Bill Would Sunset Two Recurring JLARC Studies; Cities and Hospitality Groups Urge Care on Oversight

Senators reviewed Senate Bill 5,879 on Jan. 19, a measure that would remove two recurring studies from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee’s (JLARC) work plan: a biennial report on lodging-tax uses by municipalities and a five-year review of the Employment Security Department’s training-benefits program. Committee staff said eliminating the studies would not produce a net savings but would free JLARC capacity for other work.

Senator Wagner, speaking as vice chair of JLARC, said the lodging-tax report appears underused and burdensome to cities and recommended sunsetting it so staff can pursue higher-value studies. "We don't want JLARC spinning its wheels on redundant or repetitive studies that don't provide value," she said.

Representatives of city governments and the hospitality industry discussed trade-offs. Candace Bach of the Association of Washington Cities supported removing the lodging-tax report, noting that state audits and local lodging-tax advisory committees already provide oversight. Jeff Gunn of the Washington Hospitality Association said lodging-tax reporting helps ensure funds promote tourism and local businesses, and he urged the committee to preserve meaningful accountability even if the JLARC report is sunsetted.

No committee vote was taken during the public hearing; the bill remains under committee consideration.