SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6539

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY & PARKS, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

Brief Description:  Requiring court and administrative documents to be on recycled paper.

SPONSORS: Senators Skratek, Wojahn, Prentice, Franklin and McAuliffe

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY & PARKS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6539 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Fraser, Chairman; Moore, Sutherland and Talmadge.

Staff:  Kari Guy (786‑7464)

Hearing Dates: February 2, 1994; February 4, 1994

BACKGROUND:

In 1991, legislation was passed to increase the procurement of recycled content products by all local and state government agencies.  The legislation was intended to provide a model for businesses in their purchasing practices, but did not require the purchase of recycled content products by any private businesses.

SUMMARY:

Legislative findings are made that increased recycling will protect and enhance the environment and economy of Washington State.

After January 1, 1995, an attorney may not submit a document to a court or a document concerning an adjudicatory proceeding to a state agency unless it is on recycled paper.  A court or state agency may not refuse a document solely because the document was not on recycled paper.  The procedures to implement the requirement for recycled paper may not impede court or state business.  The requirement does not apply to photographs, documents printed before January 1, 1995, documents not created under the control of the submitting attorney, or to facsimile copies.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The Legislature is required to use recycled paper for all printed materials.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 27, 1994

TESTIMONY FOR:

The focus on the court system is well placed because of the volume of paper that is used by the courts.  The requirement for using recycled paper should be extended to the Legislature.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Senator Skratek, prime sponsor (pro); Naki Stevens, People for Puget Sound (pro)