SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 2431

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

           Government Operations, February 27, 1998

Title:  An act relating to the Southwest Washington Fair.

Brief Description:  Refining provisions concerning the Southwest Washington Fair.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives DeBolt, Alexander, Mielke, Johnson and Pennington).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/26/98, 2/27/98 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chair; Hale, Vice Chair; Anderson, Haugen, Horn, Patterson and T. Sheldon.

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

Background: The Southwest Washington Fair (Fair) is categorized as a county and district fair but considered an agricultural fair for funding allocation purposes.  The commission which had managed the Fair was abolished by statute in 1973.  Administration and control of all commission obligations were transferred to the Lewis County Board of Commissioners (board), and title to all Fair property was vested in the board.

The board is authorized to appoint a citizens' commission to advise and assist in carrying out the Fair.  The board chair is required to serve as the chair of the advisory committee.  The board is also authorized to acquire and improve real property for Fair purposes.  Any surplus property may be sold or exchanged according to specified procedures.  Local governments may by ordinance or resolution create public corporations, commissions and authorities to perform specified functions and may transfer funds, property or services to such entities.

Summary of Bill:  As an alternative to appointing an advisory committee, the board may appoint a designee to fulfill all of the board's obligations with respect to the Fair.  The chair of the board may but is not required to serve as the chair of any advisory committee that is appointed.  Fair property is under the jurisdiction of Lewis County and under the management and control of the board or its designee. Any exchange of surplus Fair property must be conducted according to Lewis County property management regulations.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This would allow more flexibility.  We are considering the use of a public development authority.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Heather Hansen, Washington State Fairs Association (pro).