SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6579
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 Senate Committee On:
Transportation, February 6, 2012
Title: An act relating to the public disclosure of evaluation and testing materials for vessel pilots.
Brief Description: Concerning the public disclosure of evaluation and testing materials for vessel pilots.
Sponsors: Senators Haugen and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/02/12, 2/06/12 [DPS].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6579 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Eide, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Minority Member; Fain, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Ericksen, Frockt, Hill, Hobbs, Litzow, Prentice, Ranker, Rolfes, Sheldon, Shin and Swecker.
Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)
Background: Under current law, the Board of Pilotage Commissioners (Board) must provide for the maintenance of efficient and competent pilotage service on the waters of the Puget Sound pilotage district and the Grays Harbor pilotage district. To this end, the Board examines the proficiency of potential pilots, licenses pilots, enforces the use of pilots, sets pilotage rates, investigates reported accidents involving pilots, keeps records of various matters affecting pilotage, and performs various other duties as required by law.
The state Public Records Act generally requires state and local agencies to disclose public records upon request, absent a specific legal exemption. One such exemption specifically addresses test questions, scoring keys, and other examination data used to administer a license, employment, or academic examination.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): The existing exemption from the Public Records Act regarding examination data used to administer a license, employment, or academic examination is revised to specifically include examination data held by the Board of Pilotage Commissioners requested both before and after an examination is completed.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): Refines the language to better conform with the original intent of the bill.
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 on Original Bill: PRO: Marine pilot trainees are tested on many vessel-related questions. However, there are only a limited amount of test questions available. Disclosing this information makes it very difficult and costly to properly license pilots.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Lee Reaves, Puget Sound Pilots, representing the Pilotage Commission.