SB 6279 - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

     Declares an intent to improve the administration of real property records related to the sale of water rights, and to provide assistance to county auditors maintaining such records from revenues derived from the existing real estate excise tax applicable to the sales of water rights separate from land sales.

     Provides that the real estate excise tax affidavit furnished by the department as provided under RCW 82.45.150 shall provide for identification of sales that are limited solely to the sale of a water right or an interest in a water right.  The department and counties shall separately identify proceeds of taxes collected upon such sales when paying such proceeds over to the state treasurer as provided in RCW 82.45.180.

     Directs the departments of ecology and revenue to work with county auditors toward improving the administration of water rights ownership information and integrating this information with real property ownership records.

     Requires that, by January 1, 2003, the department of ecology shall report to the appropriate standing committees of the senate and house of representatives regarding implementation of this act and make recommendations for administrative and legislative actions to improve records and information management regarding water rights ownership.

     Makes an appropriation of an unspecified amount for the purposes of the act.