Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Local Government & Housing Committee

HB 2564

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

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

Brief Summary of Bill

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

Hearing Date:  2/4/02

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 ten 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.