HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5259
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:
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Title: An act relating to disposal of unneeded park land.
Brief Description: Modifying provisions governing the sale of unneeded park land.
Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen and Morton; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission.
Brief History:
Agriculture & Natural Resources: 3/19/07, 3/22/07 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 14 members: Representatives B. Sullivan, Chair; Blake, Vice Chair; Kretz, Ranking Minority Member; Warnick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dickerson, Eickmeyer, Grant, Hailey, Kagi, Lantz, McCoy, Newhouse, Orcutt and Strow.
Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).
Background:
The State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) is authorised to dispose of any
lands found by the Commission to not serve the purposes of the agency. Most lands, after
being designated by the unanimous consent of the Commission for disposal, must be sold to
the highest bidder, through a sealed bidding process, or exchanged for lands of equal value.
Final conveyance of sold or exchanged lands must be executed by the Governor.
All land sales must be advertised in a local newspaper at least 20 days before the sealed bids
are required to be delivered. If the sealed bids are not acceptable to the Commission, it may
reject the bids and solicit a new round using the same process.
The proceeds from land sales must be deposited into the Park Land Acquisition Account.
Summary of Bill:
The process by which the Commission may conduct sales of unneeded park land is changed
so that the Commission is not limited to only accepting sealed bids. Instead, the Commission
may accept sealed bids, electronic bids, or oral bids at an auction. All bid solicitation,
regardless of the bid format, must still be advertised in a local paper.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill will help the Commission join the twenty-first century and be more
efficient in how it manages land. The existing outreach and notice will be maintained, but
the Commission will have more flexibility as to how it implements the intent of the affected
statue.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Fred Romero, State Parks and Recreation Commission.