5082-S AMS WILJ BROS 479

SSB 5082 - S AMD TO S AMD (S-0966.3/23) 21

By Senator J. Wilson

NOT ADOPTED 02/08/2023

On page 1, line 11, after "values.", strike all material through "43.135.031." on page 6, line 39 and insert the following:

PART II

BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 29A.72 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The blue ribbon task force on advisory votes is created to improve the process for gathering public input on legislative measures which raise taxes or fees by:

(a) Evaluating advisory votes;

(b) Evaluating the effectiveness of the advisory vote process at communicating the activities of the legislature on tax issues to the public; and

(c) Incorporating suggestions from the public on how to improve the advisory vote process.

(2) The task force is composed of the following members:

(a) Eight members representing nonprofit, nonpartisan organizations focused on state tax issues, of which:

(i) Two members must be appointed by the majority leader of the senate;

(ii) Two members must be appointed by the minority leader of the senate;

(iii) Two members must be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and

(iv) Two members must be appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives;

(b) Two members appointed by the governor;

(c) Two members appointed by the secretary of state; and

(d) Two members appointed by the Washington association of county auditors.

(3) Each appointing authority under subsection (2)(b) through (d) of this section must select one appointee who is an appointed public official and one private citizen, with a preference for private citizens with experience in state tax issues, public financing, or state ballot measures.

(4) The task force must hold public meetings for the purpose of gathering public testimony and input. The task force must hold at least one public meeting in each congressional district in the state. Public notice must be given of all meetings under the requirements in chapter 42.30 RCW. The task force must provide options for remote public participation. Whenever possible, meetings of the task force must be held at locations that provide accommodations for persons with accessibility or mobility issues. The task force must also consult with experts in election administration, public polling, public sector finance, and other areas as the task force deems appropriate to further the purposes of this section and may invite their testimony at public meetings.

(5) The task force must provide a report with its findings and recommendations on improvements to the advisory vote process to the relevant committees of the legislature by December 1, 2024.

(6) Staff support for the task force shall be provided by the secretary of state.

(7) Members must be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.220 in addition to travel expenses provided by RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

(8) This section expires January 1, 2025.

SSB 5082 S AMD TO S AMD (S-0966.3/23)

By Senator J. Wilson

On page 7, beginning on line 1, after "line" strike all material through "43.135.041." on line 5 and insert "1 of the title, after "to" strike the remainder of the title and insert "creating the blue ribbon task force on advisory votes; adding a new section to chapter 29A.72 RCW; adding a new section; and providing an expiration date."

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