HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1034
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
State Government & Tribal Affairs
Title: An act relating to rental or lease of armories.
Brief Description: Concerning rental or lease of armories.
Sponsors: Representatives Morrell, Moeller, Kelley, Hurst, Miloscia, Hunt, Appleton and Chase; by request of Washington Military Department.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
State Government & Tribal Affairs: 1/13/09, 1/16/09 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & TRIBAL AFFAIRS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Armstrong, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Hudgins, Miloscia and Newhouse.
Staff: Tracey O'Brien (786-7196)
Background:
Washington has 26 armories located around the state. Although the armories are primarily for military use, an armory may be rented or used for casual civil purposes, and amateur and professional sports and theatricals. Renters must make a payment of fixed rental charges and must comply with the regulations of the Washington State Military Department. The Adjutant General prepares a schedule of rental charges to be charged for the use of an armory by a civilian. Rental charges derived from the armory rentals, less the cleaning deposit, are deposited into the Military Department Rental and Lease Account.
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Summary of Bill:
State-owned armories may be rented or leased for public or private uses, not just casual civil purposes, sports or theatricals. Renters shall be charged for the rental based on the schedule of rental charges prepared by the Adjutant General.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Armories are resources to our communities and provide a positive image of the National Guard. The current authorization to rent armories is subject to a restrictive interpretation. The public frequently seeks to rent the armory space for uses that might not fit within the current statutory description. This includes weddings, family reunions and other similar activities not open to the general public. This bill would authorize rental for both public and private uses. Armory rental and lease revenues are used for armory maintenance and operational expenses. This reduces the need for state general funds to maintain and operate the 26 armories in this state. In addition, requiring the Adjutant General to publish a schedule of rental charges, instead of a list of fixed rental charges, will allow for the periodic adjustment on the schedule based on changes in overhead costs.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Morrell, prime sponsor; M.G. Timothy Lowenberg, Washington Military Department; Oscar Hilman, Veterans Legislative Coalition; and Ted Wicorek, Veterans Legislative Coalition.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.