 | WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE | |
| Legislative Digest No. 17 | ||
| FIFTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE | ||
| Wednesday, February 1, 2006 | 24th Day - 2006 Regular Session | |
| SENATE |
|
This publication includes digest and history for bills, joint memorials, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, initiatives, and substitutes. Engrossed measures may be republished if the amendment makes a substantive change.
Electronic versions of Legislative Digests are available at http://www.leg.wa.gov/wsladm/billinfo1/digsup.cfm?year=2006.
HB 1458-S3
by House Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives Hunt, Dickerson, McCoy, B. Sullivan, Williams, Haigh, Appleton, Linville, Chase, Dunshee, Simpson, Upthegrove, Moeller, and McDermott)
Concerning the management of on-site sewage disposal systems in marine areas.
Finds that improperly functioning on-site sewage systems in marine areas may contaminate ground water and surface water, threatening public health and the environment.Finds that in these areas enhanced on-site sewage system certification programs must be established to ensure systems are properly functioning to protect public and environmental health.Finds that local programs designed to identify and correct failing on-site sewage disposal systems have proven effective in reducing and eliminating public health and environmental hazards, improving water quality, and reopening previously closed shellfish areas.Finds that a partnership is necessary among the state, local, and private sector to develop successful local programs with adequate funding and the tools to identify and repair failing on-site sewage disposal systems.Finds that local programs must be established in marine areas of special concern to inventory existing on-site sewage disposal systems, identify and repair failing systems, develop data bases capable of sharing information regarding on-site sewage disposal systems, and monitor results to demonstrate programs are working and public health and the environment are protected.Requires that, by July 1, 2007, and thereafter, the local health officers of health jurisdictions in the twelve counties bordering Puget Sound where a marine area of special concern has been designated under this act shall each develop and approve an on-site sewage disposal system program implementation plan that will guide the local health jurisdiction in the development and management of all on-site sewage disposal systems within the marine areas of special concern within its jurisdiction.Declares that, for purposes of this act, the local health jurisdictions in counties bordering Puget Sound are Clallam, Island, Kitsap, Jefferson, Mason, San Juan, Seattle-King, Skagit, Snohomish, Tacoma-Pierce, Thurston, and Whatcom.Requires the department to review an on-site sewage disposal system program implementation plan submitted by the local health officer to ensure all the elements of the plan, including designation of any marine area of special concern, have been addressed. The board may adopt additional criteria for plan approval by rule.Requires the department to enter into a contract with each of the counties subject to this chapter to implement the approved on-site sewage disposal system program implementation plan developed under act, and to develop or enhance the data management system required by this act with funds appropriated to the department for those purposes.Provides that the contract shall require, at a minimum, that within the marine area of special concern, the local health jurisdiction: (1) Show progressive improvement in finding failing systems;(2) Show progressive improvement in working with on-site sewage disposal system owners to make needed system repairs;(3) Is actively undertaking steps to find previously unknown on-site sewage disposal systems and ensure they are inspected as required and repaired if necessary;(4) Show progressive improvement in the percentage of on-site sewage disposal systems that are included in an electronic data system; and(5) Of those on-site sewage disposal systems in the electronic data system, show progressive improvement in the percentage that have had required inspections.Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.
| Jan 26 | NREP - Majority; 3rd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Jan 30 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1944-S
by House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Hunt and Williams)
Allowing raffles conducted by state employees.
Provides that, when soliciting gifts, grants, or donations solely to support the charitable activities of state employees permitted under chapter 9.46 RCW, the state officers and state employees are presumed not to be in violation of the solicitation and receipt of gift provisions in RCW 42.52.140.Declares that, for purposes of this act, activities are deemed to be charitable if the activities are devoted to the purposes authorized under RCW 9.46.0209 for charitable and nonprofit organizations listed in that section, or are in support of the activities of those charitable or nonprofit organizations.Provides that a raffle conducted by employees of a state agency, as "agency" is defined in RCW 42.52.010, does not constitute any form of gambling or a lottery subject to chapter 9.46 RCW or rules adopted under this chapter when conducted as follows: (1) Gross revenues from such a raffle do not exceed three thousand dollars;(2) Tickets to such a raffle are sold only to, and winners are determined only from among, the employees of the agency; and(3) All revenue less prizes and expenses received from such a raffle are devoted to purposes authorized under this act for charitable and nonprofit organizations.
