TagWashington State Legislature(136)

In a June 1998 letter to a Seattle Times reporter, Washington State legislators Karen Keiser and Julia Patterson urged media coverage of the Port of Seattle's violations of federal grant rules governing its noise remedy programs near Sea-Tac Airport. The State Auditor's Office confirmed the Port failed to obtain required written support from surrounding local jurisdictions, while auditors at Deloitte and Touche had repeatedly flagged the same violations without the Port taking corrective action. Over $130 million in federal funds had already been spent insulating and assisting homeowners, with an additional $11 million needed to redo 1,141 homes due to building-code violations that local consultation might have prevented.

Washington House Bill 1293 (1995) amended state law governing how port districts can address aircraft noise impacts on nearby properties, expanding soundproofing programs and removing a prior requirement that property owners waive damages and convey easements in exchange for noise mitigation. The bill declared such damage-waiver agreements void as against public policy, meaning residents near airports like Sea-Tac could receive soundproofing benefits without giving up their legal rights. The act was designated an emergency measure, intended to take effect immediately upon passage.

Washington State House Bill 636, passed by the House on February 21, 1979, and the Senate on March 2, 1979, amends state law relating to aircraft noise abatement near airports. The bill expands the geographic boundaries of 'impacted areas' around runways and prohibits port districts from undertaking noise abatement programs for property owners who have already been relocated under the same chapter. It was introduced by Representatives Charnley, Barnes, and Rohrbach during the 46th Legislature's Regular Session.

House Bill 1191, introduced in Washington State's 46th Legislature in 1979, proposed changes to how Port of Seattle commissioners are elected. The bill would put before voters a measure to elect three port commissioners from geographic commissioner districts and two additional commissioners chosen at large from the port district as a whole. It also established that in class AA counties with nine councilmanic districts, like Seattle, there would be three port commissioner districts each containing three councilmanic districts.

Washington State Senate Bill 3076, introduced in 1979, proposed the creation of a State Port Commission to financially assist and coordinate port districts across Washington. The three-member commission, appointed by the governor with senate approval, would serve six-year terms and be tasked with promoting domestic and foreign trade, eliminating wasteful competition, and supporting port facility development. Note: This bill pertains to port district governance and commerce, and does not directly address Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

Washington State House Bill 1191, introduced in 1979, amends laws governing port district commissioners in the state, covering how candidates file for office and how commissioner positions are numbered and assigned. The bill updates rules for port districts in Class AA counties, including provisions for expanding commissions from three to five members, with some commissioners elected by district and others chosen at large. While this bill governs port district governance structure, it does not directly address airport noise policy.

A January 1979 legislative memorandum from research analyst Jay Holman to Washington state representatives proposes amendments to port district governance laws, including allowing voters to split port districts into separate functional entities and modify how port commissioners are elected. A follow-up note from January 31, 1979 refines the proposal, suggesting that five port commissioners be retained but that three be elected from newly formed sub-districts and two chosen at-large, with changes to take effect at the November 1979 general election.

A 1978 Washington State House of Representatives bill analysis outlines proposed legislation to limit airport noise, giving local governments that own airports the authority to restrict aircraft use and flight times to keep residential community noise levels below 65 decibels. Airports with more than 30 scheduled flights per day would be required to take action to meet this standard, with special attention to reducing noise during evening and nighttime hours. A public hearing on the legislation was held on December 7, 1978, at the Burien Public Library near Sea-Tac Airport.

Senate Bill No. 3076, introduced by Senators Dore, Mardesich, and Day on January 17, 1974, proposes giving Washington's Department of Social and Health Services the authority to regulate and control noise pollution, including emissions from motor vehicles and aircraft. The bill would allow the department to set noise level limits, investigate complaints, and seek injunctions against violators. Anyone found in violation could face a misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $100 per offense.