HB 2228-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Provides that employers and property managers in this state who are taxable under chapter 82.04 or 82.16 RCW and provide financial incentives to their own or other employees for ride sharing, for using public transportation, for using car sharing, or for using nonmotorized commuting before June 30, 2013, are allowed a credit against taxes payable under chapters 82.04 and 82.16 RCW for amounts paid to or on behalf of employees for ride sharing in vehicles carrying two or more persons, for using public transportation, for using car sharing, or for using nonmotorized commuting, not to exceed sixty dollars per employee per year.

Requires the director to on the 25th of February, May, August, and November of each year advise the state treasurer of the amount of credit taken under this act during the preceding calendar quarter ending on the last day of December, March, June, and September, respectively.

Provides that, on the last day of March, June, September, and December of each year, the state treasurer based upon information provided by the department shall deposit to the general fund a sum equal to the dollar amount of the credit provided under this act from the multimodal transportation account.

Directs the commute trip reduction task force to determine the effectiveness of the tax credit under this act as part of its ongoing evaluation of the commute trip reduction law and report to the legislative transportation committee and to the fiscal committees of the house of representatives and the senate. The report must include information on the amount of tax credits claimed to date and recommendations on future funding for the tax credit program. The report must be incorporated into the recommendations required in RCW 70.94.537(5).

Provides that, to the extent that funds are appropriated, the department of transportation shall administer a performance-based grant program for private employers, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, developers, and property managers who provide financial incentives for ride sharing in vehicles carrying two or more persons, for using public transportation, for using car sharing, or for using nonmotorized commuting, including telework, before July 1, 2013, to their own or other employees.

Declares that the amount of the grant will be determined based on the value to the transportation system of the vehicle trips reduced.

Declares that no private employer, public agency, nonprofit organization, developer, or property manager is eligible for grants under this act in excess of one hundred thousand dollars in any fiscal year.

Provides that the total of grants provided under this act may not exceed seven hundred fifty thousand dollars in any fiscal year.

Expires January 1, 2014.

Declares that 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 on July 1, 2003, but only if Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2231 becomes law by July 1, 2003. If Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2231 does not become law by July 1, 2003, this act is null and void.

Repeals RCW 82.04.4453, 82.04.4454, 82.16.048, and 82.16.049.