SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5481
As of April 12, 2021
Title: An act relating to authorizing bonds for transportation funding.
Brief Description: Authorizing bonds for transportation funding.
Sponsors: Senators Hobbs, Cleveland, Das, Keiser, Kuderer, Randall, Sheldon and Wilson, C..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 4/12/21.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Authorizes the sale of $5.5 billion of general obligation bonds for transportation safety and improvement projects.
  • Makes the bonds backed by motor fuel taxes, fees imposed for highway purposes, and the full faith and credit of the state.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Hayley Gamble (786-7452)
Background:

Bonds are issued to fund transportation capital projects that have a long-term expected life span.  Washington State typically issues 25- year bonds.  Bonding authority must be authorized by 60 percent of the Legislature and the proceeds from the sale of the bonds must be appropriated for eligible transportation projects.
Summary of Bill:

Authorization is provided for the sale of $5.5 billion of general obligation bonds for projects or improvements that are identified as Forward Washington projects or improvements.  The bonds are backed by motor fuel taxes, fees imposed for highway purposes, and the full faith and credit of the state.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

Please refer to the April 12th, 2021 recording of the public hearing on the Senate Transportation Committee Schedules, Agendas & Documents website at https://app.leg.wa.gov/committeeschedules/#//TRAN/.
Persons Testifying: PRO:  Senator Steve Hobbs, Prime Sponsor; Michael Moran, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation; Roger Finley, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation; Jerry VanderWood, AGC of Washington; Karen Doherty.
CON:  Tim eyman, PermanentOffense.com; Joe Kunzler; Andrew Sang; Thomas Tucker, The Auto Care Association.
OTHER: Mike Ennis, AWB.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.