HB 2745

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Local Government Committee

HB 2745

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.

Brief Description: Creating equality among port districts participating in the Washington public ports association.

Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Schual-Berke, Hasegawa, Chase, Nelson and Upthegrove.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires the Washington Public Ports Association (Association) to operate in such a fashion that all participating port districts are given an equal voice in its governance and decision-making processes, including the requirement that each port district have equal voting power with respect to all decisions and resolutions of the Association.

Requires that any dues or assessments imposed by the Association must be for an equal dollar amount from each participating member.

Hearing Date: 2/1/08

Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).

Background:

General Powers and Authorities of Port Districts
Port districts (districts) are authorized for the purpose of acquisition, construction, maintenance, operation, development and regulation within the district of harbor improvements, rail or motor vehicle transfer and terminal facilities, water and air transfer and terminal facilities, or any combination of these facilities. A district may also, through its commission, spend money and conduct promotions of resources and facilities within the district or general area through advertising, publicizing, or marketing.

Among the general powers granted to districts are the following:

to acquire land, property, leases, and easements;
to condemn property and exercise the power of eminent domain;
to develop lands for industrial and commercial purposes;
to impose taxes, rates, and charges;
to sell or otherwise convey rights to property; and
to construct and maintain specified types of park and recreation facilities.

Powers and Authority of the Washington Public Ports Association
Port district commissions are authorized to designate the Washington Public Ports Association (Association) as the agency through which the commissions effect the coordination of administrative programs and operations of each port district in the state. The purposes of the Association include:

initiating and conducting studies, investigations, and surveys on behalf of port districts as necessary to promote the business and commercial interests of all ports;
establishing coordinating and joint marketing bodies comprised of association members;
to act as a clearinghouse for the exchange of information among port districts;
generally promoting and encouraging port district development; and
generally acting on behalf of all port districts with respect to legislative matters and public relations.

Funding of the Washington Public Ports Association
The Association is authorized to impose dues and/or assessments upon its member in order to fund its operations and activities. The dollar amount of such dues and/or assessments are not specified, but are subject to a maximum limitation calculated with reference to the assessed value of the taxable property within the participating port district.

Summary of Bill:

The Association is required to operate in such a fashion that all participating port districts are given an equal voice in its governance and decision-making processes. This includes the requirement that each port district have equal voting power with respect to all decisions and resolutions of the Association.

Any dues or assessments imposed by the Association must be for an equal dollar amount from each participating member. The statutory provisions limiting the amount a member may be charged are deleted.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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