HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2147

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                  Government Administration

Title:  An act relating to associations of local governments.

Brief Description:  Revising associations of local governments.

Sponsors:  Representatives Koster, Boldt, Sheldon, Johnson, Carrell and Sherstad.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Government Administration:  3/5/97 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 8 members:  Representatives D. Schmidt, Chairman; D. Sommers, Vice Chairman; Dunn; Reams; Smith; L. Thomas; Wensman and Wolfe.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  Signed by 5 members:  Representatives Scott, Ranking Minority Member; Gardner, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Doumit; Dunshee and Murray.

Staff:  Steve Lundin (786-7127).

Background:  Various associations of local government and local government officials have been created.  Many of these associations are incorporated as nonprofit corporations.

Summary of Substitute Bill:   Nothing appears after the enacting clause.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  Everything after the enacting clause is eliminated.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  These associations spend money on campaigns and make political contributions.  They use public money to subsidize political campaigns.  This is an issue of great concern to citizens.  People have the first legislative power.  I support the initiative on limiting property taxes.

Testimony Against:  We are voluntary nonprofit organizations.  The minimal campaign activity that we have engaged in is entirely paid with private money.  No dues are used for these purposes.  We have a right to speak for local governments on issues that affect local government.  Our books are open.  We are audited.

Testified:  (Pro) Representative Dave Schmidt, prime sponsor; Shawn Newman, CLEAN; Paul Telford, Citizens for Responsible Government; and Ken Bragg, citizen.  (Con) Gary Lowe, Washington State Association of Counties; Stan Finkelstein, Association of Washington Cities; and Pat Jones, Washington Public Ports Association.