Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Higher Education Committee |
HB 2618
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning port district worker development and training programs.
Sponsors: Representatives Tarleton, Zeiger, Appleton, Haler and Santos.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/2/16
Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).
Background:
Port districts are authorized to acquire, construct, maintain, operate, develop, and regulate the following: harbor improvements; rail, motor vehicle, water, or air transfer and terminal facilities, or any combination of these facilities; other commercial transportation, transfer, handling, storage, and terminal facilities; and industrial improvements. State law also explicitly permits ports to promote tourism by granting the authority to "expend moneys and conduct promotion of resources and facilities in the district or general area by advertising, publicizing, or otherwise distributing information to attract visitors and encourage tourist expansion."
Among the general powers granted to ports are the following:
• to acquire land, property, leases, and easements;
• to condemn property and exercise the power of eminent domain;
• to develop lands for industrial and commercial purposes;
• to impose taxes, rates, and charges;
• to sell or otherwise convey rights to property; and
• to construct and maintain specified types of park and recreation facilities.
Port districts' economic development programs include job training and placement, preapprenticeship training, or educational programs that are associated with port tenants, customers, and local economic development related to port activities. The programs must be sponsored by a port, operated by a nonprofit entity, and in existence on June 10, 2010.
Summary of Bill:
The requirement that port district's economic development programs be in existence on June 10, 2010, is removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.