FINAL 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. |
C 78 L 12
Synopsis as Enacted
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).
Senate Committee on Transportation
House Committee on Transportation
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: Counties operating ferry service, either directly or through a county ferry district, may impose a vessel replacement surcharge on ferry fares. The surcharge must at least be equal to the surcharge amount included in Washington State ferry fares, which is currently $0.25 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.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 44 | 3 | |
House Senate | 81 | 16 | (House amended) (Senate refused to concur) |
House | 80 | 17 | (House receded) |
Effective: | June 7, 2012 |