| Jan 26 | CL - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2383-S
by House Committee on Economic Development, Agriculture & Trade (originally sponsored by Representatives B. Sullivan, McCoy, Conway, Ericks, Strow, Upthegrove, Ormsby, and O'Brien)
Creating a joint legislative task force on aerospace manufacturing.
Finds that the aerospace sector, as the state's largest manufacturing and exporting industry, has made a significant contribution to local, regional, state, and national economies.Finds that airports of regional significance in both eastern and western Washington have underutilized property and facilities that could become substantial tools for economic development.Declares an intent to examine and determine how untapped capacity at airports of regional significance can be used to expand manufacturing, research and development, education, and training for the aerospace industry.Establishes the joint legislative task force on aerospace manufacturing.Requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by June 30, 2007.
| Jan 27 | EDAT - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2456-S
by House Committee on Children & Family Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Roberts, Kagi, Moeller, Pettigrew, Green, Darneille, Morrell, Lantz, Dickerson, Upthegrove, and Schual-Berke)
Establishing a pilot project to provide mental health consultation services for child care programs.
Finds that children's behavioral and mental health is critical to school readiness and when left untreated, behavioral and mental health issues create the potential of significant damage and life-long consequences.Finds that behavioral and mental health consultation in child-care settings can provide information, education, and support for caregivers, administrators, and parents to enable them to identify and work more effectively with children presenting difficult behaviors or other challenges.Declares an intent to promote the integration of behavioral and mental health services into early care and education settings as a means of early intervention to prevent more serious, long-term consequences and to promote quality child care continuity and school readiness for more children.Establishes the child care mental health consultation pilot program.Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.
| Jan 25 | CFS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Jan 30 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2463-S
by House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Moeller and Morrell)
Modifying dental licensure provisions.
Provides that dentists applying for licensure without examination, who were licensed by a state prior to Washington's requirement to pass the national board dental examination, are exempted from any requirement to take and pass this examination. "Currently engaged in practice" shall mean engaged in clinical practice no less than two of the last three years for a minimum of two hundred eighty-eight hours per year.
| Jan 27 | HC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2479-S
by House Committee on State Government Operations & Accountability (originally sponsored by Representatives Haigh, Nixon, Green, Hunt, Haler, Morrell, and Upthegrove; by request of Secretary of State)
Ensuring equipment accessibility for voters with visual impairments.
Ensures equipment accessibility for voters with visual impairments.
| Jan 27 | SGOA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Jan 30 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2507-S
by House Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Kenney, Shabro, Hasegawa, Morrell, Rodne, Lantz, and Ormsby)
Prohibiting false or misleading college degrees.
Provides that no person may offer or grant a false or misleading degree or other document that purports to confer a degree that is false or misleading.Declares that, for purposes of this act, a degree or other document that purports to confer a degree is false or misleading if it states or suggests that the person named in the degree or document has completed the requirements of an academic or professional program of study in a particular field beyond the secondary level, but the person in fact has not completed the requirements of such a program of study.Provides that any person or entity that violates this act is subject to a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars for each violation. The penalty may be imposed by the board or by any court of competent jurisdiction.
| Jan 26 | HEWE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2517-S
by House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Cody, Conway, Chase, Morrell, Appleton, Green, Wood, Hasegawa, Hudgins, Ormsby, Miloscia, Dickerson, Kenney, Moeller, McDermott, Sells, Hunt, Williams, Simpson, Roberts, Schual-Berke, Lantz, McIntire, and Kagi)
Establishing minimum labor standards for certain large employers as related to health care services expenditures.
