The bill amends RCW 36.57A.050 to enhance the governance structure of public transportation benefit areas in Washington by adding two voting members who are transit users to the governing body. Specifically, it allows for the appointment of two transit-using voting members: one who primarily relies on public transportation and another who represents an organization serving transit-dependent individuals. This change aims to ensure that the perspectives of transit users are included in decision-making processes. Additionally, the bill specifies that meetings must be held at accessible times and locations for transit users, and these members will receive training on relevant public meeting and records laws.

Other amendments include increasing the maximum number of voting members on the governing body from nine to eleven for single-county areas and from fifteen to seventeen for multicounty areas. The bill also adjusts compensation for members attending meetings, raising the per diem from $44 to a maximum of $90, and establishes a mechanism for adjusting these thresholds for inflation every five years. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.57A.050
Substitute Bill: 36.57A.050
Engrossed Substitute: 36.57A.050