SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5792

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:

Commerce, Labor & Sports, February 16, 2017

Title: An act relating to creating the designation of a national basketball association franchise facility as a project of statewide significance act of 2017.

Brief Description: Relating to creating the designation of a national basketball association franchise facility as a project of statewide significance act of 2017.

Sponsors: Senators Baumgartner and Frockt.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Commerce, Labor & Sports: 2/16/17, 2/16/17 [DP, DNP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Establishes the Designation of a National Basketball Association Franchise Facility as a Project of Statewide Significance Act of 2017.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, LABOR & SPORTS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Baumgartner, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; Keiser, Ranking Minority Member; Conway, Hasegawa, Rossi, Saldaña and Wilson.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

Signed by Senator King.

Staff: Jarrett Sacks (786-7448)

Background: In 1997, a process was enacted to expedite completion of projects of statewide significance. Projects that may receive the designation include:

To qualify for the designation, a project must meet capital investment or job creation requirements.

Counties and cities with projects must enter into agreements with the Office of Regulatory Assistance (ORA) within the Office of Financial Management to expedite the processes necessary for the design and construction of projects. ORA must provide facilitation and coordination services to expedite completion or projects of statewide significance.

Summary of Bill: A title-only bill relating to creating the Designation of a National Basketball Association Franchise Facility as a Project of Statewide Significance Act of 2017.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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 title only bill to act as a placeholder to see if the state can do anything to help bring the Sonics back.

OTHER: There is support to bring the Sonics back, but the state and cities should be mindful of the site for the arena.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Michael Baumgartner, Prime Sponsor. OTHER: Sean Eagan, The Northwest Seaport Alliance.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.