| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Appropriations Committee | |
HB 3177
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Reducing the membership of the state expenditure limit committee.
Sponsors: Representatives Sommers and Dunshee.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/31/08
Staff: Kristen Fraser (786-7148).
Background:
Initiative 601 was first adopted by the voters at the 1993 general election. As subsequently
amended, I-601 establishes an expenditure limit for the state General Fund and six "related
funds." The expenditure limit for each year is the prior year's actual expenditures, as increased
by the fiscal growth factor and as adjusted upward or downward for other statutory factors.
The state Expenditure Limit Committee (ELC) annually establishes, adjusts, and projects the
expenditure limit. The ELC has six members: the director of the Office of Financial
Management (OFM), the Attorney General or his or her designee, the chairs of the House
Appropriations and Senate Ways & Means Committees, and, added as of 2007, the ranking
minority members of those committees. Actions of the ELC require a vote of four committee
members. If the ELC fails to adopt a limit by November 30, the Attorney General or designee
establishes the limit.
Summary of Bill:
The Attorney General or designee is removed from the Expenditure Limit Committee. Actions
of the ELC require a vote of three committee members. If the ELC fails to adopt a limit by
November 30, the OFM director establishes the limit.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.