Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Ways & Means Committee

HB 2764

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: Eliminating accounts and funds.

Sponsors: Representative Alexander; by request of Office of Financial Management.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Abolishes certain inactive state funds and accounts.

  • Transfers, in most instances, moneys remaining in those accounts to the State General Fund.

Hearing Date:

Staff: Dave Johnson (786-7154).

Background:

In addition to the State General Fund, which may be expended for any lawful purpose, the state maintains several hundred funds and accounts that are dedicated to particular statutory purposes. These accounts generally fall into one of three categories: (1) accounts located in the state treasury, thereby subject to appropriation by the Legislature; (2) accounts held in the custody of the State Treasurer and typically not subject to legislative appropriation; and (3) accounts located in state agencies and institutions of higher education, known as local accounts. Some funds and accounts, due to lack of recent activity, have been deemed by the Office of Financial Management to be inactive accounts.

Summary of Bill:

The following accounts are eliminated:

Various statutory references to accounts being eliminated are also eliminated or modified. Any future revenues that would previously have been deposited in the Special Grass Seed Burning Research Account, Film And Video Promotion Account, Displaced Workers Account, and the Metals Mining Account are redirected to the State General Fund.

With two exceptions, any remaining moneys in accounts being eliminated would be transferred to the State General Fund. Remaining moneys in the State Facilities Renewal Account and the Capitol Historic District Construction Account are transferred to the State Building Construction Account.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 4, 2012.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2012.