| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee | |
SB 5259
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Modifying provisions governing the sale of unneeded park land.
Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen and Morton; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date:
Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).
Background:
The State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) is authorised to dispose of any lands
found by the Commission to not serve the purposes of the agency [RCW 79A.05.175]. Most
lands designated by the unanimous consent of the Commission for disposal must be sold to the
highest bidder, through a sealed bidding process, or exchanged for lands of equal value. Final
conveyance of sold or exchanged lands must be executed by the Governor.
All land sales must be advertised in a local newspaper at least 20 days before the sealed bids are
required to be delivered. If the sealed bids are not acceptable to the Commission, it may reject
the bids and solicit a new round using the same process.
The proceeds from land sales must be deposited into the Park Land Acquisition Account.
Summary of Bill:
The process by which the Commission may conduct sales of unneeded park land is changed so
that the Commission is not limited to only accepting sealed bids. Instead, the Commission may
accept sealed bids, electronic bids, or oral bids at an auction. All bid solicitation, regardless of
the bid format, must still be advertised in a local paper.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.