Brief Description: Modifying the impact of statewide initiatives on local tax authority.

Sponsors: Representatives Hunt, McDermott and Jarrett.

Hearing Date: 2/28/05

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

The Washington State Constitution allows the general public to enact laws through the initiative process. There are two types of initiatives, initiatives to the people and initiatives to the Legislature. For either type of initiative, proponents must garner a number of signatures of legal voters equal to eight percent of the number of votes cast for governor at the last gubernatorial election.

For initiatives to the people, once the requisite number of signatures has been gathered, the initiative goes on the ballot for voter approval. If the voters approve of the initiative, it becomes law.

For initiatives to the Legislature, once the requisite number of signatures has been gathered, the initiative is sent to the Legislature. The Legislature may enact the initiative, reject the initiative, or propose an alternative to the initiative. If the Legislature rejects the initiative, or does nothing, it goes on the ballot in the next general election. If the Legislature proposes an alternative to the initiative, both measures go on the ballot in the next general election

Summary of Bill:

A provision within an initiative that amends, repeals, or otherwise modifies a local tax imposed by a county, city, town, or other municipal corporation, only takes effect if the majority of persons in the county, city, town or municipal corporation have approved the initiative. This requirement does not invalidate provisions of the initiative if they are independent in purpose and express written construction.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.