HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2564

As Passed House:

February 14, 2002

Title:  An act relating to changing references in annexation procedures from "qualified electors" to "registered voters".

Brief Description:  Changing references in annexation procedures from "qualified electors" to "registered voters".

Sponsors:  By Representatives Holmquist, Mulliken, Dunshee, Edwards, DeBolt, Sullivan, Mielke, Hatfield, Schindler, Berkey, Dunn, Crouse, Kirby, Boldt and Benson.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Local Government & Housing:  2/4/02 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/14/02, 98-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Changes references in annexation procedures from "qualified electors" to "registered voters."

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT & HOUSING

Majority Report:  Do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Dunshee, Chair; Edwards, Vice Chair; Mulliken, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Crouse, DeBolt, Hatfield, Kirby, Mielke and Sullivan.

Minority Report:  Without recommendation. Signed by 1 member: Representative Dunn.

Staff:  Amy Wood (786‑7127).

Background:

Cities and towns are authorized to annex territory through a variety of procedures, including either a resolution/election method, a petition/election method, or a direct petition method.  Under the petition/election method, a ballot proposition authorizing an annexation is submitted to the voters upon the submission of a signed petition requesting the annexation by voters residing in the area.

By statute, these referendum petitions for annexations must be signed by a requisite number of "qualified electors" in order to be placed on the ballot.  For example, annexation of unincorporated island territory requires signatures of "qualified electors" in number equal to 10 percent or more of the votes cast in the last general election.  Unlike "registered voters," however, there is no record of "qualified electors" within a city or town.  Consequently, there is no way of determining the validity of the signatures or whether the requisite number of "qualified electors" have signed a petition.

Summary of Bill:

The reference in annexation procedures is changed from  "qualified electors" to "registered voters."

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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

Testimony For:  This is a straight forward, technical bill.  It's a perfect bill in that it fixes the problem and does not cost anything.  This is not a slippery slope; there are no concerns with this bill.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified:  Representative Holmquist, prime sponsor; and Ron Rosenbloom, Association of Washington Cities.