SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5362

 

As Passed Senate, June 14, 2001

 

Title:  An act relating to a vote on the dissolution of regional transit authorities.

 

Brief Description:  Requiring a vote on the continuation of regional transit authorities.

 

Sponsors:  Senators Rossi, Horn, Johnson, Finkbeiner, Long, T. Sheldon, Stevens and Oke.

 

Brief History: 

Committee Activity:  Transportation 

Second Special Session:  Passed Senate:  6/14/01, 25-23.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

 

Staff:  Jennifer Ziegler (786-7316)   

 

Background:  The King, Pierce and Snohomish County Councils voted in 1993 to establish the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (RTA).  The RTA is vested with high capacity transportation system development in the three county area, including the imposition of voter-approved taxes for development and operation of such transportation systems.

 

In 1996, voters in the urban areas of King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties approved a plan and  authorized funding to provide high capacity transportation services for the Central Puget Sound Region.

 

Summary of Bill:  Regional transit authorities must place a proposition on the November 2001 general election ballot requiring voters to decide whether to dissolve the regional transit authority or allow for its continued operation.  If voters approve dissolution of the authority:  one-third of all taxes collected for the authority will be distributed to cities and counties for public road improvements within the boundary of the authority; one-third of all taxes collected for the authority must be distributed to cities, counties, metropolitan municipal corporations, and public transportation benefit areas for transit; and, one-third must be distributed to the state for use only on state road improvements within the boundary of the authority.

 

Appropriation:  None.

 

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

 

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