HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2394
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Transportation
Title: An act relating to requesting the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds for transportation improvements.
Brief Description: Requesting the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds for transportation improvements.
Sponsors: Representatives Clibborn, Jarrett, Kenney and Moeller.
Brief History:
Transportation: 3/20/07 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 19 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Jarrett, Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Campbell, Curtis, Dickerson, Eddy, Hankins, Hudgins, Lovick, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Springer, B. Sullivan, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace and Wood.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 5 members: Representatives Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Ericksen, Hailey and Kristiansen.
Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7157).
Background:
The Legislature has established bond authorizations for highway improvements to fund
transportation projects that have a long-term expected life span. The bonds must be
authorized by the Legislature and the proceeds from the sale of the bonds must be
appropriated for transportation projects. In addition to bond authorizations for state
highways, the Legislature provided bond authority for arterials within urban areas.
The Washington State Transportation Commission (Transportation Commission) is
authorized to request bond authorizations under the supervision of the State Finance
Committee. In 2005, legislation was enacted authorizing the Governor to appoint the
Secretary of Transportation. Previously, the Secretary was appointed by the Transportation
Commission.
Summary of Substitute Bill:
The bond authorization for Special Category C improvements is increased from $330 million
to $600 million. The bond authorization for Transportation 2003 projects is increased from
$2.6 billion to $3.2 billion, and the bond authorization for Transportation 2005 projects is
increased from $5.1 billion to $5.3 billion. The bond authorization for urban arterials is
increased by $50 million.
The Secretary of the Department of Transportation is authorized to request bond
authorizations under the supervision of the State Finance Committee.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The substitute bill adds that funds required to repay urban arterial bonds shall be taken from
the portion of the Motor Vehicle Fund distributed to the Urban Arterial Trust Account.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.
Persons Testifying: None.