S-0774.2 _______________________________________________
SENATE BILL 5482
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State of Washington 55th Legislature 1997 Regular Session
By Senators Oke, Hargrove, Swecker, Snyder and Haugen
Read first time 01/28/97. Referred to Committee on Natural Resources & Parks.
AN ACT Relating to the water-dependent rental formula for leasing state aquatic lands; creating new sections; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The water-dependent rental formula for leasing state aquatic lands was codified in 1984. It is based in part on the assessed value of uplands used in conjunction with the leased aquatic lands. Due to major increases in assessed upland values over the past several years, aquatic lands lease rents have increased significantly above the general increases in the cost-of-living. This development has created undue hardships on lessees and their ability to operate their businesses and does not promote water-dependent uses, navigation, or commerce. The legislature needs to review the water-dependent rent formula and other aquatic lands management statutes and determine, where appropriate, how they should be changed.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The house of representatives and senate select committee on aquatic lands leasing is established to review the water-dependent rental formula for leasing state aquatic lands and any other appropriate matters related to the management and leasing of state aquatic lands. The committee must be comprised of three members from the house of representatives natural resources committee and three members from the senate natural resources and parks committee. The committee shall seek input from interested parties to include aquatic lands lessees, the department of natural resources, port districts, other governmental entities, and the public at large. The committee shall report back to the legislature with its findings by January 1, 1998.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. From January 1, 1997, to June 1, 1998, or when the water-dependent lease rate formula in RCW 79.90.480 and 79.90.485 is amended in statute, whichever occurs first, the maximum rent that may be charged for a lease of state aquatic lands calculated under RCW 79.90.480 and 79.90.485 is the rent in effect for the lease on January 1, 1997, plus the increase or decrease in the rent for the applicable period applying the inflation rate as defined in RCW 79.90.465(9).
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.
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