Declares an intent to set minimum labor standards for some large employers in Washington state with respect to health benefit expenditures, and to further the state's interest in ensuring that its residents have access to appropriate health care services. Ensuring that employers do not eliminate employer-paid health care is important for minimizing the burden on taxpayers and the public health system, and protecting the health, safety, and well-being of the residents of Washington state.Declares it is not the intent of the legislature to influence the establishment, content, or administration of employee benefit plans. The legislature is neutral as to whether employers covered under this chapter choose to meet the minimum expenditure standard by providing or reimbursing the costs of health care services for their employees or paying to the state the difference between the minimum expenditure and their actual expenditures.
| Jan 26 | CL - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2561-S
by House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Conway, Wood, Kessler, Hunter, Simpson, Fromhold, and Condotta; by request of Liquor Control Board)
Modifying requirements for the direct shipment of wine to Washington state consumers.
Provides that the holder of a license to manufacture wine issued by this state or another state may ship its wine to a person who is a resident of Washington and is twenty-one years of age or older for that person's personal use and not for resale.Requires that, before wine may be shipped by a domestic winery or an out-of-state winery to a person who is a resident of Washington, the winery must: (1) Obtain a wine shipper's permit under procedures prescribed by the board by rule and pay a fee established by the board, if the winery is located outside the state; or(2) Be licensed as a domestic winery by the board and have paid the annual license fee.Repeals RCW 66.12.190, 66.12.200, 66.12.210, and 66.12.220.
| Jan 26 | CL - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2573-S
by House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Morrell, Wallace, Clibborn, Cody, Flannigan, Simpson, Green, Ormsby, Springer, Kilmer, Moeller, Kagi, and Conway; by request of Governor Gregoire)
Adopting health information technology to improve quality of care.
Recognizes that improvements in the quality of health care lead to better health care outcomes for the residents of Washington state and contain health care costs. The improvements are facilitated by the adoption of electronic medical records and other health information technologies.Declares an intent to encourage all hospitals in the state of Washington to adopt health information technologies by the year 2012.
| Jan 27 | HC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Jan 30 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2593-S
by House Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives Appleton, B. Sullivan, Jarrett, Morris, Hankins, Chase, McIntire, Dickerson, McCoy, Conway, Green, Darneille, Schual-Berke, Lovick, Pettigrew, Sommers, Ericks, Lantz, Hasegawa, Morrell, Kenney, Haler, Springer, Roberts, P. Sullivan, Strow, Miloscia, Wallace, Cody, Sells, Moeller, Dunshee, Williams, O'Brien, McDermott, Kessler, Woods, Kilmer, Eickmeyer, Hunt, Flannigan, Takko, Nixon, Rodne, Simpson, Linville, and Kagi; by request of Department of Ecology)
Changing provisions relating to oil spill prevention, preparedness, and response.
Provides that the department's rules authorized under RCW 88.46.160 and this act shall be scaled to the risk posed to people and to the environment, and be categorized by type of transfer, volume of oil, frequency of transfers, and such other risk factors as identified by the department.Provides that the rules may require prior notice be provided before an oil transfer, regulated under chapter 88.46 RCW, occurs in situations defined by the department as posing a higher risk. The notice may include the time, location, and volume of the oil transfer.Provides that the rules may require additional measures to be taken in conjunction with the deployment of containment equipment or with the alternatives to deploying containment equipment.Requires the rules to include regulations to enhance the safety of oil transfers over water originating from vehicles transporting oil over private roads or highways of the state.Requires that the department shall by rule adopt procedures to determine the adequacy of contingency plans approved under RCW 88.46.060. The rules shall require random practice drills without prior notice that will test the adequacy of the responding entities. The rules may provide for unannounced practice drills of individual contingency plans. The department shall review and publish a report on the drills, including an assessment of response time and available equipment and personnel compared to those listed in the contingency plans relying on the responding entities, and requirements, if any, for changes in the plans or their implementation. The department may require additional drills and changes in arrangements for implementing approved plans which are necessary to ensure their effective implementation.
| Jan 27 | NREP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
HB 2595-S
by House Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Kenney, Cox, Hasegawa, Hankins, Roberts, McIntire, Fromhold, Kilmer, Morrell, Rodne, Santos, Clibborn, Ormsby, O'Brien, Jarrett, Walsh, Conway, Wood, Kessler, Linville, Kagi, Appleton, Green, McCoy, Blake, Lantz, Sells, Campbell, P. Sullivan, Simpson, Schual-Berke, McDonald, Haigh, Dickerson, Moeller, Springer, and Wallace)
Providing for academic employee salary increments for community and technical colleges.
