Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Local Government & Housing Committee

SB 5355

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 Summary of Bill

Authorizes that information regarding the maximum initial tax levy rate may be included in the petition and ballot proposing the creation of a rural county library district.
Establishes that the initial tax levy rate for a rural county library district may not be higher than the rate set by the ballot measure establishing the district, but may be increased as authorized by statute.

Background:

A rural county library district (district) is a library district serving the area of a county not included within the territory of incorporated cities and towns. However, any city or town with a population of 100,000 or less at the time of annexation may be included in the district. Establishing a district requires the completion and submission of a petition proposing the creation of the district that is signed by at least 10 percent of the registered voters of the county who voted in the last general election. Upon the filing of the requisite voter petition, the county legislative authority must place the proposition on the ballot at the next succeeding general or special election.

State law does not explicitly authorize the inclusion of tax levy rate information on a petition or ballot proposing the creation of a district.

Summary of Bill:

Information regarding the maximum initial tax levy rate for a proposed district may be included as part of the petition and ballot measure.

Upon the creation of a rural county library district, the initial tax levy rate may not be higher than the rate set by the vote establishing the district, but may be increased as authorized by statute.