SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5418
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 February 21, 2013
Title: An act relating to county property tax levies.
Brief Description: Concerning county property tax levies.
Sponsors: Senators Bailey, McAuliffe, Shin, Chase and Harper.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Governmental Operations: 2/11/13.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS |
Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)
Background: Counties must annually allocate portions of their general property tax levy to fund county mental health, developmental disability, and veterans' assistance programs.
If the county general property tax levy is reduced to conform to a 1 percent limit on annual increases, the portions of the levy allocated to fund the programs may be proportionately reduced. Differing interpretations have arisen regarding county authority to adjust funding for the programs if a county opts to forego increasing its general property tax levy up to the 1 percent limit on annual increases.
Summary of Bill: County authority to annually adjust funding for county mental health, developmental disability, and veterans' assistance programs is clarified.
If the general county property tax levy is:
reduced from the preceding year's levy, funding for the programs may be reduced by not more than the same percentage as the general county property tax levy was reduced from the preceding year's levy;
increased from the preceding year's levy, funding for the programs must be increased by at least the same percentage as the general county property tax levy was increased from the preceding year's levy; however, funding does not have to be increased for the portion of a voter-approved levy increase that is dedicated to a specific purpose; or
unchanged from the preceding year's levy, funding for the programs must equal or exceed the previous year's funding.
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 legislation, Snohomish County's top priority this session, clarifies current law to resolve differing interpretations of county authority to adjust program funding when a county does does not increase its annual levy up to the 1 percent limit. If this bill is not enacted, Snohomish County will have to cut $1.3 million in funding for law enforcement and other priorities to augment funding for these programs. The bill seeks to maintain current practice, and provides necessary equity. Counties that have not annually raised taxes up to the permissible limit should not be penalized.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Bailey, prime sponsor; Briahna Taylor, Dave Gossett, Snohomish County.