HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2595
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:
Community & Economic Development & Housing
Title: An act relating to the Washington state horse park authority.
Brief Description: Expanding membership of the Washington state horse park authority.
Sponsors: Representatives Hinkle, Eddy, Warnick, Kristiansen and Angel.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Community & Economic Development & Housing: 1/23/12, 1/30/12 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Kenney, Chair; Finn, Vice Chair; Smith, Ranking Minority Member; Orcutt, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Ahern, Maxwell, Ryu, Santos and Walsh.
Staff: Jennifer Thornton (786-7147).
Background:
The Legislature authorized the establishment of the Washington State Horse Park Authority (Authority) in 1995. The Authority is a nonprofit corporation responsible for developing, promoting, operating, managing, and maintaining the Washington State Horse Park (Horse Park), located on a 112-acre site in Cle Elum. The Authority is a public-private partnership governed by a seven member volunteer board of directors appointed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) comprised of the following:
one representative of the interests of the Commission;
one representative of the interests of the county in which the Horse Park is located; and
five representatives of different horse disciplines, activities, and professions, with at least one board member having business experience relevant to the organization of horse shows or operation of a horse show facility.
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Summary of Bill:
The board of directors of the Authority is expanded from seven to 11 members, and initial term lengths for the new members are prescribed. All four new members will represent the geographic and sports discipline diversity of equestrian interests. The number of board members having business experience relevant to the organization of horse shows or operation of a horse show facility is increased from one to three.
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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) As a statutorily created nonprofit corporation, we need to come to you to change the board membership. This is a $3.5 billion industry, but we have pushed most of that money out of state. That was the reason for creating the Authority. We are well on the way to having multiple events there. However, we need the expertise of people who can put on such events. This bill expands the Authority from seven to 11 members, and increases the number of members with business experience putting on horse shows or operating horse show facilities. The Horse Park is a wonderful facility and is well situated. This is a horse state and we want to compete with places like Kentucky.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Hinkle, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.