SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5169
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Economic Development, Trade & Innovation, February 10, 2011
Title: An act relating to encouraging economic development by exempting certain counties from the forest land compensating tax.
Brief Description: Encouraging economic development by exempting certain counties from the forest land compensating tax.
Sponsors: Senators Rockefeller, Kilmer and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Economic Development, Trade & Innovation: 2/07/11, 2/10/11 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & INNOVATION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Chase, Vice Chair; Baumgartner, Ranking Minority Member; Hatfield, Holmquist Newbry, Kilmer and Shin.
Staff: Jack Brummel (786-7428)
Background: When land is designated as forest land it is generally assessed at a lower value resulting in lower taxes. Land so designated must meet certain use, size, and other requirements. When land is removed from designation as forest land, a compensating tax must, with certain exceptions, be paid. An exception for payment of compensating tax exists for land located in counties with a population greater than 600,000 if the sale or transfer of land is to certain entities for the conservation of open space land or other approved purposes.
Summary of Bill: The exception for payment of compensating tax applies in counties with a population greater than 600,000 and a county with a population density of between 625 and 675 inhabitants per square mile.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This affects Kitsap County, the only one of the four Puget Sound Regional Council counties not currently exempt. Kitsap County is the second densest county in the state. This will allow preservation and the building of ecotourism.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Rockefeller, prime sponsor; Steve Bauer, Kitsap County Commissioner.