SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1048



As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections, March 28, 2005

Title: An act relating to the submittal of local government tax estimates to counties.

Brief Description: Modifying the date for submitting local government property tax estimates to counties.

Sponsors: Representatives Linville, Jarrett, McIntire, Ericksen, Rodne and Clibborn.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/11/05, 98-0.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/17/05, 3/28/05 [DP].


SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Berkey, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Fairley, Haugen, Kline, Mulliken and Pridemore.

Staff: Genevieve Pisarski (786-7488)

Background: Each year, entities that receive property tax revenue must submit to their county a budget for the following year, or an estimate of the amount of revenue that they will need to raise, so that the county can calculate and levy property taxes. The statutory deadline for submitting this information is November 15, except for the City of Seattle, whose deadline is November 30.

Summary of Bill: The annual deadline for entities to submit to the county a budget or estimate of needed property tax revenue is extended from November 15 to November 30.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Testimony For: The proposed deadline will be more fair to all the various entities who must submit information and will help them provide more accurate information. The end of the year is a very busy time for compiling fiscal information, especially if there were revenue issues on the ballot. The Department of Revenue is agreeable to the proposed change.

Testimony Against: None..

Who Testified: PRO: Rep. Linville, prime sponsor; Dick Little, City of Bellingham.