SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6619

As Passed Senate, February 13, 2004

Title: An act relating to fiscal impact statements on ballot measures.

Brief Description: Enhancing fiscal impact statements for ballot measures.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Honeyford, Jacobsen, Haugen, Winsley, Kohl-Welles and Oke; by request of Office of Financial Management).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/30/04, 2/3/04 [DPS].

Passed Senate: 2/13/04, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6619 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Stevens, Vice Chair; Berkey, Horn and McCaslin.

Staff: Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background: The Office of Financial Management is responsible for preparing a fiscal impact statement for state ballot measures. The statement must include a summary, not to exceed 100 words, and a more detailed statement that includes the assumptions made in preparation of the fiscal impact estimate. The content of the statement must describe the projected fiscal effects the measure would have on state and local governments if it were approved by the voters. The statement is included in the state voters' pamphlet and is available online at the Secretary of State's web site.

Summary of Bill: The appropriate committees of the Legislature and the sponsor are added as entities with which the Office of Financial Management must consult in preparation of the impact statement. The statement may also include a description of any direct fiscal impact the ballot measure would have on private industry or on individuals.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: This is a recommendation from OFM to include the Legislature among the consultants with OFM in preparing fiscal impact statements for ballot measures. It allows, where feasible, description of any direct fiscal impact on business and individuals.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Senator Honeyford, prime sponsor.