1. Simple Majority Bonds Representative Mia Gregerson (33LD) Representative Dick Muri (28LD)

2. Introduction  During the 2015 regular session, we introduced HB 1941 and HJR 4210.  HB 1941 and HJR 4210 make statutory changes allowing a simple majority affirmative vote of voters on school district bonds at general elections, rather than the current 60%.  Any bonds ran during special elections would still require the 60% affirmative vote.  The 40% validation requirement would remain in law.  We introduced this bill with 45 co-sponsors.  Had a hearing in the House Education Committee on February 16, 2015. Allowing simple majority votes for general election school district bond measures.

3. The Constitution  The Washington State Constitution authorizes school districts to collect property tax revenues in excess of 1% of the assessed value of property in the district for capital purposes.  A school district must receive approval by 60% of the voters at an election to issue general obligation bonds for capital purposes.  This 60% requirement did not exist until 1944 when Amendment 17 was adopted.  Amendment 17 made a number of reforms including requiring a 3/5 supermajority on operating and construction bond levies for school districts.  In 2007, the legislature and voters approved a Constitutional amendment allowing Maintenance and Operation levies to be passed at a majority. No supermajority for school district bonds prior to 1944. No supermajority required for maintenance and operation levies since 2007.

4. How to amend the Constitution  In order to amend the constitution a joint resolution must:  Receive 2/3 vote of the House  Receive 2/3 vote of the Senate  Be ratified by voters in the state  Both proponents and opponents have the opportunity to prepare statements for and against the measure and to prepare statements that rebut the other side.  Once approved by the majority of voters, the amendment takes effect when the election is certified.  To get 2/3 of the House and Senate, the proposal will require bi-partisan support. There needs to be bipartisan agreement on the path forward.

5. Facts and Figures Historical bond data 2000 - 2015 Since 2000, 616 bonds campaigns have been run. 250 of those have passed above the 60% supermajority required. 363 bonds have failed. Of those 363 bonds, 74.93% (272 campaigns) of them failed with more than 50% of the voters voting to approve. Almost 75% of failed bond campaigns were approved by a simple majority. But these measures still failed.

6. Facts and Figures Historical bond data 2010 - 2015 Data from 2010-present to reflect results with all-mail elections. Since 2010, 172 bonds campaigns have been run. 74 of those have passed above the 60% supermajority required. 102 bonds have failed. Of those 102 bonds, 70.58% (72 campaigns) of them failed with more than 50% of the voters voting to approve.

7. Facts and Figures  According to a survey conducted by OSPI, school districts reported having 3,982 permanent buildings.  Of those buildings, 56.6% were reported to be in fair or worse conditions and 64% of them are over 40 years old.  From that same survey, there are a reported 4,276 portable classrooms statewide that are used for instruction.  Of those portables, 68% are currently in fair or worse condition and 42% are over 20 years old.  To adhere to the law passed in 2009 requiring class size ration of 17:1 for K-3 classes which is also reinforced in the McCleary decision, the state needs roughly 5,697 new classrooms.  OSPI estimates the cost of this to be at $1,978,105,945.00 Students across the state are trying to learn in sub-optimal environments. Note: In the survey, district staff were asked to give a general condition rating (1-5 stars) to each of their buildings and science/lab classrooms. These ratings are not intended to be detailed assessments given by professionals nor have they been verified by OSPI staff.

8. Questions? Contact: Representative Mia Gregerson Cell: 206-795-1950 Office: 360-786-7868 mia.gregerson@leg.wa.gov Legislative Assistant Kyla Shkerich Cell: 425-891-5519 Office: 360-786-7868 kyla.shkerich@leg.wa.gov Contact: Representative Dick Muri Cell: 253-439-9797 Office: 360-786-7890 dick.muri@leg.wa.gov Legislative Assistant Matt Helder Cell: 360-790-0921 Office: 360-786-7890 matt.helder@leg.wa.gov