SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6700

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 Senate Committee On:

Transportation, February 4, 2010

Title: An act relating to naming or renaming state ferry vessels.

Brief Description: Authorizing the naming or renaming of state ferry vessels.

Sponsors: Senators Sheldon, Swecker, Haugen, Kauffman and Tom.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/03/10, 2/04/10 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Becker, Benton, Berkey, Delvin, Hatfield, Jacobsen, Kauffman, Kilmer, King and Ranker.

Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)

Background: The Transportation Commission (Commission) has the authority to name or rename state transportation facilities and must consult with the Washington State Department of Transportation before taking final action. Any governmental or private entity or person may initiate the process. In order for the Commission to consider a naming or renaming proposal, the requesting entity or person must provide evidence indicating community support and acceptance of the proposal.

Summary of Bill: Language is added to clarify that state ferries are part of the facilities the Commission may name. Language is also added to clarify that letters of support from, and resolutions passed by, tribal governments are evidence indicating community support and acceptance of a proposal. When naming or renaming a ferry vessel, the Commission must avoid using names of individuals in preference to names of groups or places.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Commission has been working on this issue and this bill resembles what the Commission has been contemplating. There is no real process for naming ferry vessels and this bill puts a process in place.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Bob Distler, Commission; Rick Jensen, Muckleshoot Tribe.