HOUSE BILL REPORT

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

(As Amended by House)

Allows a petition and ballot measure pertaining to the creation of a rural county library district to include information regarding the maximum initial tax levy rate for the proposed district.
Requires that if a petition for the creation of a district includes the disclosure of a proposed initial maximum tax levy rate, then the ballot proposition must also include the same tax levy information.
Requires that a district's initial tax levy rate not exceed that permitted under statute or, if applicable, the tax levy rate may not exceed that specified in the ballot proposition approved by the voters.

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Simpson, Chair; Nelson, Vice Chair; Angel, Ranking Minority Member; Cox, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hinkle, Miloscia, Short, Springer, Upthegrove, White and Williams.

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.

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Summary of Amended Bill:

Information regarding the maximum initial tax levy rate for a proposed district may be included as part of a petition and ballot measure pertaining to the creation of the district. If the petition includes a proposed initial maximum tax levy rate, then the ballot proposition must also include the same tax levy information.

Upon the creation of a district, the initial tax levy rate may not exceed that permitted under statute or, if applicable, the levy rate may not exceed the rate specified in the ballot proposition approved by the voters.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The amendment makes the following changes to the Senate bill:

makes technical changes to the amendatory language in the bill for the purposes of clarification and the correction of statutory cross references;
clarifies that if the petition for the creation of a district includes a proposed initial maximum tax levy rate, then the ballot proposition must also include the same tax levy information; and
clarifies that upon the creation of a district, the initial maximum tax levy rate must be in accordance with statutory requirements or, if applicable, the levy rate may not exceed that specified in the ballot proposition approved by the voters.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) None.

(Opposed) None.