SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 2338

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

   Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation, February 17, 2000

Title:  An act relating to disposal of real property.

Brief Description:  Allowing the parks and recreation commission to dispose of certain real property without an auction.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Alexander, Regala, Haigh, Ruderman and Parlette; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  2/16/2000, 2/17/2000 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

  Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; T. Sheldon, Vice Chair; Morton, Oke, Rossi, Snyder, Spanel and Stevens.

Staff:  David Johnson (786-7754)

Background:  There are two available methods to resolve trespass, boundary, and other property ownership disputes related to state park land.  The disputed land may be traded for land of equal value or sold at public auction.  The difficulty and uncertainty attendant with these methods has resulted in a number of unresolved property disputes.

Summary of Amended Bill:  In order to resolve ownership and boundary disputes with adjacent private property owners, the Parks and Recreation Commission is authorized to sell up to ten contiguous acres of land without a public auction.  Such sale may only occur after an appraisal, for at least fair market value, and when such a sale is in the best interest of the state.  The commission must unanimously approve a sale.  These sales must be advertised for public comment and carried out as other land transactions are.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The striking amendment added provisions relating to public notification and comment.  It added detailed requirements for carrying out the transaction.  The amendment also added language related to resolving disputes of appraisals and fair market value.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  This will allow parks to deal with the property disputes in a more expedient and neighborly manner.  Parks should continue to advertise and solicit public input about these land transactions.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Diann Kramer, WA Newspaper Publishing Assn., Allied Daily Newspapers; Jim King, Coalition for Parks and Recreation.