HOUSE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5048

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 Second Reading

Title: An act relating to fiscal matters.

Brief Description: Making operating appropriations for the 2015-2017 and 2017-2019 fiscal biennia.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Braun and Ranker; by request of Office of Financial Management).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

None.

Brief Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill

  • Makes biennial operating budget appropriations for the 2017-19 biennium and makes supplemental budget appropriations for the 2015-17 biennium.

Staff: Charlie Gavigan (786-7340).

Background:

The state government operates on a fiscal biennium that begins on July 1 of each odd-numbered year. A two-year biennial operating budget is adopted every odd-numbered year. Supplemental budgets frequently are enacted in each of the following two years after adoption of the biennial budget. Appropriations are made in the biennial and supplemental budgets for the operation of state government and its various agencies and institutions, including higher education, as well as allocations for the funding of K-12 public schools.

Near General Fund-State plus Opportunity Pathways appropriations are $38.5 billion for the 2015-2017 biennium (after the 2016 supplemental) and total budgeted funds are $79.6 billion.

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Summary of Bill:

Near General Fund-State (General Fund-State and Education Legacy Trust Account) plus Opportunity Pathways Account appropriations for the 2017-19 biennium are $43.3 billion. Total budgeted funds are $85.8 billion (includes state, federal, and other funds). Fund transfers and other provisions are made.

Some of the larger Near General Fund-State plus Opportunities Pathways Account appropriations for the biennium include:

Supplemental changes are made to the 2015-2017 Operating Budget. Near General Fund-State plus Opportunity Pathways appropriations are decreased by $21 million; total budgeted funds are decreased by $213 million.

Additional budget information can be found at leap.wa.gov.

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Appropriation: The bill contains multiple appropriations. Please refer to the bill and supporting documents.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) None.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: None.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.