SENATE BILL REPORT
EHB 1703
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. |
As of March 10, 2011
Title: An act relating to fiscal notes for legislation that uniquely affects school districts.
Brief Description: Addressing fiscal notes for legislation that uniquely affects school districts.
Sponsors: Representatives Dammeier, Haigh, Anderson, Probst, Parker, Alexander, Zeiger and Smith.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/02/11, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 3/10/11.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Staff: Elise Greef (786-7708)
Background: The Office of Financial Management is required, by statute, to coordinate the provision of fiscal notes requested by the Legislature. Fiscal notes must show the expected impact of bills that increase or decrease revenues or expenditures and must show impacts for state agencies and local governments.
Summary of Bill: The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) will, within available resources and when practicable, prepare school-district fiscal notes when legislation uniquely affects school districts. Where practicable, the note will show the impact on each school district; when not practicable, the fiscal note will show the impact on a range of representative school districts.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: None.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: We spend 43 percent of our budget on K-12 public schools, affecting a million children. It is critical that we have accurate information about the effect of our decisions. The bill will also provide information about unfunded mandates. We frequently hear concern about this issue from school districts, and this bill will make those impacts clear.
OTHER: The original bill was very good, and the concept is an important one so the Legislature will have information about districts' costs and capacities. Having the input of school district business officers in the formal fiscal note process is a very good idea. The concern is the phrase "within available resources." It is important to provide the funding for the SPI staff person.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Dammeier, prime sponsor.
OTHER: Mitch Denning, Washington Association of School Administrators.