BILL REQ. #:  H-3792.1 

Read first time 01/16/08.   Referred to Committee on Local Government.

     AN ACT Relating to creating greater transparency in the decision-making processes of port districts; and amending RCW 53.12.245.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 53.12.245 and 1955 c 348 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The port commission shall organize by the election of its own members of a president and secretary((, shall by resolution adopt rules governing the transaction of its business)) and shall adopt an official seal. All proceedings of the port commission shall be by motion or resolution recorded in a book or books kept for such purpose((, which)) and shall also be recorded electronically, and all such recordings shall be public records.
     (2) In addition to the requirements set forth in the open public meetings act, chapter 42.30 RCW, port commission proceedings must meet the following notice requirements:
     (a) The public must be provided with ample advance notice of the date, time, place, and subject matter of regular meetings, work sessions, and special public meetings. Such notice must be reasonably calculated to provide meaningful notice to the public of any port commission proceeding;
     (b) Notice of special public meetings must be delivered to each local newspaper of general circulation, to each local radio station, and to each local television station; and
     (c) A port district must maintain an internet web site that conspicuously posts the meeting notice information required under this section.
     (3) The port commission shall by resolution adopt rules governing the transaction of its business consistent with the requirements of this section and chapter 42.30 RCW.