Washington Business Fall 2016 | Legislative Review

2016 legislative review Infrastructure Michael Ennis: Transportation, Aviation Headlining transportation actions during the 2016 legislative session were three key issues: the Interstate 405 express toll lanes, the Senate rejection of Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson, and the supplemental transportation budget. In response to a citizen’s petition with more than 30,000 signatures opposing the express toll lanes, Rep. Mark Harmsworth, R-Mill Creek, and Sen. Andy Hill, R-Redmond, proposed legislation that would have restricted tolls to just one lane, and open the lane to all users during nights and weekends. While the bills did not pass, they added fuel to the mounting public opposition against the Department of Transportation’s long-term plan for I-405, and ultimately pressured Washington State Transportation Commission officials and the Legislature to adopt a suite of changes, which include funding two shoulder projects to reduce congestion, restriping, and opening the toll lanes during nights, weekends, and holidays. Then, in a dramatic Friday afternoon floor debate, Senate leaders rejected Lynn Peterson’s confirmation as the governor’s appointee leading the Washington State Department of Transportation. Democrats quickly called the move a “political ambush,” but citing mismanagement and an overall lack of confidence, the Senate ultimately ousted Peterson three years after her initial appointment. Finally, in the remaining days, legislators were able to put their differences aside and adopt a statewide supplemental transportation budget. Overall, the transportation budget represents $8.6 billion in spending, with about $500 million in higher-thanexpected revenues, which legislators used to fund wage increases for State Patrol troopers, fish passage barriers, and two road projects on I-405. More importantly, the budget maintains the commitments to the 2015 statewide revenue package, which was the business community’s top priority heading into the legislative session. AWB was also successful in helping pass legislation to simplify and cap aircraft registration fees, and allow leased vehicles to qualify for the state’s alternative fuel incentive program for commercial vehicles. SHB 2413 requirements. SHB 2413 was a priority for Passed/AWB Supported in the House. aviation registration fairness AWB supported Substitute House Bill 2413, sponsored by Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, concerning aircraft registration simplification and fairness. The bill limits AWB’s Aviation Task Force. It passed the Senate by a vote of 45-1, and unanimously SHB 2884 alternative fuel leased vehicles the penalty on late payments for annual Passed/AWB Supported aircraft registration fees to $100 on AWB supported Substitute House Bill accounts that are 60 days or more past due. 2884, sponsored by Rep. Judy Clibborn, The bill also clarifies some registration D-Mercer Island, modifying the business 28 association of washington business and occupation tax and public utility tax credits for alternative fuel commercial vehicles by expanding the eligibility to leased vehicles. AWB drafted the original program last year to encourage businesses with large commercial fleets to convert to alternative fuels. Known as the Clean Fuel Vehicle Incentive Act, the goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through incentives rather than mandates. Entering the 2016 session, SHB 2884 was priority legislation for AWB and it passed both chambers unanimously.

Washington Business Fall 2016 | Legislative Review | Page 30