SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6636

As of February 1, 2002

Title:  An act relating to a sales and use tax for criminal justice and public safety.

Brief Description:  Authorizing a voter approved sales and use tax for criminal justice and public safety.

Sponsors:  Senators Kastama, Costa, Fairley, Kohl‑Welles and McAuliffe.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  2/4/02.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Staff:  Mac Nicholson (786‑7445)

Background:  A county legislative body has the authority to impose a sales and use tax, subject to repeal by referendum, with the money received spent exclusively for criminal justice purposes.  The rate of tax is one-tenth of 1 percent of the selling price or value of article used.  Criminal justice purposes are defined as activities that substantially assist the criminal justice system, including domestic violence programs, community advocates, and legal advocates.  Ten percent of the money collected is distributed to the county, and the remainder is distributed to the county and cities within the county ratably based on population.

Summary of Bill:  A county legislative authority can submit a proposition to the voters, and if approved by a majority of persons voting, fix and impose an additional sales and use tax.  The tax rate equals one-tenth of 1 percent of the selling price or value of the article used.  Money received from this tax must be used only for criminal justice or public safety purposes.  Sixty percent of the money collected under this act is distributed to the county, and the remainder is distributed to the county and cities within the county ratably based on population.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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