The bill aims to amend the existing laws governing the collection of assessments for irrigation and rehabilitation districts in Washington state, specifically addressing the unique situation of the Moses Lake irrigation and rehabilitation district. It recognizes that this district is the only one of its kind in the state and seeks to align its assessment authority with other local special improvement districts to enhance local funding for water quality improvements. A new section is created to establish the necessity of these changes, particularly in light of recent litigation that classified the district's assessment collection as a tax.

In the amendments to RCW 87.84.070, the bill introduces several key changes. It stipulates that the district's directors will annually determine the necessary funds for rehabilitation operations and classify property based on the benefits derived from these operations. The assessment will be collected alongside general county taxes, with a budget cap of $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value unless a majority of voters authorize a higher amount. Additionally, the bill outlines the process for using assessed valuations in determining district assessments, particularly for designated forestland, agricultural land, or open space land, and mandates the provision of notice and an equalization hearing for proposed assessments.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 87.84.070
Substitute Bill: 87.84.070