SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5780
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 of February 10, 2015
Title: An act relating to adding new counties to a regional transit authority.
Brief Description: Authorizing the addition of new counties to a regional transit authority.
Sponsors: Senators Fraser, Becker, King and Hobbs.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/10/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Hayley Gamble (786-7452)
Background: A Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is authorized to use its tax revenues to develop and operate a high capacity transit system. There is currently one RTA, Sound Transit, which operates light rail, commuter rail service, and express bus service in the central Puget Sound. Sound Transit's boundaries generally follow the urban growth boundaries of King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.
Summary of Bill: An RTA, after consultation with affected local jurisdictions, may call for an election to annex all or a portion of contiguous counties into the RTA. This applies only to counties west of the crest of the Cascade mountains. Only those areas that would benefit from services provided by an RTA may be annexed. Elections may include a single ballot proposition proposing annexation and imposition of all current taxes applied to the RTA in the newly annexed area.
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 is a local option bill, it would give people the option to vote to decide to join Sound Transit, especially those in northern Thurston County. People don't like driving on I-5 and the area is very congested. We need more options for travelers.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Fraser, prime sponsor.