SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5571

BYSenators Saling, Stratton, West and McCaslin

Authorizing use of telephone tax proceeds for supporting law enforcement purposes.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 1, 1989

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

AS OF MARCH 1, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Emergency service communication districts may be established to finance the provision of emergency service communication systems.  A county legislative authority constitutes the district governing body.

A district can impose a telephone access line tax to finance the communication system if authorized by a 60 percent majority vote, with a 40 percent validation requirement, similar to that required to approve an excess property tax levy.  Currently, proceeds of the tax can be used only for the emergency services communication system.  It is suggested that proceeds of the tax should also be used for law enforcement support of the emergency services communication system.

SUMMARY:

The proceeds of a telephone access line tax imposed within an emergency service communication district can be used for reasonable and necessary law enforcement purposes in support of the communication system.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested