HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6081

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.

Title: An act relating to the imposition of a vessel replacement surcharge on certain ferry fares.

Brief Description: Authorizing counties and ferry districts operating ferries to impose a vessel replacement surcharge on ferry fares sold.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Swecker, Ranker, King, Hatfield, Becker, Ericksen, Nelson, Regala and Shin).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation: 2/21/12 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House - Amended: 3/1/12, 81-16.

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

(As Amended by House)

Allows counties operating ferry service to impose a vessel replacement surcharge on ferry fares.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 21 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Billig, Vice Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Armstrong, Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Asay, Eddy, Finn, Fitzgibbon, Hansen, Jinkins, Johnson, Ladenburg, Moeller, Morris, Moscoso, Reykdal, Rivers, Takko, Upthegrove and Zeiger.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Klippert, McCune, Overstreet, Rodne and Shea.

Background:

Under current law, counties may construct, operate, and maintain ferries, and related capital facilities necessary to operate the ferries, on certain waters within or bordering their boundaries. The ferry service may be free or for toll.

Additionally, counties may create ferry districts, which are separate taxing districts created within the county to operate passenger-only ferry service. Ferry districts are authorized to impose regular and excess property taxes, and may provide the ferry service free or for toll.

Summary of Bill:

Counties operating ferry service, either directly or through a county ferry district, may impose a vessel replacement surcharge on ferry fares. The surcharge must be equal to the surcharge amount included in Washington ferry fares, which is currently 25 cents per fare. Revenue generated from the surcharge may be used only for the construction or purchase of ferry vessels. The surcharge must be clearly indicated, if possible, on the fare media itself.

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) None.

(Opposed) None.