SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5645

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 of February 21, 2011

Title: An act relating to the existing surcharge for local homeless housing and assistance.

Brief Description: Concerning the existing surcharge for local homeless housing and assistance.

Sponsors: Senators Nelson, Harper, White, Kohl-Welles and Kline.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 2/21/11.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff: Richard Ramsey (786-7412)

Background: County auditors are responsible for the recording of specified documents required by law to be maintained as part of the public record kept by a county.

The Legislature has established document recording fee surcharges to benefit low-income or homeless housing programs.

The Homeless Housing and Assistance Act was enacted in 2005, with the goal of reducing homelessness by 50 percent statewide and in each county by 2015. A Homeless Housing and Assistance Act document recording surcharge is collected by county auditors. The fees are distributed and used as follows:

A $10 surcharge was authorized in 2005 via House Bill 2163. In 2009 House Bill 2331 did two things: (1) increased the surcharge to $30 during the 2009-11 and 2011-13 biennia; and (2) returned the surcharge to $10 beginning in the 2013-15 biennium.

Other recording fees that benefit low-income homeless housing programs include:

Summary of Bill: The $30 document recording surcharge collected by county auditors under the Homeless Housing and Assistance Act is made permanent.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.