HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 3177
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Appropriations
Title: An act relating to membership of the state expenditure limit committee.
Brief Description: Reducing the membership of the state expenditure limit committee.
Sponsors: Representatives Sommers and Dunshee.
Brief History:
Appropriations: 1/31/08, 2/6/08 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 22 members: Representatives Sommers, Chair; Dunshee, Vice Chair; Cody, Conway, Darneille, Ericks, Fromhold, Grant, Green, Haigh, Hunt, Hunter, Kagi, Kenney, Kessler, Linville, Morrell, Pettigrew, Schual-Berke, Seaquist, Sullivan and Walsh.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Alexander, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Haler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Anderson, Chandler, Hinkle, Kretz, McDonald, McIntire, Priest, Ross and Schmick.
Staff: Kristen Fraser (786-7148).
Background:
Initiative 601(I-601) was first adopted by the voters at the 1993 general election. As
subsequently amended, I-601 establishes an expenditure limit for the State General Fund and
six "related funds." The expenditure limit for each year is the prior year's actual
expenditures, as increased by the fiscal growth factor and as adjusted upward or downward
for other statutory factors.
The state Expenditure Limit Committee (ELC) annually establishes, adjusts, and projects the
expenditure limit. The ELC has six members: the Director of the Office of Financial
Management (OFM), the Attorney General or his or her designee, the chairs of the House
Appropriations and Senate Ways & Means Committees, and, added as of 2007, the ranking
minority members of those committees. Actions of the ELC require a vote of four committee
members. If the ELC fails to adopt a limit by November 30, the Attorney General or
designee establishes the limit.
Summary of Bill:
The Attorney General or designee is removed from the Expenditure Limit Committee.
Actions of the ELC require a vote of three committee members. If the ELC fails to adopt a
limit by November 30, the OFM Director establishes the limit.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
None.
Persons Testifying: None.