SENATE BILL REPORT
SJR 8218
BYSenators McCaslin, Garrett and Sellar
Granting authority to the legislature to authorize two-year excess property tax levies for taxing districts.
Senate Committee on Governmental Operations
Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1988
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Zimmerman, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Garrett.
Senate Staff:Eugene Green (786-7405); Sam Thompson (786-7754)
January 27, 1988
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, JANUARY 26, 1988
BACKGROUND:
Article VII, Section 2(a) of the State Constitution grants authority to the Legislature to authorize a one-year excess property tax levy for taxing districts. However, the common schools may provide for a two-year excess levy. (The common schools also may have an excess levy, not exceeding six years) to support the construction, modernization, or remodeling of school facilities.)
The Legislature has granted to many local taxing districts the authority to levy a one-year excess property tax levy. Due to the cost of conducting elections, it is felt that in some instances a two-year excess levy could be more cost-beneficial to these local taxing districts.
SUMMARY:
A constitutional amendment is proposed for submission to the voters in the next general election which would allow the Legislature to authorize a two-year excess property tax levy for certain local taxing districts.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: none requested
Effective Date:November 1988, if the proposed constitutional amendment is ratified by the voters at the November 1988 general election.
Senate Committee - Testified: Mark Allen, Washington Library Association