FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5722

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: Concerning the use of moneys collected from the local option sales tax to support chemical dependency or mental health treatment programs and therapeutic courts.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Hargrove, Morton, Stevens, Regala, Shin and McAuliffe).

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

House Committee on Ways & Means

Background: A county may impose a sales and use tax (tax) of 0.1 percent to support mental health treatment programs, chemical dependency treatment programs, and therapeutic courts. Limitations exist on the extent to which this money can be used to supplant funding for existing services. Fifteen counties have imposed this tax: Clallam, Clark, Ferry, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Okanogan, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Spokane, Thurston, Wahkiakum, and Whatcom.

Summary: A county with a population greater than 25,000 which imposes the tax may use up to 50 percent of monies collected to supplant funding for existing services in 2011-2012, up to 40 percent in 2013, up to 30 percent in 2014, up to 20 percent in 2015, and up to 10 percent in 2016. A county with a population less than 25,000 which imposes the tax may use up to 80 percent of monies collected to supplant funding for existing services in 2011-2012, up to 60 percent in 2013, up to 40 percent in 2014, up to 20 percent in 2015, and up to 10 percent in 2016.

Monies used to support the cost of a judicial officer and support staff of a therapeutic court are exempt from supplant restrictions.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	40	8
House	79	16	(House amended)
Senate	32	14	(Senate concurred)