Finds that the community and technical colleges offer high quality, cost-effective instructional programs to the citizens of the state.Finds that academic employee morale and willingness to invest in professional development, and academic employee recruitment and retention, are improved by consistent and predictable practices that provide salary increases to recognize two-year college academic employees who upgrade their skills and professional experience.Declares an intent that state appropriations be adjusted to an amount which, together with academic employee turnover savings, provide for consistent and predictable funding of academic employee salary increases for state-funded academic employees who qualify through experience, professional development, and training pursuant to local collective bargaining.Finds that the state board for community and technical colleges should examine the concept of a statewide salary allocation model and how it could be adopted for community and technical colleges. The purpose of such an allocation model would be to assure fair and functional allocation of compensation for state-funded academic employees including recognition of experience, professional development and training for, for example as is currently available to the common schools of the state.Directs the state board for community and technical colleges to, in consultation with the various bargaining representatives of the academic employees, recommend an allocation model for the distribution of increments for experience, professional development, and training. The state board shall present its recommended allocation model to the legislature no later than January 10, 2008.
| Jan 27 | HEWE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2600-S
by House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Moeller, Conway, Williams, Lovick, Green, Murray, Roberts, and Cody)
Requiring construction contractors to display their licenses and certificates.
Finds that dishonest construction contractors sometimes hire persons without proper licensing and certification to do electrical, plumbing, and conveyance work. This practice gives honest contractors an unfair competitive disadvantage and leaves workers and customers vulnerable.Declares that requiring persons with proper licensing and certification to visibly display their licenses and certificates while doing such work will help address the problems of the underground economy in the construction industry, level the playing field for honest contractors, and protect workers and consumers.
| Jan 26 | CL - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2624-S
by House Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives B. Sullivan, Buck, and Upthegrove; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission)
Allowing the parks and recreation commission to deny or revoke the issuance of a park pass in certain circumstances.
Authorizes the commission to deny or revoke any Washington state park pass for cause, including but not limited to the following: (1) Residency outside the state of Washington;(2) Violation of laws or state park rules resulting in eviction from a state park;(3) Intimidating, obstructing, or assaulting a park employee or park volunteer who is engaged in the performance of official duties;(4) Fraudulent use of a pass;(5) Providing false information or documentation in the application for a state parks pass;(6) Refusing to display or show the pass to park employees when requested; or(7) Failing to provide current eligibility information upon request by the agency or when eligibility ceases or changes.Authorizes the commission to engage in a mutually agreed upon reciprocal or discounted program for all or specific pass programs with other outdoor recreation agencies.
| Jan 27 | NREP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
HB 2627-S
by House Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives B. Sullivan, Buck, and Upthegrove; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission)
Modifying provisions governing the sale of unneeded park land.
Revises provisions governing the sale of unneeded park land.
| Jan 27 | NREP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
HB 2630-S
by House Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Kenney, Cox, Kessler, Priest, Conway, Hunter, Buri, Fromhold, Sells, Grant, Ormsby, Quall, Haigh, Clements, Roberts, Upthegrove, McDermott, Hasegawa, Santos, Flannigan, Appleton, Rodne, Clibborn, Simpson, Linville, Kagi, Dickerson, P. Sullivan, Morrell, Moeller, Ericks, and Kilmer)
Creating the opportunity grant program.
