SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6771
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 12, 2008
Title: An act relating to eliminating regional transportation investment districts.
Brief Description: Eliminating regional transportation investment districts.
Sponsors: Senators Haugen, Murray and Pflug.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/5/08, 2/12/08 [DPS, DNP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6771 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Murray, Vice Chair; Berkey, Delvin, Eide, Jacobsen, Kilmer, Sheldon and Spanel.
Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by Senators Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Holmquist, Kastama, King and Pflug.
Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)
Background: Regional Transportation Investment Districts (RTIDs) were authorized during the 2002 legislative session for the purposes of planning, selecting, funding and implementing certain transportation projects within the central Puget Sound region. Various revenue options were provided for the funding of such projects. Pursuant to legislation enacted during the 2006 legislative session, the three-county RTID planning committee established in King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties submitted a regional transportation funding proposal, along with Sound Transit, to regional voters at the 2007 general election. That measure was not approved by the voters.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): An RTID proposal may not be submitted to voters prior to November 1, 2009.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): The original bill was replaced with a temporary moratorium on submitting RTID proposals to regional voters.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Recommended Substitute: OTHER: The state has stepped up in recent years by providing transportation infrastructure funding in the region. Repealing the existing RTID law might be a step backward by removing revenue tools to support regional projects. The transportation benefit district law, while very helpful, may not quite provide enough local transportation funding to meet local needs.
Persons Testifying: OTHER: Ashley Probart, Association of Washington Cities.