This 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. The bill specifies that one of these members must primarily rely on public transportation, while the other must represent a community-based organization. If no suitable representative from a community-based organization is available, a second member who relies on public transportation can be appointed instead. Additionally, the bill mandates that meetings of the governing body must be held at times and locations accessible by transit to facilitate participation by these members.

The bill also makes several adjustments to the composition and compensation of the governing body. It increases the maximum number of voting members for a single county public transportation benefit area from nine to eleven and for a multicounty area from fifteen to seventeen. Furthermore, it updates the per diem compensation for members attending official meetings from $44 to a maximum of $90, with provisions for inflation adjustments every five years. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.57A.050