FINAL BILL REPORT

                  ESB 6858

                          C 206 L 00

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Providing for overall management contracts for zoos and/or aquariums.

Sponsors:  Senators Kohl‑Welles, Heavey, Horn, Goings, Rasmussen, Eide and Winsley.

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:  Over the past few years, the city of Seattle has explored various options concerning the funding, operation, and management of its zoo and aquarium.

Summary:  A city with a population over 150,000 that is not in a metropolitan park district (Seattle, Spokane) may contract with one or more nonprofit corporations or other public organizations for the overall management and operation of a zoo and/or aquarium.  No such contract may have a term exceeding 20 years.  Requirements are specified regarding public notice, public hearing, and public availability of terms and conditions of the proposed contract.  As part of the contract for the overall management and operation of the zoo and/or aquarium, the legislative authority of the city must provide for oversight of the managing and operating entity to ensure public accountability.

Notwithstanding any provisions in the charter of the city:  (1) a nonprofit corporation or public organization may manage, supervise, and control those employees of the city employed in connection with a zoo or aquarium; and (2) the civil service system of the city must provide for the nonprofit corporation or public organization to manage, supervise, control, hire, fire, or otherwise discipline those employees.

Any terms, conditions, or practices contained in a collective bargaining agreement in effect on the effective date of this act are not affected.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 431

House971

Effective:June 8, 2000