Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government Committee |
HB 2623
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 recounts of statewide advisory measures.
Sponsors: Representatives Van Werven, Bergquist, Holy and Muri; by request of Secretary of State.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/19/16
Staff: Dawn Eychaner (786-7135).
Background:
Advisory votes were established in 2008 with the enactment of Initiative 960. Through an advisory vote, voters advise the legislature whether to repeal or maintain a tax increase enacted by the legislature. The results of advisory votes are non-binding and due not result in a change to the law.
An advisory vote must be added to the ballot as a statewide measure for the general election when the Legislature takes action to raise taxes and that action is either "blocked from a public vote" or is not referred to the people by referendum. "Blocked from a public vote" in this context includes the Legislature adding an emergency clause to a bill increasing taxes, bonding or contractually obligating taxes, or otherwise preventing a referendum on a bill increasing taxes. If the tax increase involves more than one revenue source, each tax being increased is subject to a separate advisory vote.
The Secretary of State must direct a recount of election results for statewide measures when the difference between approval and rejection of the measure is less than 2,000 votes and also equals less than one-half of one percent of the total number of votes cast on the measure.
Summary of Bill:
Statewide advisory votes are exempted from the recount requirements for statewide measures. The Secretary of State may not direct a recount for any statewide advisory vote.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.