the excess funds are distributed to border areas as defined in 66.08.195 RCW.

Summary of Bill:  The definition of "border area" is expanded to include any unincorporated area within seven miles of the Washington-Canadian border.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  There is increased criminal activity along the border in Ferry County.  This bill will allow for more equitable distribution of funds to fight drug related and other criminal activity in border areas.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Bob Morton, prime sponsor; Emil Maiden, Assistant Sheriff of Ferry County.