FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2547

C 15 L 14

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Providing for the creation of a less than countywide port district within a county containing no port districts.

Sponsors: Representatives Ormsby, Manweller, Riccelli, Warnick and Parker.

House Committee on Local Government

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Background:

Port districts may encompass an entire county, or may be less than countywide. Port districts are authorized for acquisition, construction, maintenance, operation, development, and regulation of harbor, rail, air, or motor vehicle transfer and terminal facilities, as well as for industrial and commercial development. The creation of less than countywide port districts was authorized by the Legislature in 1992. A less than countywide port district must have an assessed value of at least $150 million and be in a county that already has a port district.

To create a less than countywide port district, a petition must be filed with the county auditor. The petition must describe the boundaries of the proposed port district, designate whether there will be three or five commissioners, propose districts if the commissioners will be elected by district, and provide a name for the proposed port district. The petition must be signed by voters residing within the proposed port district equal to at least 10 percent of the voters who voted at the last county general election.

A public hearing on the proposed port district must be held by the county legislative authority. After the hearing, the county legislative authority may make changes to proposed boundaries as long as the changes are determined to be in the public interest. If the county determines that the creation of the district is in the public's interest, the county legislative authority must submit a ballot proposition authorizing the formation of the port district to the voters of the proposed port district. The port district is created if a majority of voters voting on the measure approve the creation proposal. Initial port commissioners are elected at the same election.

Summary:

Prior to December 31, 2020, a less than countywide port district with an assessed value of $150 million or more may be created in a county without a port district. The initial port commissioners may be elected at the general election after voter approval of the ballot proposition authorizing the creation of the port district.

Votes on Final Passage: