HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2001

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                       Transportation

Title:  An act relating to transit agencies.

Brief Description:  Clarifying voter‑approval procedures for transit agencies.

Sponsors:  Representatives H. Myers and R. Fisher.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Transportation, March 3, 1993, DP.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 27 members:  Representatives R. Fisher, Chair; Brown, Vice Chair; Jones, Vice Chair; Schmidt, Ranking Minority Member; Mielke, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Brough; Brumsickle; Cothern; Eide; Finkbeiner; Forner; Fuhrman; Hansen; Heavey; Horn; Johanson; J. Kohl; R. Meyers; Miller; H. Myers; Orr; Patterson; Quall; Sheldon; Shin; Wood; and Zellinsky.

Staff:  Brian McMorrow (786-7304).

Background:  The High Capacity Transit Act is unclear as to how to gain voter approval for a high capacity system and financing plans when the service area includes another country or state.  This problem has emerged because Clark County and Portland transit systems may form a bi-state high capacity transportation system.  Local officials in Clark County want to make certain that the act clearly defines the body of voters from whom they must seek approval.

Summary of Bill:  Transit agencies that plan to form a high capacity transit system with another state or country must gain approval only from residents living within the service area that is in Washington State.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This bill would permit Clark County to plan its high capacity transit system and ask only Washington State voters for approval.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Les White, C-Tran; and Jim Slakey, Department of Transportation.