HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5902
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:
Commerce & Labor
Title: An act relating to requiring additional state liquor stores to engage in Sunday sales.
Brief Description: Requiring additional state liquor stores to engage in Sunday sales.
Sponsors: Senators Prentice, Kohl-Welles, Delvin and Kline.
Brief History:
Commerce & Labor: 3/16/07, 3/27/07 [DPA].
Brief Summary of Bill (As Amended by House Committee) |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 5 members: Representatives Conway, Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Green, Moeller and Williams.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Condotta, Ranking Minority Member and Chandler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member.
Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).
Background:
In 2005, the Legislature directed the Liquor Control Board (Board) to expand operations by
including Sunday sales in at least 20 state liquor stores. The stores were to be selected from
those expected to gross the most revenues on Sunday by considering factors including
population density, proximity to shopping centers, and proximity to other businesses open on
Sunday. The Board was required to report the results of the Sunday sales to the Legislature
by January 31, 2007.
In selecting stores to be open on Sundays, the Legislature also directed the Board to give due
consideration to: (1) the location of the store with respect to the proximity of places of
worship, schools, and public institutions; and (2) motor vehicle accident data in the proximity
of the store. The Board also was required to give notice to places of worship, schools, and
public institutions within 500 feet.
According to the Board's report, Sunday sales experienced a steady growth since the project
began in September 2005. The original biennial estimate for gross Sunday sales was $9.55
million. In the January report, the Board revised the estimate to $15.1 million for the
biennium.
Excess funds in the liquor revolving fund remaining after certain distributions are distributed
as follows: three-tenths of one percent to border areas; and from the remaining amount, 50
percent to the state General Fund, 10 percent to counties, and 40 percent to incorporated
cities and towns.
The Municipal Research Council (Council) is a state agency that contracts for the provision
of municipal research and services to cities, towns, and counties. The Council is funded
through a portion of the liquor revolving fund monies that go to cities and towns and a
portion of the liquor excise tax that goes to counties. The Council has authority to provide
services for special purpose districts but has not been funded to do so.
When a non-English-speaking person is involved in a legal proceeding, the court must
appoint a qualified interpreter. If the person is compelled to appear or is indigent, the cost is
borne by the governmental body in which the proceedings are conducted.
Summary of Amended Bill:
By September 1, 2007, the Board must expand its Sunday sales operations in at least 29
additional state stores. The criteria for selecting stores and the notice requirements are the
same as for the initial 20 stores. The Board must report to the Legislature on the increased
Sunday operations by January 31, 2009.
At the start of each fiscal year and prior to distributing excess funds in the liquor revolving
fund to the General Fund, the treasurer must deduct $1,950,000 and deposit this amount in
the Public Benefit and Research Services Account. The account is created in the State
Treasury. Moneys may be spent only after appropriation and may be used only for the
Administrative Office of the Courts to assist the courts with language interpreter services and
to assist the municipal council with research and services for ports and special purpose
districts.
Rules Authority: The bill does not address the rule-making powers of an agency.
Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The amendment expands the expenditure for language interpreter services to include all
courts, not limited to superior courts.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(Neutral) We are taking a neutral position just as we did with the 20 store pilot. The staff
estimate when we did the report on the 20 stores was that an additional 29 stores would better
serve the entire state.
(In support) None.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: (Neutral) Rick Garza, Liquor Control Board.