Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government Committee |
HB 1228
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: Requiring fiscal impact statements for ballot measures.
Sponsors: Representatives Johnson, S. Hunt, Appleton, Robinson, Haler, Van De Wege, Short, Riccelli, Pike, MacEwen, Kretz, Orwall, Buys, McBride, Fagan, Ortiz-Self, Bergquist, Walkinshaw, Holy, Rodne, Walsh, Sawyer, Caldier, Scott, Kagi, Magendanz, Goodman, Stambaugh, Vick, Moscoso, Ormsby, Muri, Wilson, McCaslin and Parker.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/27/15
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
Voter Pamphlet Argument Statements.
The Secretary of State is required to publish a voters' pamphlet for each general election in which at least one statewide measure or office will appear on the ballot. For each statewide issue, the pamphlet must include an argument supporting approval of the measure, an argument advocating rejection, and a rebuttal statement of each opposing argument.
Each argument and rebuttal is prepared by a committee selected to advocate or oppose the ballot measure. Each committee must submit its initial argument to the Secretary of State, who then transmits each argument to the opposing committee for rebuttal. Committee argument statements may contain graphs and charts supported by factual data. Initial argument statements may be 250 words or less. Rebuttal statements may be 75 words or less.
The Secretary of State sets the deadline for submission of argument statements by rule. Statements are available for public inspection after both sides have submitted their statements or the deadline for submission has passed.
Fiscal Impact Statements.
The voter pamphlet also must include a fiscal impact statement for each ballot initiative and each bill referendum or measure. The fiscal impact statement is prepared by the Office of Financial Management, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and other appropriate agencies.
The fiscal impact statement must be written in clear concise language, including a summary of 100 words or less, and a more detailed statement that provides the assumptions for developing the fiscal impact. The statement must be filed with the Secretary of State no later than August 10th.
Summary of Bill:
Each committee designated to provide an argument supporting or opposing a ballot measure for publication in the voters' pamphlet must include a response to the fiscal impact statement prepared on any statewide initiative or referendum. The response statement may be 75 words or less. Each response statement is available for public inspection after both sides have submitted a response or the submission deadline has passed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.