SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6125

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 of January 20, 2012

Title: An act relating to contracts with community service organizations for public improvements.

Brief Description: Changing authority for contracts with community service organizations for public improvements.

Sponsors: Senators Regala, Swecker, Pridemore, Carrell and Shin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 1/19/12.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)

Background: Various local governments are authorized to provide park and recreation facilities, including cities, towns, counties, metropolitan park districts, park and recreation districts, and park and recreation service areas. Any of these local governments may contract with service groups to make various park and recreation improvements, or to maintain such facilities, without conforming with competitive bidding requirements if the value of the improvements or maintenance is at least three times the value of any consideration that is paid. Volunteers may be used. Annual contractual payments for such projects cannot exceed the greater of $25,000 or $2 per resident of the local government.

Summary of Bill: Port districts may contract with service groups to make various improvements to port habitat sites or to maintain such facilities or environmental stewardship projects, without conforming with competitive bidding requirements if the value of the improvements or maintenance is at least three times the value of any consideration that is paid. Volunteers may be used. Annual contractual payments for such projects cannot exceed the greater of $25,000 or $2 per resident of the local government.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Port of Tacoma manages 168 acres of wildlife habitat and open space through their partnership with Citizens for a Healthy Bay. Citizens for a Healthy Bay then coordinates with various community organizations, providing low cost labor and great educational opportunities. This bill adds ports to the list of local governments that are already authorized to do this.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Lisa Thatcher, Port of Tacoma.