SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5316

                As Passed Senate, March 5, 1997

Title:  An act relating to parking fees of the state convention and trade center.

Brief Description:  Using credit and debit cards when parking at the state convention and trade center.

Sponsors:  Senators West, Strannigan, Winsley, Wood, Hale, Horn, Kohl, Prince, Oke, Patterson, Roach, Deccio, Schow, Hochstatter, Bauer, Sheldon and Heavey.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Ways & Means:  2/6/97, 2/11/97 [DP, DNP].

Passed Senate, 3/5/97, 41-3.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators West, Chair; Deccio, Vice Chair; Strannigan, Vice Chair; Bauer, Fraser, Kohl, Long, Roach, Rossi, Schow, Sheldon, Snyder, Spanel, Swecker, Winsley and Zarelli.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

  Signed by Senators Loveland and Thibaudeau.

Staff:  Maura Sullivan (786-7431)

Background:  The Washington State Convention and Trade Center (WSCTC), a state agency, hosts national, international and regional conventions and trade shows.  The center receives revenues from operations, parking and the hotel/motel tax.  The Convention Center Parking Garage generates about $850,000 net income annually.  The Freeway Park Garage, recently leased from the City of Seattle, should produce about $320,000 in net annual revenues.  Currently, the WSCTC does not accept credit cards as payment for parking. 

Summary of Bill:  The WSCTC must accept credit and debit cards for parking charges.  As a result, the WSCTC expects to pay about $10,000 for equipment purchases and $3,500 per year in credit card charges.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  Taking credit cards could generate increased revenues due to better customer service and convenience factors. 

Testimony Against:  It may take extra time to process credit card payments.  This could be problematic when many parkers are trying to leave at once, for example, after large events.    

Testified: PRO: Senator Jim West, prime sponsor; CON: John Christison, Washington State Convention and Trade Center.