SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2290

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:

Local Government, February 20, 2018

Title: An act relating to simplifying the process for donating low-value surplus property owned by a city-owned utility.

Brief Description: Simplifying the process for donating low-value surplus property owned by a city-owned utility.

Sponsors: House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Wylie, Harris, Dolan and Stonier).

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

Allows a city to dispose of its personal property or equipment that was originally acquired for public utility purposes and that is not required for providing continued public utility services, without adopting a resolution or holding a public hearing, if such property has an estimated value of $50,000 or less.

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Takko, Chair; Palumbo, Vice Chair; Short, Ranking Member; Angel and Liias.

Background: A city may lease or sell any public utility land, property, or equipment it owns. The lease or sale is subject to a public bidding process and voter-approved ordinance, unless the city determines that the land, property, or equipment is surplus and not required for providing continued public utility service. If a city determines that any public utility land, property, or equipment is surplus and not required for providing continued public utility service, then the city may by resolution and after a public hearing lease, sell, or convey the land, property, or equipment.

Summary of Bill: A city may dispose of any personal property or equipment originally acquired for public utility purposes that is surplus to the city's needs and is not required for providing continued public utility services, without adopting a resolution or holding a public hearing, if such property has an estimated value of $50,000 or less.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a good local government efficiency bill. Cities sometimes have a utility within them, with enterprise funds used only for water or sewer purposes. Years ago, the process for disposition of city property was simplified, but utilities did not come under this change, which was an oversight. This bill corrects this error to provide the disposition of utility property with the same efficiency.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Sharon Wylie, Prime Sponsor; Brian Enslow, City of Vancouver.