Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Finance

HB 1219

Brief Description:  Exempting community public radio stations from property taxation.

Sponsors:  Representatives Marine, D. Schmidt, Roach, Delvin, Cooper and Skinner.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Exempts nonprofit community public radio stations that are not owned by a government or educational institution from property taxation.

Hearing Date:  2/1/01

Staff:  Rick Peterson (786‑7150).

Background: 

All property in this state is subject to the property tax each year based on the property's value, unless a specific exemption is provided by law.

Several property tax exemptions exist for nonprofit organizations.  Some exemptions apply only to property owned by a nonprofit organization, and other exemptions apply to property either owned or leased by a nonprofit organization.  Examples of some nonprofit property tax exemptions are:

Property Tax Exemptions for Nonprofit Organizations

Exempt on Owned Property OnlyExempt on Owned or Leased Property

$  character building, benevolent, protective$  free public libraries

or rehabilitative social service organizations$  orphanages

$  churches and church camps$  nursing homes

$  youth character building organizations$  hospitals

$  war veterans' organizations$  homes for the aging

$  water distribution property$  schools and colleges

$  nonprofit nature conservancy organization$  day care centers

$  public assembly halls$  radio/TV rebroadcast facilities

$  medical research or training facilities$  performing arts properties

$  art, scientific, or historical collections$  homeless shelters

$  sheltered workshops$  outpatient dialysis facilities

$  fair associations$  blood banks

$  humane societies

Generally, if a nonprofit tax exempt organization fails to maintain the exemption for ten years then up to three years of back taxes and interest are collected when the exemption is removed.

Most nonprofit organizations receiving an exemption must meet the following conditions:

1. The property must be used exclusively for the exempt purpose, except that the property may be loaned or rented to another tax exempt organization or use for fund-raising activities;

2. The property must be irrevocably dedicated to the exempt purpose unless it is leased to an organization eligible for an exemption on leased property, in which case, the benefit of the exemption must go to the exempt organization;

3. The facilities and services must be available to all regardless of race, color, national origin, or ancestry;

4. The organization must be licensed or certified when required by law or regulation;

5. The exemption is not available if the property is sold to an exempt organization with an option to repurchase by the seller; and,

6.  The Department of Revenue shall have access to the organization=s books for purposes of determining eligibility for the exemption.

Summary of Bill: 

All real or personal property owned and used by certain nonprofit community public radio stations is exempt from property tax.  A community public radio station owner must be someone other than a governmental entity or an educational institution and must also hold a non‑commercial FM broadcast license granted to nonprofit educational organizations for the advancement of educational programs.  Under federal regulations a station holding one of these licenses may transmit programs directed to specific schools or school systems and educational, cultural, and entertainment programs to the public.

The collection of three years of back taxes applies to this property if the property is removed from exemption within ten years.

The exemption for nonprofit community public radio stations is not covered by the conditions that require exclusive use, irrevocable dedication, nondiscrimination, licensing and certification, repurchase agreements, and books open to the Department of Revenue.

This property tax exemption applies to taxes levied in 2001 and thereafter.

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

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 25, 2001.