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Bill would let Washington school districts bond against voter‑approved levies to build schools sooner
Summary
Supporters say HB 17‑96 lets districts with voter‑approved capital levies front‑fund construction to avoid inflationary cost escalation; opponents say it risks diminishing voter control. No formal committee vote was recorded at the hearing stage.
House Bill 17‑96 would allow Washington school districts that have passed voter‑approved capital levies to contract indebtedness and issue non‑voted bonds within the existing 0.375% indebtedness cap to fund new construction and furnishings earlier in a levy cycle.
Committee staff told senators the bill adds a new type of capital project that may be financed as non‑voted debt under current constitutional limits. A 2025 fiscal note estimated no fiscal impact, but an updated 2026 fiscal analysis on a companion measure described costs as indeterminate because they depend on whether districts access the School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP).
John Holman, superintendent of the Lake Washington School…
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