HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5440

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 House Committee On:

State Government & Tribal Affairs

Title: An act relating to naming state ferries.

Brief Description: Concerning the naming or renaming of state ferries.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Sheldon, Kauffman, Kline, Roach and McDermott).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

State Government & Tribal Affairs: 3/17/09, 3/20/09 [DPA].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

(As Amended by House)

  • Clarifies that ferry vessels are transportation facilities that may be named or renamed by the Washington State Transportation Commission.

  • Adds letters and resolutions from governments of federally recognized Indian tribes to the evidence of community support that may be used by those seeking to name or rename state transportation facilities.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & TRIBAL AFFAIRS

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Armstrong, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Flannigan, Hurst and Miloscia.

Staff: Pam Madson (786-7111)

Background:

The Washington State Transportation Commission (Commission) may name or rename state transportation facilities and must consult with the Washington State Department of Transportation before taking final action.  Examples of transportation facilities are state highways and bridges, structures, facilities, state rest areas, and roadside facilities such as viewpoints.

Any governmental or private entity may initiate the process to name or rename a state transportation facility. The party proposing a name or change of name must provide supporting evidence indicating community support.  Such evidence may include letters from state legislators, members of Congress, and resolutions from locally elected bodies in the impacted area. 

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Summary of Amended Bill:

State ferries are specifically added to those transportation facilities that the Commission may name or rename.

A party proposing a name or name change for transportation facilities may use evidence of community support that includes letters and resolutions from governments of federally recognized Indian Tribes. 

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:

Removes the direction to the Commission to consider selling the naming rights when naming or renaming state ferry vessels and make recommendations to the Legislature.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The Washington State Transportation Commission (Commission) supports the bill. The topic came up last year when the state was considering building new ferries. It was unclear who had ability to name ferry vessels. This bill makes it clear that the Commission has that ability. The Commission has established a process to name transportation facilities.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Paul Parker, Washington State Transportation Commission.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.