Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Appropriations Committee |
HB 3002
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: Relating to making expenditures from the budget stabilization account for declared catastrophic events.
Sponsors: Representative Ormsby.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date:
Staff: Kristen Fraser (786-7148).
Background:
In 2007 the voters ratified a constitutional amendment that created the Budget Stabilization Account (BSA) as Article VII, section 12 of the Washington Constitution (state Constitution). Each year, the State Treasurer must deposit 1 percent of general state revenues (GSR) into the constitutionally created BSA. The term GSR is defined in the state Constitution and is generally synonymous with the statutory State General Fund (GFS).
In general, appropriations from the BSA require a three-fifths majority in each house of the Legislature, but in the case of low employment growth or a state of emergency resulting from a catastrophic event, the Legislature may appropriate from the BSA with a constitutional majority vote of each house.
On September 2, 2017, Governor Inslee declared a state of emergency in all counties due to wildfires.
Summary of Bill:
Legislative intent is declared to make appropriations from the BSA for declared disasters.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.