SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5034
As Passed Senate, February 7, 2025
Title: An act relating to eliminating the expiration of the interagency, multijurisdictional system improvement team.
Brief Description: Eliminating the expiration of the interagency, multijurisdictional system improvement team.
Sponsors: Senators Boehnke, Wellman, Warnick, Short, Lovelett, Stanford, Dhingra, Dozier, Hasegawa, Nobles and Slatter; by request of Public Works Board.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections: 1/21/25, 1/24/25 [DP].
Floor Activity: Passed Senate: 2/7/25, 49-0.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Removes the expiration date of the interagency, multijurisdictional system improvement (SYNC) team.
  • Requires the SYNC team to submit a biennial report to the Legislature.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL AFFAIRS & ELECTIONS
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Valdez, Chair; Krishnadasan, Vice Chair; Wilson, J., Ranking Member; Fortunato, Hasegawa, Kauffman, McCune, Riccelli and Short.
Staff: Danielle Creech (786-7412)
Background:

In 2017, the Legislature passed HB 1677, establishing the interagency, multijurisdictional system improvement team (SYNC), composed of representatives from the Public Works Board, and the Departments of Commerce, Ecology and Health. SYNC was directed to identify, implement, and report on system improvements for infrastructure projects to maximize value and minimize overall costs and disturbance to the community, and ensure long-term durability and resilience.  In 2021, the Legislature extended SYNC's work through June 30, 2025, and required SYNC to submit a report to the Legislature providing: a list of all projects funded by members of SYNC; a description of the coordination SYNC has completed with other grant programs and funds leveraged; and a description of regional planning that has occurred. 
Summary of Bill:

The expiration date of SYNC is removed. SYNC must submit a biennial report to the appropriate committees of the Legislature, beginning November 1, 2026.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on June 30, 2025.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO: This is a simple bill with bipartisan support that continues the great work of this team. This group is one within our state that is most productive. The SYNC team covers roads, bridges, stormwater, and wastewater infrastructure. The collaboration of the state's infrastructure funding agencies brings value to Washington State local governments in identifying effective means of completing critical public works projects. No fiscal impact is anticipated associated with continuation of this multi-agency work group because agency staff are participating through existing resources and job-embedded responsibilities.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Matt Boehnke, Prime Sponsor; Justin Clary, Public Works Board; Don Gourlie, Puget Sound Partnership.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.