SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5879

                    As of February 19, 1997

Title:  An act relating to requiring a vote of the people for expenditure of public moneys on sports stadiums.

Brief Description:  Requiring a vote of the people for expenditure of public moneys on sports stadiums.

Sponsors:  Senators Fairley, Goings, Kline, Brown, McCaslin, Patterson, Rasmussen and Long.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/28/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

Background:  The legislative authority of a county with a population of one million or more (King) may impose a special stadium and use tax, not exceeding five-tenths of 1 percent, upon the retail sale or use by restaurants, taverns, and bars of food and beverages.  The county may also impose a special stadium and use tax, not exceeding 2 percent, upon retail car rentals.  The revenue from these taxes must be used to retire bonds issued by the county to acquire, construct, own, remodel, maintain, equip, requip, repair, and operate a baseball stadium.

Summary of Bill:  King County may not issue bonds to acquire and operate a baseball stadium, if those bonds are retired with special stadium taxes, unless the issuance of the bonds is approved by a majority of the voters of the county.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.