HOUSE BILL REPORT
SHB 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 Passed Legislature

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: By House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Clibborn, Jarrett, Kenney and Moeller).

Brief History:

Transportation: 3/20/07 [DPS].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/26/07, 82-15.
Senate Amended.
Passed Senate: 3/31/07, 44-3.
House Concurred.
Passed House: 4/16/07, 82-10.
Passed Legislature.

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Increases bond authorizations by $1.1 billion for state and local highway improvements.


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 Transportation Improvement Board administers grants for transportation projects 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 and the Transportation Improvement Board are authorized to request bond authorizations under the supervision of the State Finance Committee.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.

Persons Testifying: None.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.