SB 5378-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Provides that, for the purposes of acquiring conservation futures as well as other rights and interests in real property pursuant to RCW 84.34.210 and 84.34.220, and for maintaining and operating any property acquired, a county may levy an amount not to exceed twelve and one-half cents per thousand dollars of assessed valuation against the assessed valuation of all taxable property within the county.

Provides that the amount of revenue used for maintenance and operations of parks and recreational facilities may not exceed twenty-five percent of the total amount collected from the tax levied under RCW 84.34.230 in the preceding calendar year. Revenues from this tax may not be used to supplant existing maintenance and operation funding.

Finds that conservation futures are a useful tool for counties to preserve lands of public interest for future generations. Counties are encouraged to use some conservation futures as one tool for salmon preservation purposes.

Provides that, in counties with a population greater than one hundred thousand, the board of county commissioners or county legislative authority shall develop a process to help ensure distribution of the tax levied under RCW 84.34.230, over time, throughout the county.