SENATE BILL REPORT

SJR 8218

BYSenators McCaslin, Garrett and Sellar

Granting authority to the legislature to authorize two-year excess property tax levies for taxing districts.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

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

                  January 27, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, JANUARY 26, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Article VII, Section 2(a) of the State Constitution grants authority to the Legislature to authorize a one-year excess property tax levy for taxing districts.  However, the common schools may provide for a two-year excess levy.  (The common schools also may have an excess levy, not exceeding six years) to support the construction, modernization, or remodeling of school facilities.)

The Legislature has granted to many local taxing districts the authority to levy a one-year excess property tax levy.  Due to the cost of conducting elections, it is felt that in some instances a two-year excess levy could be more cost-beneficial to these local taxing districts.

SUMMARY:

A constitutional amendment is proposed for submission to the voters in the next general election which would allow the Legislature to authorize a two-year excess property tax levy for certain local taxing districts.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Effective Date:November 1988, if the proposed constitutional amendment is ratified by the voters at the November 1988 general election.

Senate Committee - Testified: Mark Allen, Washington Library Association