BILL REQ. #:  S-3801.1 

Read first time 01/17/08.   Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

     AN ACT Relating to providing state assistance to low-income homeowners; adding a new section to chapter 82.32 RCW; creating a new section; and making an appropriation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The intent of this act is to provide assistance to low-income homeowners with the burden of property taxes. Property taxes can be a barrier to homeownership, especially to the low-income segment of our society. This act will help these individuals enter into homeownership.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 82.32 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The definitions in RCW 84.36.383 apply to this section.
     (2) A person may receive state assistance in the form of a payment that is based on the amount of excess and regular real property taxes levied for collection in 2008, in accordance with the following:
     (a) The property taxes must have been imposed upon a residence that was occupied by the person claiming the assistance as a principal place of residence as of January 1, 2008.
     (b) The person claiming the assistance must have owned, at the time of filing, in fee, as a life estate, or by contract purchase, the residence on which the property taxes have been imposed or if the person claiming the assistance lives in a cooperative housing association, corporation, or partnership, such person must own a share representing the unit or portion of the structure in which he or she resides. For purposes of this subsection, a residence owned by a marital community or owned by cotenants shall be deemed to be owned by each spouse or cotenant, and any lease for life shall be deemed a life estate.
     (c) The person must have a combined disposable income, as defined in RCW 84.36.383, which is less than the statewide median income as calculated for calendar year 2007.
     (d) The amount of assistance is equal to ten percent of the amount of excess and regular real property taxes levied for collection in 2008.
     (e) The person claiming the assistance must file a claim with the department in a form and manner prescribed by the department prior to September 1, 2008.
     (3) If the department determines a claim for assistance is valid, the department shall pay the claim only from moneys appropriated for purposes of this section.
     (4) A person signing a false claim with the intent to defraud or obtain a payment in excess of the amount to which the person is entitled is guilty of the offense of perjury under chapter 9.72 RCW.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The sum of one hundred seventy million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the department of revenue for the purpose of paying claims under section 2 of this act.