SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 2745

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 of February 26, 2016

Title: An act relating to ferry advisory committees.

Brief Description: Modifying the authority to appoint members to a certain ferry advisory committee.

Sponsors: Representatives Fitzgibbon and Cody.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/17/16, 98-0.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/24/16.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Hayley Gamble (786-7452)

Background: Ferry Advisory Committees (FACs). Current law requires counties that contain ferry terminals to appoint FACs in order to provide local representation and input on ferry system issues to Washington State Ferries (WSF). San Juan, Skagit, Clallam, and Jefferson counties each have one FAC consisting of five members. Other counties containing a ferry terminal have FACs consisting of three members for each ferry terminal, except Vashon Island that has only one committee. Members are appointed to FACs by the legislative authorities of the counties in which the FAC exists, except Vashon Island FAC, for which members are to be appointed by the Vashon/Maury Island Community Council (VMICC.)

Vashon/Maury Island Community Council (VMICC). The VMICC was formally recognized by King County as an unincorporated area council (UAC) in 1996. The VMICC ceased to be a regularly active UAC in 2010 when 8 of 9 board members resigned, and later King County no longer funded UACs. The VMICC has existed in various forms since 2010 and the Vashon/Maury Island community has had recent discussions on how to continue the work of the VMICC.

Summary of Bill: The bill allows the legislative authority of King County to make an appointment to the Vashon Island Ferry Advisory Committee if the Vashon/Maury Island Community Council fails to appoint a qualified person within 90 days of the occurrence of the vacancy.

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: No public hearing was held.

Persons Testifying: N/A.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: N/A.