SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1139

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.

Title: An act relating to increasing the membership of public transportation benefit area authorities.

Brief Description: Increasing the authority membership of single county public transportation benefit areas.

Sponsors: Representative Liias.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/23/09, 96-1.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/25/09.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Wendy Malkin (786-7434)

Background: A public transportation benefit area (PTBA) is a federated special purpose district authorized to provide public transit services and facilities. A PTBA is a federation of two or more counties or cities that is created as a regional government. There are 28 public transit operating systems in Washington, and 20 of these systems are PTBAs. Eighteen of the 20 PTBAs are in a single county.

A PTBA is created through a public transportation improvement conference. The conference is attended by elected representatives from the legislative bodies of each city and county within the boundaries of the PTBA. Within 60 days of creation of the PTBA, the county legislative authority and one elected representative of each city included in the PTBA provide for the selection of the PTBA authority members. The PTBA authority is the PTBA's governing body. The authority cannot have more than nine members if the PTBA is in one county, and not more than fifteen if it consists of multiple counties. Each member must be an elected official of a city or county within the PTBA. However, citizen positions may be provided to the authority if the PTBA assumed public transportation functions that were previously exercised under an interlocal agreement with a governing body that consisted of citizen positions. A city within the PTBA that is excluded from direct membership on the authority is permitted to designate a member of the PTBA to represent its interests. The composition of the PTBA authority must be reviewed every four years, and it must be reviewed upon certain annexations.

Summary of Bill: The number of members in the governing body of a single-county PTBA is increased from not more than nine members to not more than eleven members.

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: PRO: This bill allows a PTBA to increase the number of members of its governing body if it chooses to do so. Community Transit, in Snohomish County, was founded in 1976. At that time there were roughly nine jurisdictions in the county that wanted to be involved, so nine board members made sense. Snohomish County has grown substantially. Currently, there are close to 20 jurisdictions that would like to be involved with the PTBA. Community Transit would like the opportunity to expand its members to include more jurisdictions.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Liias, prime sponsor.