The bill seeks to improve support and services for veterans and individuals with developmental disabilities or mental health needs in Washington State by amending the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). It establishes new tax levies, requiring counties to impose a tax of two and one-half cents per thousand dollars of assessed value for community services related to developmental disabilities and mental health. This levy can be applied separately or as part of the regular property tax levy, and funds collected can be transferred to the state for federal matching funds. Additionally, a veterans' assistance fund is created, mandating counties to levy a tax between one and one-eighth cents and twenty-seven cents per thousand dollars of assessed value, with strict guidelines on how these funds can be utilized.

The bill also revises existing property tax laws to ensure that the combined rate of regular property tax levies does not exceed one percent of the true and fair value of any property. It outlines reductions or eliminations for various levies if the combined rate surpasses this limit and introduces provisions for the veterans' assistance levy to increase by either 101 percent or 100 percent plus inflation, whichever is greater. The changes will apply to taxes levied for collection in 2024 and beyond, with certain sections effective from January 1, 2027. The bill also clarifies language by replacing "cent[s]" with "cents" in tax levy calculations, aiming to provide clearer guidelines while ensuring compliance with the one percent limitation.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 71.20.110, 73.08.080, 84.52.043, 84.52.010, 84.55.005