HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1380
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 Legislature
Title: An act relating to county authority to lease with an option to purchase.
Brief Description: Changing the county population requirement in order for a county to lease space with an option to purchase.
Sponsors: Representatives Liias, Sells, O'Brien, Dunshee, Kirby and Kagi.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Local Government & Housing: 2/4/09, 2/9/09 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/23/09, 92-0.
Passed Senate: 4/7/09, 47-0.
Passed Legislature.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT & HOUSING |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Simpson, Chair; Nelson, Vice Chair; Angel, Ranking Minority Member; Cox, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Miloscia, Short, Springer, Upthegrove and White.
Staff: Sara del Moral (786-7291) and Thamas Osborn (786-7129)
Background:
Any county may be exempt from county leasing options specified under state law if it holds public hearings establishing procedures for property management consistent with the public interest.
State law grants counties with a population of 1 million or more authority to lease space. Such counties may provide for leasing through:
leases with an option to purchase; and
the acquisition of buildings erected upon leased land owned by the county.
Summary of Bill:
Provisions granting a county authority to lease space are amended. The minimum population of such counties is decreased from 1 million to 600,000.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) In these hard economic times, counties need tools to provide services. Snohomish County is considering constructing a justice center, and needs financing options. Cities already have this authority. This tool would help counties around the state.
This is an easy legislative fix with no cost to the state. Snohomish and Pierce Counties have made responsible business decisions in the past, demonstrating their ability to use this tool wisely.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Liias, prime sponsor; Briahna Taylor, Snohomish County; and Brynn Brady, Pierce County.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.