SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1309
As of March 8, 2021
Title: An act relating to the dates of certification of levies.
Brief Description: Concerning the dates of certification of levies.
Sponsors: House Committee on Finance (originally sponsored by Representatives Eslick, Ramel, Paul and Lekanoff).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/24/21, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Housing & Local Government: 3/10/21.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Changes the date for county legislative authorities and taxing districts to certify the levy amount to the county assessor.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING & LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Staff: Bonnie Kim (786-7316)
Background:

Washington's property tax system is a budget-based property tax.  Although subject to several restrictions, this means that counties and other taxing districts, as part of their annual budget process, must first establish the total dollar amount of property tax revenue they wish to generate for the upcoming year.  The county legislative authority and taxing districts within the county must certify to the county assessor the amount of taxes to be levied upon the property for county purposes by November 30th.  Once the total dollar amount is established, the county assessor calculates the levy rate based on the total assessed value of all properties in the county or taxing district.
Summary of Bill:

The due date for a county legislative authority to certify the levy amount to the county assessor is changed to December 15th.  The due date for taxing districts to certify the levy amount to the county assessor is changed to the first Monday in December.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.