HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2002

BYRepresentatives Dellwo, Haugen and Jacobsen

Providing a liquor excise tax distribution for a county research bureau.

House Committe on Ways & Means/Revenue

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (8)

      Signed by Representatives Appelwick, Chair; Basich, Holland, Rust, Schoon, Taylor, Valle and Winsley.

House Staff:Rick Wickman (786-7136)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 15, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Statutes provide that liquor excise taxes collected under RCW 82.08 are distributed as follows:  65% to the state general fund; 28% to cities and towns; and 7% to counties.

Distributions of liquor excise taxes are made by the state treasurer to cities, towns and counties on a quarterly basis.  In 1987, the Legislature modified the distribution to cities, towns and counties to require $64,000 from each distribution for a total of $128,000 to fund the local governance study commission's activities.  This distribution to the commission expires June 30, 1989.

SUMMARY:

Requires $20,000 each quarter or $80,000 annually from the counties' share of liquor excise tax distributions to be distributed to the Washington State Association of Counties solely for the purpose of financing a county research bureau.

Revenue:    This bill has a revenue impact.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Jim Metcalf, Wash. State Assoc. of Counties.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Counties need a research bureau to conduct studies on county programs, financial matters, and demographic data.  Funding from counties share of liquor excise tax is necessary to fund a research bureau.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.