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

HJR 4200

Brief Description:  Requiring initiatives with negative fiscal impact to specify reductions.

Sponsors:  Representatives Morris, H. Sommers, Dickerson, Linville, D. Schmidt, McIntire, Rockefeller and Edmonds.

Brief Summary of Bill

$A state initiative that repeals or restricts taxes or fees used to fund general governmental purposes must include specific language prescribing how the reductions are to be reflected in state budgets and either directing reductions for a specific function or agency or amending the application of a budget that is in effect.

Hearing Date:  1/29/01

Staff:  Steve Lundin (786‑7127).

Background: 

The state constitution vests the legislative power of the state in the State Legislature, but grants state voters initiative and referendum on state legislation.

Summary of Bill: 

A state initiative that repeals or restricts the collection of existing taxes or fees used to fund general government purposes, reduces the percentage rate or amount of such a tax or fee, or creates or extends an exemption to such a tax or fee, must include specific language prescribing how these reductions are to be reflected in state budgets.  The language must direct the legislature to reduce the funding for a specific function or agency or may be an amendment to the application of a budget that will be in effect when the initiative is certified as being approved by state voters.

Rulemaking Authority:  No express authority.

Effective Date:  The bill takes effect on the thirtieth day after the election when the measure is approved.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.