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SB 5370

Lengthening port commissioner terms.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chapman and 4 co-sponsors

Port districts with three commissioners may let voters extend terms from 4 to 6 years if approved, with specific eligibility, ballot, and transition rules.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
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Bill Summary · SB 5370

SB 5370 — Lengthening port commissioner terms (Chapter 336, 2025 Laws)

Effective date: July 27, 2025 (Governor signed May 17, 2025)

Purpose

Allows certain port districts to offer voters the option of lengthening the term of office for port commissioners from four years to six years, to promote continuity and institutional knowledge on port commissions. The change is optional and takes effect only if approved by district voters.

Key provisions

  • Eligible port districts: those with three port commissioners that are either (a) not countywide, or (b) countywide in a county with fewer than 100,000 people.
  • Exclusions: the section does not apply to (a) port districts required to maintain four-year terms under RCW 53.12.172, and (b) port districts that have five commissioners.
  • How a proposition is placed on the ballot:
    • By resolution of the port commissioners; or
    • By voter petition signed by at least 10% of the number of voters in the port district who voted in the last general election. Petitions are submitted to the county auditor.
  • Timing: If valid signatures are verified or a resolution is adopted, the proposition must be submitted at the next general election occurring 60 or more days after the submission/adoption.
  • Passage threshold: simple majority of voters voting on the proposition.
  • Effect if approved:
    • The commissioner elected at that election is elected to a six-year term; the terms of other currently serving commissioners are not shortened.
    • If two commissioners are elected at that election (or the next general election), the candidate receiving the most votes receives a six-year term and the other a four-year term.
    • Each successor commissioner elected thereafter is elected to six-year terms.

Who is affected

  • Primarily smaller or non-countywide port districts that currently have four-year commissioner terms and that have three commissioners.
  • Voters in those port districts (who must approve any change).
  • Port commissioners (future and successor terms may be six years if proposition passes).

Context and background

  • Under existing law, port commissioners’ term lengths vary: countywide ports in counties with 100,000+ population have four-year terms; other ports typically have six-year terms.
  • The bill preserves existing statutory protections that require some ports to maintain four-year terms (RCW 53.12.172) and excludes five-commissioner ports from using this provision.
  • No appropriation; fiscal note available.

Legislative history

  • Introduced Jan 20, 2025. Passed Senate 48-0 (Apr 21), passed House 88-9 (Apr 16) as amended. Governor signed May 17, 2025. Effective July 27, 2025 (90 days after adjournment).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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