The bill amends RCW 27.12.320 to revise the process for the dissolution of libraries and library districts in Washington State. It establishes that a library can be abolished through a petition process rather than solely through a vote of the electors in the governmental unit where the library is located. The bill specifies that after a library district has been operational for three or more years, it may be dissolved by a majority vote of the qualified electors of the district, with the requirement that a petition from 25 percent or more of the voters must be filed at least ninety days prior to the election.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the distribution of library property upon dissolution. It states that if a rural county library district is dissolved, its books will go to the state library, while other property will be disposed of as directed by the legislative body. For intercounty rural library districts, property will be divided among participating counties based on equitable considerations. The bill also outlines the process for the dissolution of island library districts, including the transfer of assets and liabilities to the newly formed county rural library district, while ensuring that any outstanding bonded indebtedness is addressed appropriately.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 27.12.320
Engrossed Bill: 27.12.320
Bill as Passed Legislature: 27.12.320
Session Law: 27.12.320