SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5365
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Local Government, February 20, 2025
Title: An act relating to alternate funding for libraries.
Brief Description: Concerning alternate funding for libraries.
Sponsors: Senator Wilson, J..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Local Government: 1/30/25, 2/20/25 [DPS].
Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill
  • Amends the definition of recreational facilities to include community centers which could include public libraries within less than 50 percent of the usable space for park and recreation districts. 
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5365 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Salomon, Chair; Lovelett, Vice Chair; Torres, Ranking Member; Bateman and Goehner.
Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)
Background:

A park and recreation district (district) is a type of special purpose district created to provide leisure time activities, facilities, and recreational facilities as a public service to the residents of the area within its boundaries. Its area may include incorporated and unincorporated property. The term recreational facilities means parks, playgrounds, gymnasiums, swimming pools, field houses, bathing beaches, stadiums, golf courses, automobile racetracks and drag strips, coliseums for the display of spectator sports, public campgrounds, boat ramps and launching sites, public hunting and fishing areas, arboretums, bicycle and bridle paths, senior citizen centers, community centers, and other recreational facilities.

 

The process of creating a district requires submitting a petition to the county signed by 15 percent of the registered voters within the area proposed to encompass the district. The board of county commissioners specifies the boundaries of the proposed district and, together with any funding obligations, presents the matter to the voters in the form of a ballot proposition for approval.

 

A district is governed by a board of five elected commissioners with four-year staggered terms. The district may fund its operations by means of excess levies and regular property tax levies. Disposal of property must be by unanimous vote of the district commissioners.
Summary of Bill (First Substitute):

The definition of recreational facilities is amended to include community centers which could include public libraries within less than 50 percent of the usable space. 
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE (First Substitute):
  • Amends the definition of recreational facilities to include community centers which could include public libraries within less than 50 percent of the usable space, rather than 45 percent, for park and recreation districts.
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 on Original Bill:

The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard.  PRO: This bill would allow small towns to share spaces and be more effective as it relates to shared space. The bill changes the definition to include library space in a community center. This bill provides a local option. By amending this definition, it may be a better outcome for libraries and will allow them to share space.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Jeff Wilson, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.