Provides that the college board shall, with the assistance of the work force training and education coordinating board and a nonprofit organization that has been established to address work force development issues by a recognized statewide organization of employers representing a majority of employers in the state: (1) Identify high demand occupations, which are occupations where employer demand for workers exceeds the supply of qualified job applicants;(2) Convene or use existing industry groups, such as industry skill panels or other industry or occupational entities, to identify the skill sets that workers need in the high demand occupations;(3) Develop credentials that are recognized by postsecondary institutions and employers statewide and that are based on the attainment of the skill sets needed in occupations in high demand sectors;(4) Market the credentials or certificates to potential students and employers as a way for them to advance in their careers; and(5) Gain recognition of the credentials or certificates by employers.Directs the college board to develop and implement a work force education program known as the opportunity grant program to provide funding for low-income students enrolled in the program, including but not limited to funding tuition, books, fees, and child care expenses.Requires the college board to: (1) Begin developing the program no later than March 15, 2006, with student enrollment to begin no later than January 1, 2007; and(2) Submit a progress report to the fiscal and higher education committees of the legislature by January 15, 2008.Appropriates the sum of seventy-five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the state board for community and technical colleges for the purposes of this act. Expenditure of moneys appropriated in this provision is contingent on receipt of matching funds from a nonstate source.Appropriates the sum of five million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the state board for community and technical colleges for the purposes of this act.Appropriates the sum of seventy-five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the Washington institute for public policy for the purposes of this act.
| Jan 26 | HEWE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
HB 2649-S
by House Committee on Housing (originally sponsored by Representatives Miloscia, Hasegawa, Upthegrove, and Ormsby)
Creating an affordable housing for all program.
Finds that there is a large, unmet need for affordable housing in the state of Washington.Declares that a decent, appropriate, and affordable home in a healthy, safe environment for every low-income household by 2020 is a goal for state and local governments and all housing organizations and related vendors. Furthermore, this goal includes increasing the percentage of low-income households who are able to obtain and retain housing without government subsidies or other public support.Finds that the continual systematic collection and rigorous evaluation of comprehensive data regarding the state's affordable housing stock and persons requiring affordable housing is critical to planning for and achieving the state's affordable housing goal.Finds that there are many root causes of the affordable housing shortage and declares that it is critical that such causes be analyzed, effective solutions be developed, implemented, monitored, and evaluated, and that these causal factors be eliminated.Finds that there is a taxpayer and societal cost associated with a lack of living wage jobs and affordable housing and that state and local governments must identify and quantify that cost.Finds that the support and commitment of all sectors of the statewide community is critical to accomplishing the state's affordable housing for all goal.Finds that the provision of housing and housing-related services should be administered at the local level. However, the state should play a primary role in: Researching, evaluating, benchmarking, and implementing best practices; continually updating and evaluating statewide housing data; developing a statewide plan to achieve the affordable housing for all goal; coordinating and supporting local government plans and activities; and providing quality management by monitoring both state and local government performance towards achieving interim and ultimate goals.Declares that the systematic and comprehensive performance measurement and evaluation of progress toward interim goals and the ultimate state affordable housing goal of a decent, appropriate, and affordable home in a healthy, safe environment for every low-income household in the state by 2020 is a necessary component of the statewide effort to end the lack of affordable housing crisis.Appropriates the sum of two million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development, for the purposes of accomplishing the planning, data system creation, data collection, and program implementation activities of this act. Of the two million dollars appropriated, the department of community, trade, and economic development shall distribute one million dollars to the participating local governments using a formula to be determined by the department and be used for local planning, data system creation, data collection, and program implementation purposes.Repeals RCW 43.185B.010.
| Jan 26 | HOUS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Jan 30 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2650-S
by House Committee on Housing (originally sponsored by Representatives Miloscia, Pettigrew, Ormsby, Roberts, Hasegawa, Sells, and Green)
Creating programs to end homelessness.
