/           HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No.  HB 1541

Relating to election costs.

Brief Title                               Hearing Date: 2/9/99

Reps. D. Schmidt, Romero                 Staff:  Scott MacColl

Sponsor(s)                          State Government Committee

                                              Phone:  786-7106

BACKGROUND:

Primary and general elections in which state officers and measures are on the ballot require the state to pay a prorated share of the cost of election in odd-numbered years.  Each county auditor determines the state=s share of the election cost and files for reimbursement with the Secretary of State.  The county assumes the state=s cost during even numbered years.

SUMMARY:

The state must pay a prorated share of the cost of any primary or general election in even-numbered years when state officers or measures are on the ballot.  There is a six-year phase in plan, with the state paying 25 percent in 2000, and increasing 25 percent every even year up to 100 percent in 2006.  The state must pay 100 percent of the cost thereafter starting in 2006.

FISCAL NOTE: Requested on 2/4/99

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