HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2618

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:

Higher Education

Title: An act relating to port district worker development and training programs.

Brief Description: Concerning port district worker development and training programs.

Sponsors: Representatives Tarleton, Zeiger, Appleton, Haler and Santos.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Higher Education: 2/2/16, 2/5/16 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Removes the requirement that port district's economic development programs be in existence on June 10, 2010.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Hansen, Chair; Pollet, Vice Chair; Haler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bergquist, Frame, Holy, Reykdal, Sells, Tarleton and Van Werven.

Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Zeiger, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 1 member: Representative Stambaugh.

Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).

Background:

Port districts are authorized to acquire, construct, maintain, operate, develop, and regulate the following: harbor improvements; rail, motor vehicle, water, or air transfer and terminal facilities, or any combination of these facilities; other commercial transportation, transfer, handling, storage, and terminal facilities; and industrial improvements. State law also explicitly permits ports to promote tourism by granting the authority to "expend moneys and conduct promotion of resources and facilities in the district or general area by advertising, publicizing, or otherwise distributing information to attract visitors and encourage tourist expansion."

Among the general powers granted to ports are the following:

Port districts' economic development programs include job training and placement, preapprenticeship training, or educational programs that are associated with port tenants, customers, and local economic development related to port activities. The programs must be sponsored by a port, operated by a nonprofit entity, and in existence on June 10, 2010.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Summary of Bill:

The requirement that port district's economic development programs be in existence on June 10, 2010, is removed.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Currently ports have the ability to support job training programs, and these are financed through port district budgets. This bill asks to remove the limitation on the date so all of the port districts have another tool in their toolkit for expanding economic development in their areas. However, it is recognized that there are additional conversations to be had around this bill.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Tarleton, prime sponsor; and Trent House, Port of Seattle.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.