HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 3036
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 Reported by House Committee On:
Local Government
Title: An act relating to the Washington state quality award.
Brief Description: Requiring port districts to apply to the Washington state quality award.
Sponsors: Representatives Miloscia, Hudgins, Upthegrove and VanDeWege.
Brief History:
Local Government: 2/1/08, 2/4/08 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Simpson, Chair; Takko, Vice Chair; Warnick, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Eddy, Nelson and Schmick.
Staff: Lyset Cadena (786-7291) and Ethan Moreno (786-7386).
Background:
Port Districts
The Legislature passed the Port District Act in 1911 authorizing the creation of public port
districts. This act allowed citizens to end private monopoly control over urban harbors and to
create port districts with elected commissioners to govern them.
Port districts are authorized to acquire, build, maintain, operate, develop, and regulate the
commercial transportation, transfer, storage, handling, and terminal facilities and industrial
improvements within the district.
Washington State Quality Award
The Washington State Quality Award Council was created by statute in 2004 to oversee the
Governor's Washington State Quality Award program. The Washington State Quality Award
Council establishes guidelines to examine applicant organizations, approves appointments to
the board of examiners, approves and announces award recipients, and arranges annual
awards and recognition for recipients.
The Washington State Quality Award program's purpose is to improve overall
competitiveness of the state's economy. This is accomplished by setting standards of
organization excellence, encouraging organization self-assessment, identifying successful
organizations as role models, and providing a mechanism for promoting and strengthening a
commitment to quality improvement in all sectors of the state's economy.
Summary of Bill:
Port districts located in a county of one million or more residents are required to apply for the
Washington State Quality Award starting no later than 2009 and continuing once every three
years. The stated purpose of applying for the award is to assess the port district's
management, accountability, and performance system. The application, assessments, and
action plan must be posted on the port district's web site.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Many citizens were surprised with the results from the audit of the Port of
Seattle. The audit displayed many systematic problems in how business has been conducted
at the port. In response to the audit, citizens have advocated for change and want to strive
towards turning the Port of Seattle into the best port district. The Washington State Quality
Award will assist the port in measuring and addressing any systematic problems. The
process of applying for the award requires an independent assessment of all business
conducted at the port. An independent assessment will provide management with the
essential tools to improve the port. The Port of Seattle is committed to the improvement and
is in support of applying for the Washington State Quality Award.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Miloscia, prime sponsor; and Lloyd Hara, Port of Seattle.