HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1978

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                      Local Government

Title:  An act relating to the use of county park and recreation facilities.

Brief Description:  Allowing counties to permit public libraries on county land used for park and recreation purposes.

Sponsors:  Representatives J. Kohl, G. Cole, Karahalios, Jacobsen, Dorn, Cothern, Roland, Pruitt, Basich, Miller, Forner, L. Johnson, Vance, Cooke, Rust and Hansen.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Local Government, March 2, 1993, DPS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 10 members:  Representatives H. Myers, Chair; Bray, Vice Chair; Edmondson, Ranking Minority Member; Reams, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; R. Fisher; Horn; Rayburn; Romero; Springer; and Zellinsky.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  Signed by 2 members:  Representatives Dunshee; and Van Luven.

Staff:  Steve Lundin (786-7127).

Background:  Counties are permitted to adopt comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  A county may permit a public library to be located on land owned by the county that is used for park and recreation purposes; unless a covenant or other binding restriction precludes such uses.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  Language was added about the covenants of other binding restrictions.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  With the increasing costs of land and the limited amount of public funds available for acquisition and construction of library facilities, the co-location of appropriate facilities allows jurisdictions to stretch available public dollars.  In addition, the co-location of these facilities allows enhanced education and recreational benefits to citizens on the same visit.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  (Pro):  Representative Kohl, prime sponsor; Tim Hatley, staff, King County Council; and Laura Eckert, IAC.