BILL REQ. #:  S-1243.2 

READ FIRST TIME 02/02/09.   

     AN ACT Relating to resident curators of state properties; adding a new section to chapter 43.19 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that other states have successfully implemented resident curator programs that preserve, maintain, and restore historic and other significant state-owned properties by allowing private parties to occupy or use the properties for residential purposes, at no cost or reduced rent, in exchange for the tenant's maintenance, rehabilitation, or restoration of the property.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 43.19 RCW to read as follows:
     A state agency with statutory authority to lease state-owned residential properties to private parties may negotiate a lease at a rate that is less than fair market value in consideration of the lessee's occupancy of the property for noncommercial residential purposes and agreement to restore, maintain, rehabilitate, or otherwise improve the leased property. Such an agreement must be in writing and must clearly specify the terms of the agreement and the improvements to be made to the property. No improvements to the property may be made without the approval of the leasing agency. If the property is listed, or is eligible to be listed, on the national register of historic places, the Washington heritage register, or a local historic register, the agency must consult with the department of archaeology and historic preservation and all work performed on the property must comply with the federal department of interior standards for rehabilitation of historic properties.