Establishes programs to end homelessness.Appropriates the sum of two million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development for the purposes of accomplishing the planning, data system creation, data collection, evaluation, reporting, and program implementation activities of this act. Of the two million dollars appropriated, the department shall distribute one million five hundred thousand dollars to the participating local governments, using a formula to be determined by the department, to be used for local planning, data system creation, data collection, program implementation purposes, implementation quality management programs, and local housing programs eligible under this act.
| Jan 26 | HOUS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Jan 30 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2662-S
by House Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives B. Sullivan, Priest, Pettigrew, Jarrett, Dunshee, Anderson, Kagi, Serben, McCoy, Ericksen, Upthegrove, Tom, Green, Strow, Rodne, Nixon, Chase, Buri, Hunt, Eickmeyer, Darneille, Linville, Morrell, Lantz, Hunter, Appleton, Williams, Hudgins, Wallace, P. Sullivan, Flannigan, Springer, Kenney, O'Brien, Simpson, Clibborn, Sells, Moeller, Ericks, Kilmer, and Schual-Berke)
Providing for electronic product recycling.
Finds that a convenient, safe, and environmentally sound system for the collection, transportation, and recycling of covered electronic products must be established.Finds that the system must encourage the design of electronic products that are less toxic and more recyclable.Finds that the responsibility for this system must be shared among all stakeholders, with manufacturers financing the collection, transportation, and recycling system.
| Jan 26 | NREP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Jan 30 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2670-S
by House Committee on Finance (originally sponsored by Representatives Kilmer, Lantz, Priest, Talcott, Green, Conway, Darneille, Cody, Hinkle, Linville, Flannigan, Miloscia, and Moeller)
Authorizing hospital benefit zone financing.
Authorizes a local government to finance public improvements using hospital benefit zone financing subject to the following conditions: (1) The local government adopts an ordinance designating a benefit zone within its boundaries and specifying the public improvements proposed to be financed in whole or in part with the use of hospital benefit zone financing;(2) The public improvements proposed to be financed in whole or in part using hospital benefit zone financing are expected both to encourage private development within the benefit zone and to support the development of a hospital that has received a certificate of need;(3) Private development that is anticipated to occur within the benefit zone, as a result of the public improvements, will be consistent with the county-wide planning policy adopted by the county under RCW 36.70A.210 and the local government's comprehensive plan and development regulations adopted under chapter 36.70A RCW; and(4) The governing body of the local government finds that the public improvements proposed to be financed in whole or in part using hospital benefit zone financing are reasonably likely to: (a) Increase private investment within the benefit zone; (b) Increase employment within the benefit zone; and (c) Generate, over the period of time that the local sales and use tax will be imposed under this act, state and local sales and use tax revenues that are equal to or greater than the respective state and local contributions made under this act.
| Jan 25 | FIN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Jan 30 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2694-S
by House Committee on State Government Operations & Accountability (originally sponsored by Representatives Haigh, Nixon, Sump, and Hunt)
Eliminating Saturday counting of ballots.
Eliminates Saturday counting of ballots.
| Jan 27 | SGOA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2695-S
by House Committee on State Government Operations & Accountability (originally sponsored by Representatives Haigh, Sump, and McDermott)
Modifying absentee or provisional ballot notice requirements.
Revises absentee or provisional ballot notice requirements.
| Jan 27 | SGOA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Jan 30 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2738-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Holmquist, Dunshee, Dunn, Chase, Grant, Rodne, Haler, Kessler, Kilmer, Green, Sells, Kenney, McCoy, Simpson, Roberts, Ormsby, Moeller, Morrell, Linville, Hudgins, McCune, and Hinkle; by request of Governor Gregoire)
Developing minimum renewable fuel content requirements and fuel quality standards in an alternative fuels market.
Prescribes minimum renewable fuel content requirements and fuel quality standards in an alternative fuels market.
| Jan 26 | TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Jan 31 | Referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2753-S
by House Committee on State Government Operations & Accountability (originally sponsored by Representatives Haigh, Nixon, Hunt, and Tom; by request of Secretary of State)
Allowing electronic voter registration.
Authorizes electronic voter registration.Repeals RCW 29A.08.230 and 29A.72.220.
| Jan 27 | SGOA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Jan 30 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2754-S
by House Committee on State Government Operations & Accountability (originally sponsored by Representatives Morrell, Campbell, Green, Haigh, Appleton, Kilmer, Darneille, Cox, Ormsby, Haler, Chase, P. Sullivan, McCoy, Wallace, Sells, Serben, Curtis, Moeller, Blake, Cody, Kenney, Conway, Ericks, Clibborn, Kessler, Simpson, and Linville)
Creating the veterans innovations program.
