HB 1069 provides limited flexibility to help cities through the economic challenges caused by the pandemic. So why are opponents arguing the bill would defund the police?

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Gerry Pollet (D–Seattle) and Rep. Davina Duerr (D–Bothell), achieved bipartisan support on the House floor.

None of the flexibility provisions in the bill increase existing taxes, nor do they allow voter-approved funds to be used for something unrelated to the purpose authorized by voters. Yet a misleading narrative has developed suggesting that the bill would remove critical funding for commissioned officers around the state. This is not only untrue; it is inconsistent with the bill’s intent.

Unfortunately, that rhetoric seems to have struck a chord with some legislators. Now, more than ever, we need your help to change this damaging narrative as the bill moves through the Senate.

Contact your Senators now to tell them HB 1069 makes only modest, temporary changes for restricted city revenues.

Ask them to support the bill, as it will help cities get through the economic uncertainty of the pandemic.

HB 1069 provides the following:

• Allows a greater portion of the local Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) to be used for operations and maintenance of capital facilities through December 31, 2023.
• Allows the chemical dependency or mental health treatment sales tax to be used for certain capital projects necessary to the operation or delivery of those services.
• Broadens the definition of criminal justice purposes for the Criminal Justice Sales Tax to allow funds to be used for programs that will reduce interactions with the criminal justice system through December 31, 2023 so communities have greater flexibility to put these limited funds where they are most needed.
• Allows funds from property tax levies approved in King County between 2015-2022 to supplant existing revenue. This does not allow for the funds to be redirected from their voter approved purposes but allows for the funds to continue supporting existing services instead of requiring they be spent on new programs at a time when local governments may be able to afford to maintain existing services.
• Allows a city to impose a utility lien for past due charges when the emergency moratorium is lifted. Currently utility lien authority has a limited filing timeframe that is impacted by the emergency moratorium. This provision is intended to toll the timeframe to accommodate the emergency moratorium.

For more information of how to communicate strategically with your legislators, visit our strong city advocacy guide and learn how to testify remotely.