Title: An act relating to statewide initiatives that impact local tax authority.

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

Sponsors: Senators Prentice, Fairley, Fraser, Pridemore, Shin, Weinstein and Haugen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/26/06.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Cindy Fazio (786-7405)

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. In either case, proponents must gather a certain number of signatures in order to get the initiative on the ballot, or before the Legislature.

For initiatives to the people, if voters approve the initiative, it becomes law. For initiatives 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: 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 a majority of people in the jurisdiction 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.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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