HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2575

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:

State Government & Tribal Affairs

Title: An act relating to the expansion of the membership of the capital projects advisory review board.

Brief Description: Expanding the membership of the capital projects advisory review board.

Sponsors: Representative Upthegrove.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

State Government & Tribal Affairs: 1/19/10, 1/21/10 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Expands the membership on the Capital Projects Advisory Review Board.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & TRIBAL AFFAIRS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 5 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Flannigan, Hurst and Miloscia.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Armstrong, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander and Taylor.

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

The Capital Projects Advisory Review Board (CPARB) was established in 2005 to evaluate public capital projects construction processes and to advise the Legislature on policies related to alternative public works delivery methods. Twenty-three members serve on the committee.The following Board members are appointed by the Governor:

All appointed members must be actively engaged in or authorized to use alternative public works contracting procedures. Remaining members are selected as follows:

Legislative members are non-voting.

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Summary of Bill:

Membership on the CPARB is expanded to 24 members. The additional member represents local public owners. Regional transit authorities are added as an entity that selects the local public owner representatives.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Sound Transit supports the bill. Sound Transit, as a member of the CPARB, can add valuable perspective to future policy decisions.  Primary interest relates to federal funding and staying in compliance with federal law.   

The Associated General Contractors is supportive, but has concerns about the qualifications and composition of the Board.  Currently there are 23 members and the Board agrees that a dialog with Sound Transit is import.  The CPARB has not had the chance to discuss the bill.  Lack of vote on the Board is not a hindrance to any organization.  Most work is done through task forces, and anyone is able to have active input at CPARB meetings.  The desire of Sound Transit to sit on the CPARB acknowledges the value of the CPARB and the desire to participate in policy discussions.

(Opposed) The original Board has expanded, but with a balance in mind.  The CPARB appreciates participation by all.  Sound Transit may be involved in the selection of those local public owners, but the membership should stay at 23 members.  Sound Transit may participate in task forces and at CPARB meetings.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Melanie Smith, Sound Transit; and Van Collins, Associated General Contractors.

(Opposed) Larry Stevens, Mechanical Contractors Association and National Electrical Contractors.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.