Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Technology & Economic Development Committee |
HB 1510
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 occupational training programs.
Sponsors: Representatives Tarleton, McDonald, Ryu, Fitzgibbon, Tharinger, Clibborn, Santos and Fey.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/1/17
Staff: Kirsten Lee (786-7133).
Background:
Port Districts.
Port districts may 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. Ports may also expend moneys and promote 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 District Economic Development Programs.
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, be operated by a nonprofit entity, and have been in existence on June 10, 2010.
A sponsoring port must require a nonprofit entity that operates port districts' economic development programs to annually submit information including:
the number of workers trained, recruited, and placed in jobs;
the types of jobs and range of compensation;
the number and types of businesses that are served; and
any other tangible benefits realized by the port, the workers, businesses, and the public.
Summary of Bill:
The type of job training and placement and educational programs that are considered economic development programs are changed to occupational job training and placement and occupational education programs. Economic development programs must be associated with local economic development related to port tenants or port-related economic activities that are sponsored by the port and operated by a nonprofit entity. Ports seeking to engage in economic development programs must declare by resolution that port-related workforce development provides a substantial public benefit consistent with the port commission's economic development goals.
The requirement that a port district's economic development programs be in existence on June 10, 2010, is removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 27, 2017.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.