Under proposed legislation, some municipal airport commissions could see additional flexibility in membership but also new requirements of the sitting members.
HB 1712, sponsored by Rep. Tom Dent (R–Moses Lake), would provide an overhaul of how cities fill seats on their municipal airport commissions.
Under current law, members of the commission must be resident taxpayers of the city. Under the proposed legislation, cities with a population greater than 35,000 would be required to appoint commissioners who are residents of the municipality. Cities
with a population of less than 35,000 would be able to appoint commissioners who are residents of the municipality or the county in which the municipality is located. Additionally, these smaller cities could appoint up to three commissioners who are
residents of a county adjoining the municipality or the county in which the municipality is located.
The bill also establishes two new requirements for commissioners:
- All commissioners would need to agree and adhere to ethical standards of conduct adopted by the commission or the municipality.
- At least three of the commission members must have expertise in an industry that has a logical nexus with airport administration, operations, and development. This could include but is not limited to law, real estate development, finance, or construction.
Under the bill, cities would also be required to reauthorize the airport commission every two years. Failure to do so would result in the dissolution of the commission.
AWC believes that this bill adds flexibility for our smaller cities who may struggle to find commissioners who qualify under the current standards.
Date to remember
HB 1715 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Transportation Committee on January 18 at 3:30 pm.