SENATE BILL REPORT
EHB 1483
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, March 19, 2013
Title: An act relating to public and private airport parking facilities.
Brief Description: Concerning public and private airport parking facilities.
Sponsors: Representatives Hunt, Johnson, Appleton, Pollet, Reykdal, Moscoso, Van De Wege, Alexander, McCoy, Ryu, Kagi and Jinkins.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/05/13, 90-6.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/14/13, 3/19/13 [DPA, DNP, w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended.
Signed by Senators Eide, Co-Chair; King, Co-Chair; Benton, Vice Co-Chair; Hobbs, Vice Co-Chair; Fain, Budget Leadership Cabinet; Billig, Brown, Litzow, Mullet, Rolfes and Schlicher.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senator Smith.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senator Ericksen.
Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)
Background: Beyond the 16 airports managed by the Washington State Department of Transportation, airports in Washington are generally owned and operated by port districts, cities, or counties. Any airport operator has the authority to adopt regulations necessary for the use of airport facilities and the collection of airport charges, including at airport parking facilities.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): A public or private airport parking facility’s parking rates must be assessed based on a 24-hour day.
A public or private airport parking facility’s maximum standard parking rate and all taxes, fees, and surcharges must be identified and posted at the entrance to, or another prominent location at, the facility and on the facility's website.
A public or private airport parking facility must use due diligence to ensure that it effectively communicates to the customer what the parking charge will be when the customer claims the vehicle.
A violation of these requirements constitutes a violation of the Consumer Protection Act.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): Provides that a violation of the bill constitutes a violation of the Consumer Protection Act, rather than results in a misdemeanor.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
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: This bill resulted from a trip to an Apple Cup game where the sponsor researched airport parking rates ahead of time. The settled-upon parking rate included a coupon. However, the parking facility refused to accept the coupon. The trip involved a 25-hour stay at the parking facility, resulting in a full two-day charge. SeaTac airport representatives helped in clarifying the language in the bill to address their concerns.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Hunt, prime sponsor.