SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5127

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

            Government Operations, January 31, 1995

Title:  An act relating to public facilities districts.

Brief Description:  Changing provisions regarding public facilities districts.

Sponsors:  Senators West, Haugen, Morton, Prince, Moyer and McCaslin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  1/25/95, 1/31/95 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5127 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

  Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Drew, Hale, Heavey, McCaslin and Winsley.

Staff:  Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background:  Public facilities districts are corporate municipal bodies, established by statute as independent taxing authorities.  They may be created in any county with a population of 300,000 or more, and must be located more than 100 miles from any county in which the state has constructed and owns a convention center.  They are authorized to acquire, build, own and operate sports and entertainment facilities.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The public facilities districts are given powers and administrative mechanisms similar to those of other special districts.  The board is given authority to promulgate rules for the day-to-day operation of the district, within the guidelines of the statute.  The district is not given condemnation powers.  The district is given the authority to issue revenue bonds and to pay compensation not to exceed $3,000 per year, at the rate of $50 per day for attendance at meetings or conferences.  This compensation does not need to be authorized by board resolution.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The payment of compensation was to be authorized by board resolution in the original bill.  The substitute removes this requirement.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  The bill completes the intent of the original statute which authorizes the creation of public facilities districts.  The districts are given necessary operating authority.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  J.D. Ray, Spokane PFD.