HB 1493

SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1493

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 Senate Committee On:
Transportation, February 21, 2008

Title: An act relating to clarifying the definition of development activity with regard to regional transit authorities.

Brief Description: Clarifying the definition of development activity in respect to construction by a regional transit authority.

Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Simpson, Jarrett, B. Sullivan, Rodne, McCoy, Sells and Kenney.

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Berkey, Delvin, Eide, Holmquist, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, King, Pflug, Sheldon and Spanel.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senator Benton.

Background: Under current law, counties, cities, and towns that are required, or choose to plan, under the Growth Management Act may impose impact fees on development activity as part of the financing for public facilities needed to serve new growth and development. The impact fees: (1) may only be imposed for system improvements that are reasonably related to the new development; (2) may not exceed a proportionate share of the costs of system improvements that are reasonably related to the new development; and (3) must be used for system improvements that will reasonably benefit the new development.

Summary of Bill: Buildings or structures constructed by a regional transit authority (e.g., Sound Transit) are specifically exempt from the type of development activity subject to the imposition of local government impact fees.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill simply clarifies existing law. Although Sound Transit often is confronted by local governments with the possibility of the imposition of impact fees on Sound Transit's development activity, the fees have never been imposed.