Title: An act relating to requiring state agencies to notify local governments of proposed land dispositions.

Brief Description: Requiring state agencies to notify local governments of proposed land dispositions.

Sponsors: Representatives Schindler, Simpson, Crouse, McCune, Dunn, Moeller and Ormsby.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/06/07, 94-0.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/20/07 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Kline, Pridemore and Swecker.

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: State agencies dispose of state-owned land when the agency no longer has use for the land or when disposition is in the public interest. Absent a specific requirement, these agencies are not obligated to notify relevant local governments of proposed land dispositions.

Summary of Bill: The Department of Natural Resources, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington State Department of Transportation, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Department of General Administration are required to provide written notice of proposed land dispositions to the legislative authorities of the counties, cities, and towns in which the land is located. Written notification must occur at least 60 days prior to the agency entering into a disposition agreement.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a simple bill that will allow cities and counties to plan better by being notified of land dispositions.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Schindler, prime sponsor.