Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Appropriations Committee

HB 2958

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.

Brief Description: Consolidating state lottery revenue distributional directives into a single provision of law.

Sponsors: Representatives Hunter, McIntire and Jarrett.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires any future lottery revenue distributions to be made within RCW 67.70.240.
  • Removes language authorizing state lottery dollars to be used for stadium debt repayment when payment on Qwest and Safeco fields is completed.

Hearing Date: 1/28/08

Staff: Wendy Polzin (786-7137).

Background:

The Washington State Lottery Commission was authorized by the Legislature in 1982. The Washington State Lottery Commission administers several games of chance that are collectively called the State Lottery. Lottery proceeds are used to fund education construction, stadium debt reduction, problem gambling, economic development, and the State General Fund. Currently, some distributions are codified in RCW 67.70.240 and some are in other sections of code.

In 1995, the Legislature authorized funds from the lottery account be used to pay the principal and interest on bonds issued by a county with a population greater than one million to construct a baseball stadium. In 1997, the Legislature authorized further funds to construct a football stadium. Public repayment for the two stadiums is expected to be completed in 2016 and 2020, respectively.

Summary of Bill:

State lottery moneys are prohibited from being distributed without specific authorization through RCW 67.70.240.

Language stating that lottery revenue may be used to support publicly funded stadiums is removed, upon completion of payments.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.