Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee
HB 1505
Brief Description: Clarifying that providing ambulance services in chapter 36.57 RCW includes the ability for the transportation authority to pay for training for the people that will provide the ambulance services.
Sponsors: Representatives Walsh, Sutherland, Dufault, Robertson, Harris, Jacobsen, Eslick and Chase.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows a county transportation authority (CTA) providing ambulance services to pay for training for the personnel that will provide the ambulance services.
  • States that the authority to provide such training is among the authorities granted to a CTA.
Hearing Date: 2/16/21
Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).
Background:

A county transportation authority (CTA) is a separate legal entity that may be formed by any county to provide countywide public transportation services, which includes all incorporated cities and towns within the county.  The governing body of a CTA is required to consist of three members of the county legislative body, three mayors of cities of various sizes within the county, and a nonvoting labor representative. 

 

Among the statutorily granted powers of a CTA is the operation of ambulance services.

 

There are currently three CTAs, which are located in Columbia, Garfield, and Grays Harbor counties.  All of these CTAs are funded through a locally imposed sales and use tax.
Summary of Bill:

A CTA providing ambulance services is allowed to pay for training for the personnel that will provide the ambulance services.  The authority to provide such training is stated to be among the authorities granted to a CTA.

 

A CTA is further allowed to engage the services of the training provider and the ambulance personnel through separate contracts.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 12, 2021.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.