FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 3002

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.

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 (state Constitution). Each year, the State Treasurer must deposit 1 percent of general state revenues (GSR) into the constitutionally created BSA. The term GSR is defined in the state Constitution and is generally synonymous with the statutory State General Fund.

In general, appropriations from the BSA require a three-fifths majority in each house of the Legislature, but in the case of low employment growth or a state of emergency resulting from a catastrophic event, the Legislature may appropriate from the BSA with a constitutional majority vote of each house.

On September 2, 2017, Governor Inslee declared a state of emergency in all counties due to wildfires.

Summary:

The gubernatorial declaration of emergency due to wildfires is cited.

The following expenditures are authorized from the Budget Stabilization Account (BSA):

For fiscal year 2018, $2.65 million is appropriated to the Washington State Patrol for fire mobilization costs incurred during the 2017 fire season.
For fiscal year 2018, $19.808 million is appropriated to the Department of Natural Resources for fire suppression costs incurred during the 2017 fire season.

The BSA appropriations do not alter the requirement to balance the budget in the ensuing biennium under the state's four-year balanced budget requirement, also known as the State Budget Outlook.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	51	47
Senate	48	0