SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 296

BYHouse Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Haugen, Brough, Cooper, P. King and Hine)

Extending the local governance study commission.

House Committe on Local Government

Rereferred House Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 23, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Halsan, Chairman; Garrett, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Zimmerman.

Senate Staff:Eugene Green (786-7405); Sam Thompson (786-7754)

                  March 23, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, MARCH 23, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Local Governance Study Commission was authorized in 1985 to study local government issues and report its recommendations for changes in laws to the Legislature by November 1, 1986.  This commission is composed of 21 members appointed by the Governor, plus several ex-officio members, including the director of the Department of Community Development who acts as the commission chair.

The commission's operations are financed with a portion of the motor vehicle excise tax receipts that would otherwise have been placed into the county sales tax equalization account and an equal amount that otherwise would have been distributed to cities and towns.

The Local Government Study Commission account was established from which the costs of the study commission are paid.  $249,996 was appropriated from this account for the study commission in 1986-1987 biennium.

SUMMARY:

The existence of the Local Governance Study Commission is extended to June 30, 1988, and the time when the commission reports is extended to January 2, 1988.  Funding for this commission is changed, so that moneys are obtained from liquor excise tax receipts that otherwise would be distributed to cities and counties.

Appropriation:    $128,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1988, from liquor excise tax receipts.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Richard Thompson, Department of Community Development; Jim Metcalf, Washington State Association of Counties; Karen Fraser, Thurston County Commissioner; Kent Swisher, Association of Washington Cities

Effective Date:The bill takes effect on June 30, 1987.