Brief Description: Amending the Constitution to allow four year excess tax levies for metropolitan park districts and library districts.

Sponsors: Representatives Jarrett, Conway, Skinner, Kirby, Hankins, Hunt, Mastin, Morris, Santos, Delvin, Kessler, Armstrong, Lantz, Kenney, Chase and Kagi.

Hearing Date: 2/5/04

Staff: Kiki Keizer (786-7109).

Background:

With some exceptions, Article VII, section 2 of the state constitution limits the aggregate of all tax levies on real and personal property by the state and all taxing districts to no more than one percent of the true and fair value of the property annually. Exceptions to the general one percent limit include ports and public utility districts.

Taxing districts may exceed the one percent limit when specifically authorized to do so by a majority of at least three-fifths of the voters of the taxing district on the proposition (if voter turnout equals at least 40 percent of the previous general election turnout). The constitution permits levies for periods of support of more than one year for schools and fire protection districts (four years) and for construction, modernization, or remodeling school or fire facilities (six years).

Summary of Bill:

A ballot initiative is created for consideration at the next general election. The initiative proposes amending the state constitution to allow propositions to levy support of metropolitan park districts or library districts for up to four years.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.