Liz Pike
A bill aiming to require a public hearing on fees and charges from transportation taxing districts is making its way through the Legislature, sponsored by Rep, Liz Pike, R-Camas.
A Jan. 31 vote on the house floor was 94-0 for House Bill 1606, which would require Transportation Benefit Districts (TBDs) to hold hearings before any financial charge to district residents, the Washington State Republican Caucus stated in a news release following the vote.
TBDs can be established by cities and counties and are an independent taxing authority which provides transportation improvements within that district, the release stated.
Current law requires voter approval on some funding sources available to the district, but TBDs can vote by a majority to raise certain revenues without voter approval, including imposing up to $50 in annual vehicle fees and transportation impact fees.
Pike, the author of the bill, stated in the release that citizens should have a say before their local TBD decides to implement revenue-raising measures.
“Constituents have asked for more transparency with TBDs when it comes to voting for tax and fee increases. This would ensure the public gets to have its say before their taxes go up,” Pike stated.
The legislation had previously cleared the House by a unanimous vote in 2017, the release stated. It managed to pass out of a Senate committee, but time ran out before it could be considered by the full Senate.
Pike stated she’s optimistic the bill will make it all the way through the Legislature.
“This would increase transparency and boost citizens’ voices in the process — all of which makes for better, more accountable government. With such large support in the House, I’m very hopeful we can get this through the Senate and to the governor’s desk for his signature,” Pike stated.
As of press time HB 1606 was scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Committee on Local Government for Feb. 15.
