SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6279

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 the clarification of regional transit authority facilities as essential public facilities.

Brief Description: Clarifying regional transit authority facilities as essential public facilities.

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Becker, Berkey, Delvin, Hatfield, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer and Sheldon.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.

Signed by Senator King.

Background: Under current law, the comprehensive plans of local governments planning under the Growth Management Act (GMA) must include a process for identifying and siting essential public facilities. Essential public facilities are defined as facilities that are typically difficult to site, such as airports, education facilities, highways of statewide significance, correctional facilities, and solid waste facilities.

Local governments planning under the GMA may not preclude the siting of essential public facilities.

Summary of Bill: Regional transit authority facilities are specifically identified as essential public facilities.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Current law considers Regional Transit Authority facilities essential public facilities, but one has to come to that conclusion through various statutes and Growth Management Hearings Board decisions. This bill would make it very clear in statute that RTA facilities are specifically called out as essential public facilities.