HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1323
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 House Committee On:
State Government
Title: An act relating to repealing advisory votes.
Brief Description: Repealing advisory votes.
Sponsors: Representatives Reykdal, Sawyer, S. Hunt and Pollet.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
State Government: 2/18/15, 2/19/15 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT |
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 4 members: Representatives S. Hunt, Chair; Bergquist, Vice Chair; Appleton and Gregory.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Holy, Ranking Minority Member; Van Werven, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hawkins.
Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).
Background:
Initiative 960 passed in 2007 and required, in part, that after July 1, 2011, legislative action raising taxes that is blocked from a public vote or not referred to the people, must be placed on the next general election ballot for an advisory vote of the people. If legislation involves more than one revenue source, each tax being increased must be a separate measure for an advisory vote.
The Attorney General is required to formulate a description of the measure, not to exceed 33 words, substantially as follows:
"The legislature imposed, without a vote of the people, (identification of tax and description of increase), costing (most up-to-date 10-year cost projection, expressed in dollars and rounded to the nearest million) in its first 10 years, for government spending. This tax increase should be:
Repealed. . . [ ]
Maintained. . . [ ]"
Information about the advisory vote must be included in the general election voters' pamphlet and must include:
the serial number assigned by the Secretary of State;
the short description prepared by the Attorney General;
the tax increase's most up-to-date 10-year cost projection, including a year-by-year breakdown prepared by the Office of Financial Management; and
the names of the legislators, their contact information, and their vote on final passage of the measure.
Names of legislators and their contact information must include each legislator's position, first name, last name, party affiliation, city or town where they reside, office phone number, and office electronic mail address.
An advisory vote does not enact nor repeal legislation. It provides information to the Legislature.
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Summary of Substitute Bill:
All requirements pertaining to advisory votes are repealed.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The substitute bill makes a technical correction to remove language pertaining to an advisory vote.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Washington has strong constitutional provisions which enable the people to participate in the legislative process through initiatives and referendums. The language of the initiative regarding advisory votes is cynical in nature. The Legislature should ask for the voters' advice before a law is enacted, rather than after.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Reykdal, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.