The bill amends RCW 28A.530.080 to expand the authority of school districts in Washington to contract indebtedness for school construction and related purposes. Specifically, it allows school districts to issue bonds, notes, or other forms of indebtedness without a vote from the qualified electors for various purposes, including purchasing real or personal property. However, to utilize this authority for specific purposes outlined in RCW 28A.530.010(3), school districts must first obtain approval from the electorate to levy funds for construction, modernization, or remodeling of school facilities and must not have been under binding conditions in the previous three years.

Additionally, the bill establishes a requirement for school districts to publish a notice of intent and hold a public hearing before issuing nonvoted bonds exceeding $250,000. The notice must include details about the hearing and the proposed bonds, and it must be published in a local newspaper for two consecutive weeks prior to the hearing. The public notice and hearing requirements do not apply to refinancing or refunding existing bonds. The proceeds from the issued bonds will be allocated to the capital projects fund, transportation vehicle fund, or general fund as appropriate.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.530.080