HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. HB 1094

Extending state payment of election costs                 Public Hrg: 1/21/97 

Brief Title

Reps. D. Schmidt/Costa                                    Staff Contact: B. Mauldin

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7093

BACKGROUND:

Officers and measures from different levels of government are often voted on at the same primary or general elections.  The state pays a prorated share of the cost of the election in odd-numbered years when state officers or measures are voted on.  Each county auditor determines the state=s share of the election=s cost, and files an expense claim with the secretary of state.  The county assumes the state=s cost during even-numbered years. 

SUMMARY: 

The state pays a share of the costs of any state primary or general election in even-numbered years when state officers or measures are voted on.  This will be phased in over six years, with the state paying 25 percent in 1998, and paying 100 percent in 2004 and thereafter.

FISCAL NOTE:   Requested 1/17/97.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.