SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5747

BYSenators Williams, Kreidler and Bluechel

Providing for a nonprofit historic preservation corporation.

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 17, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Kreidler, Chairman; Rinehart, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Hansen.

Senate Staff:Gary Wilburn (786-7453)

                  April 17, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 12, 1987

BACKGROUND:

RCW 64.04.130 authorizes the conveyance of less than fee interests in real property to governmental units and nonprofit natural conservancy corporations for the purpose of conservation of any land or improvements upon the land.  Such interests constitute real property, and are to be conveyed in the form required by law for the conveyance of other interests in real property.

SUMMARY:

Nonprofit historic preservation corporations and federal agencies are included within RCW 64.04.130 as qualified to receive conservation easements under that statute.  Nonprofit historic preservation corporations are defined as an organization qualifying as tax exempt under federal law and having as one of its principal purposes the conducting of historic preservation activities within the state, including conservation or preservation of historic sites, districts, buildings and artifacts.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Caroline Gallacci, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation; Jaker Thomas, DCD; Ralph Munro, Secretary of State

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

Nonprofit historic preservation corporations may acquire interests in real property for the conservation of open space, agricultural and timber land.  Such lands may be assessed based upon current use for tax purposes under the "conservation futures" program.  Grantor and grantee must agree in writing in order to exceed criteria for historic conformance provided in original easement agreement.