SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 1497

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.

Sponsors: House Committee on Capital Budget (originally sponsored by Representatives Dunshee and Warnick; by request of Governor Gregoire).

Background: The programs and agencies of state government are funded on a two-year basis, with each biennium beginning on July 1 of each odd-numbered year. The Capital Budget includes appropriations for the acquisition, construction, and repair of capital assets such as state office buildings, prisons, juvenile rehabilitation centers, residential habilitation centers, mental health facilities, military readiness centers, and higher education facilities. The Capital Budget also funds a variety of environmental and natural resource projects, parks and recreational facilities, public K-12 school construction, and grant and loan programs that support housing, public infrastructure, community service facilities, and art and historical projects. The sources of funding for the Capital Budget primarily are state general obligation bonds, trust revenues, and dedicated fees and taxes.

Summary of Bill: The 2011-13 Capital Budget authorizes $1.6 billion in new capital projects from sources other than bond proceeds. Reappropriations of $1.0 billion are authorized for projects approved in prior biennia. State agencies are also authorized to enter into a variety of alternative financing contracts. The 2011 Supplemental Capital Budget reduces 2009-11 capital budget appropriations by $547,000.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately, except for sections 7022 through 7025, relating to higher education facility maintenance, and section 7027, relating to the Building Communities Fund, which take effect July 1, 2011.