SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5113

As of January 29, 2003

Title: An act relating to operation and maintenance of open space, agricultural, and timber lands acquired through the conservation futures program.

Brief Description: Allowing counties to increase funding for properties acquired through conservation futures.

Sponsors: Senators Oke, Regala, Swecker, Jacobsen, Kohl-Welles and Haugen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Parks, Fish & Wildlife: 2/4/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PARKS, FISH & WILDLIFE

Staff: Kari Guy (786-7437)

Background: The conservation futures tax is a local option property tax assessed at the county level, at a maximum rate of 6.25 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. Revenue from the tax may be used to purchase or acquire development rights for open space, agricultural, and timber lands. Thirteen counties currently levy the conservation futures tax.

The State Parks and Outdoor Recreation Funding Task Force recommended that counties be given the option of using a portion of the conservation futures tax revenue for operation and maintenance of properties acquired.

Summary of Bill: The maximum rate of the conservation futures levy is increased to 11 cents. Up to 25 percent of conservation futures revenues may be used for operation and maintenance of property acquired through the conservation futures program.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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