SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5136

As of January 31, 2001

Title:  An act relating to initiative review.

Brief Description:  Establishing the initiative review commission.

Sponsors:  Senators Fairley, Patterson, Kohl‑Welles, Regala, B. Sheldon, Costa, Prentice, Jacobsen, Oke and Winsley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  2/1/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Staff:  Diane Smith (786‑7410)

Background:  Initiatives to the people appear in the state voters= pamphlet printed and distributed by the Secretary of State.  In addition to the full text of the initiatives, the voters= pamphlet contains ballot measure summaries prepared by the Attorney General and statements for and against the measures prepared by specially appointed committees.  The voters= pamphlet does not provide advice on the constitutionality of the initiative.

Summary of Bill:  A three-member initiative review commission is established for the purpose of preparing a statement for the voters= pamphlet.  The statement lists potential constitutional challenges to the initiative and states that the commission=s findings are preliminary and not binding.

The members of the commission are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.  Two commissioners must be retired judges.  No commissioner may have been an elected official or lobbyist within one year of his or her appointment.  The commissioners serve two-year terms.

The commissioners are each paid $100 per day and may retain legal and administrative staff and determine their compensation.  Funds for the commission are appropriated by the Legislature.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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