Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee

SSB 5440

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: Concerning the naming or renaming of state ferries.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Sheldon, Kauffman, Kline, Roach and McDermott).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Clarifies that ferry vessels are transportation facilities that may be named or renamed by the Transportation Commission.

  • Adds letters and resolutions from governments of federally recognized Indian tribes to the evidence of support that may be used by those seeking to name or rename state transportation facilities.

  • Directs the Commission to consider selling naming rights when naming or renaming state ferries and make a recommendation to the Legislature.

Hearing Date: 3/17/09

Staff: Pam Madson (786-7111)

Background:

The Transportation Commission may name or rename state transportation facilities and must consult with the Washington State Department of Transportation before taking final action.  Examples of transportation facilities are state highways and bridges, structures, facilities, state rest areas, and roadside facilities such as viewpoints.

Any governmental or private entity may initiate the process to name or rename a state transportation facility. The party proposing a name or change of name must provide supporting evidence indicating community support.  Such evidence may include letters from state legislators, members of Congress, and resolutions from locally elected bodies in the impacted area. 

Summary of Bill:

State ferries are specifically added to those transportation facilities that the Commission may name or rename.

A party proposing a name or name change may use evidence that includes letters and resolutions from governments of federally recognized Indian Tribes. 

The Commission must consider selling the naming rights when naming or renaming state ferry vessels and make recommendations to the Legislature.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.