SENATE 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 Passed Senate, March 9, 2007
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:
Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 1/24/07, 2/1/07 [DP].
Passed Senate: 3/09/07, 46-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Rockefeller, Vice Chair; Morton, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Hargrove, Spanel, Stevens and Swecker.
Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)
Background: The State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) is authorized to
dispose of land under its control whenever the Commission finds that such land cannot
advantageously be used for park purposes.
Specific procedures are mandated where the Commission seeks to dispose of property by deed
to a local government or other entity, to dispose of school or granted lands, or to dispose of lands
acquired under restrictive conveyances limiting their use to park purposes. All other lands may
be either sold to the highest bidder or exchanged for other lands of equal value.
The Commission is only authorized to sell land through a sealed bid process. Such bids must be
solicited at least 20 days in advance of the sale. Solicitation must occur by advertisement, at least
once a week for two consecutive weeks, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in
which the land to be sold is located.
Summary of Bill: The bill authorizes the State Parks and Recreation Commission to sell property using sealed bids, electronic bids, and oral bids at auction.
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 bill would provide the State Parks and Recreation Commission with increased flexibility when disposing of properties no longer needed as park land. Sealed bids method would remain the most commonly used method of sale, but electronic bids and oral auctions could increase sale prices and allow residents in the vicinity of the disposed property more access to the sales process.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Fred Romero and Steve Hahn, State Parks and Recreation Commission.