HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 6316
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 investment earnings of the gambling revolving fund.
Brief Description: Providing that the gambling revolving fund retain its investment earnings.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Prentice, Delvin and Kohl-Welles; by request of Gambling Commission).
Brief History:
Appropriations: 2/28/08, 3/1/08 [DP].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 31 members: Representatives Sommers, Chair; Alexander, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Haler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Cody, Conway, Darneille, Ericks, Fromhold, Grant, Green, Haigh, Hinkle, Hunt, Kagi, Kenney, Kessler, Kretz, Linville, McDonald, McIntire, Morrell, Pettigrew, Priest, Ross, Schmick, Schual-Berke, Seaquist, Sullivan and Walsh.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Dunshee, Vice Chair; Anderson and Hunter.
Staff: Wendy Polzin (786-7137).
Background:
Accounts established in the State Treasury earn interest income based on the average daily
balance of the account. Some accounts retain 100 percent of the interest income they generate
and are subject to the State Treasurer's service fee. The State Treasurer's service fee is
established by the State Treasurer and allocated uniformly across all subject accounts.
Revenue generated by the State Treasurer's service fee funds the operation and administration
of the State Treasurer's office. Historically, revenue generated by the State Treasurer's service
fee in excess of the amounts necessary to fund the State Treasury's operating costs have been
transferred to the General Fund. Certain other accounts retain 80 percent of the interest
income they generate with the remaining 20 percent being credited to the state General Fund.
Summary of Bill:
The Washington State Gambling Commission may retain 100 percent of the investment
income from the Gambling Revolving Fund, less the State Treasurer's service fee.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect July 1, 2008.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The Gambling Commission is a self funded, non appropriated, law enforcement
agency that enforces the state's gambling laws. Current expenditures for non-discretionary
costs are rising by approximately 12 percent this biennium. Decreasing licensing revenues
are having an effect on the commission. The commission cannot continue to absorb the costs
as it had previously. Revolving fund earnings would assist the agency in maintaining its
operations. The annual budget of the Gambling Commission is approximately $16 million.
The interest income will not be enough to solve the budget issues that it exists, but it is one
part of the effort to fix them.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Terry Westhoff, Washington State Gambling Commission.