SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6174

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:

Ways & Means, February 21, 2018

Title: An act relating to budget stabilization account transfers.

Brief Description: Concerning budget stabilization account transfers. [Revised for 1st Substitute: Concerning budget stabilization account expenditures.]

Sponsors: Senator Rolfes; by request of Office of Financial Management.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 2/20/18, 2/21/18 [DPS, DNP].

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

  • Authorizes appropriations from the Budget Stabilization Account for fire mobilization and suppression.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6174 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Rolfes, Chair; Frockt, Vice Chair; Braun, Ranking Member; Honeyford, Assistant Ranking Member; Bailey, Billig, Brown, Carlyle, Conway, Darneille, Hasegawa, Hunt, Keiser, Mullet, Palumbo, Pedersen, Ranker, Van De Wege, Wagoner and Warnick.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

Signed by Senator Schoesler.

Staff: Julie Murray (786-7711)

Background: In 2007, the voters ratified a constitutional amendment that created the Budget Stabilization Account (BSA) as Article VII, section 12 of the Washington Constitution. In general, appropriations from the BSA require a three-fifths majority in each house of the Legislature, but in the case of a catastrophic event or low employment growth, the Legislature may appropriate from the BSA with a constitutional majority vote of each house.

On September 2, 2017, the Governor declared a state of emergency for all of Washington because of the high risk of wildfires throughout the state.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Bill (First Substitute): For fiscal year 2018, $2.655 million is appropriated to the Washington State Patrol for fire mobilization costs and $19.808 million is appropriated to the Department of Natural Resources for fire suppression costs incurred during the 2017 fire season.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE (First Substitute): For fiscal year 2018, $2.655 million is appropriated to the Washington State Patrol for fire mobilization costs and $19.808 million is appropriated to the Department of Natural Resources for fire suppression costs incurred during the 2017 fire season.

Appropriation: Two appropriations, totaling $22.463 million, are made to the Washington State Patrol and Department of Natural Resources.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on First Substitute: None.

Persons Testifying: No one.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.