Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 1958

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: Prohibiting the imposition of regional transit authority property taxes on less than a whole parcel.

Sponsors: Representatives Harmsworth, Young, Rodne and Stanford.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Prohibits a regional transit authority from imposing a property tax on less than a whole parcel of property.

Hearing Date: 2/16/17

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).

Background:

A Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is authorized to use its tax revenues to develop and operate a high capacity transportation system. There is currently one RTA, Sound Transit, which operates light rail, commuter rail service, and express bus service. The boundaries of the Sound Transit district generally follow the urban growth boundaries of King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.

After the approval of the most recent system expansion plan in 2016, Sound Transit imposes the following taxes within the boundaries of the Sound Transit district:

Summary of Bill:

A RTA is prohibited from imposing a property tax on less than a whole parcel of property.

The bill is retroactive to November 1, 2016.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 7, 2017.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.