SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5194

BYSenators McCaslin and DeJarnatt

Extending state election cost-sharing.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 31, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by McCaslin, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Sam Thompson (786-7754); Desley Brooks (786-7443)

                  January 31, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, JANUARY 31, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The state currently reimburses counties for a share of the cost of the administration of elections in odd-numbered years.  The share paid by the state is based on costs attributable to electing state officers and running state measures on the ballot.  The state does not share in the expense of conducting even-year general elections, nor in the expense of electing federal officers, unless an election is held to fill a vacancy in the federal House of Representatives or Senate.  It is argued that the state should assume a greater share of the cost of conducting elections.

SUMMARY:

The state must reimburse counties for costs attributable to electing state and federal officers and running state measures on the ballot in all state primaries and general elections.  The reimbursement will be phased in as follows in even-year general elections: in 1990, the state will pay 25 percent of these expenses; in 1992, 50 percent; and in 1994, 75 percent.  In all other years the state will fully reimburse counties for such expenses.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 26, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Sam Reed, Thurston County Auditor (pro)