FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6493

PARTIAL VETO

C 268 L 04

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Changing provisions relating to responsibility for costs of elections.

Sponsors: Senators Horn, Kastama, Roach, Haugen and Esser.

Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections

House Committee on State Government

Background: Cities, towns, and special purpose districts are responsible for their proportionate share of election costs. In odd-numbered year elections, the state is responsible for its share of costs related to state officers and measures on the ballot. The state pays no costs in even-year elections.

In determining shares of elections costs, some counties will first calculate costs related to state officers and measures, factor those costs out and then prorate the remaining costs among the jurisdictions with races or issues on the ballot. This effectively means the county assumes the costs related to state races or issues. Other counties will not deduct state costs prior to prorating. This effectively spreads the costs associated with state races and issues among all jurisdictions with races or issues on the ballot.

Summary: Costs associated with statewide races and measures in even-numbered years must be borne by the county. Cities, towns, and special purpose districts costs shall not include any costs associated with the election of statewide officers or ballot measures.

A noncharter code city can submit a change of government proposal to the voters at the next general election. The existing statutory requirement that the change of government proposal be voted on at a general election held within 180 days or at a special election is eliminated.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       48  0

House       96  0    (House amended)

Senate       47  0    (Senate concurred)

Effective: July 1, 2004

Partial Veto Summary: The provision prohibiting counties from prorating costs related to statewide races and ballot measures in even-year elections is vetoed.