Finds that: (1) A significant number of Washington citizens answered the call to serve our country in recent military action leaving behind families, community, employment, and education;(2) Many soldiers returning to their families and communities face transition problems in areas such as family reunification, employment, education, and health;(3) While the Washington state department of veterans affairs has provided services to many returning soldiers, a significant number have returned to families and communities without continuing ties to the military department or veterans' administration, but still in need of help; and(4) Our state needs to honor and serve those who have protected our security and safety.Creates in the department a veterans innovations program, which consists of the defenders' fund and the competitive grant program. The purpose of the veterans innovations program is to provide crisis and emergency relief and education, training, and employment assistance to veterans and their families in their communities.Creates the defenders' fund to provide assistance to members of the Washington national guard and reservists who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation Noble Eagle, and who are experiencing financial hardships in employment, education, housing, and health care due to the significant period of time away from home serving our country. The program shall be administered by the department. Eligibility determinations shall be made by the department. Eligible veterans may receive a one-time grant of no more than five hundred dollars.Appropriates the sum of ten million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, from the state general fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006, solely for deposit in the veterans innovations program account created in this act.Appropriates the sum of six million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal biennium ending June 30, 2007, from the veterans innovations program account to the department of veterans affairs solely for the purposes of this act. Of this amount, two million dollars is provided solely for the defenders' fund in section 4 of this act and four million dollars is provided solely for the competitive grant program in section 5 of this act.
| Jan 27 | SGOA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2759-S
by House Committee on Capital Budget (originally sponsored by Representatives Ericks, Pearson, Dunshee, Sells, Roberts, and Rodne)
Authorizing the transfer of certain real property and facilities.
Provides that public bodies, as defined in RCW 43.99C.020, may transfer real property and facilities acquired, constructed, or otherwise improved under chapter 43.99C RCW to nonprofit corporations organized to provide services for individuals with sensory, physical, or mental handicaps. The nonprofit corporation shall use the real property and facilities for the purpose of providing the following limited programs as designated by the department: Nonprofit group training homes, community centers, close to home living units, sheltered workshops, vocational rehabilitation centers, developmental disability training centers, and community homes for the mentally ill.
| Jan 26 | CB - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Jan 30 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2776-S
by House Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance (originally sponsored by Representatives Dickerson, Kirby, Roach, and McDonald)
Regulating home heating fuel service contracts.
Declares that the purpose of this act is to create a legal framework within which home heating fuel service contracts may be sold in this state and set forth requirements for conducting a service contract business.
| Jan 26 | FII - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2778-S
by House Committee on Finance (originally sponsored by Representatives Murray, Kristiansen, Dickerson, Clements, Chase, McDonald, and Dunn)
Exempting certain amounts received by nonprofit convention and tourism promotion corporations from business and occupation tax.
Exempts certain amounts received by nonprofit convention and tourism promotion corporations from business and occupation tax.
| Jan 27 | FIN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2799-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Chase, Morris, Crouse, Eickmeyer, Clibborn, P. Sullivan, Hunt, McCoy, Miloscia, Grant, Sells, Williams, McCune, Moeller, Conway, Upthegrove, Morrell, Simpson, Kilmer, Kagi, Hudgins, Dunn, and Darneille)
Providing tax exemptions for solar hot water equipment.
Provides tax exemptions for solar hot water equipment.
| Jan 26 | TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Referred to Finance. | |
HB 2805-S
by House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections (originally sponsored by Representatives O'Brien, Ericks, Morrell, Miloscia, and Green)
Expanding provisions relating to missing persons.
Declares an intent to build upon the research and findings of the Washington state missing persons task force, assembled by the state attorney general in 2003, the United States department of justice, and others to aid in recovery of missing persons and the identification of human remains.Requires the Washington association of county officials, in consultation with the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, the Washington association of coroners and medical examiners, the forensic investigations council, the Washington state patrol, and other interested agencies and individuals, to convene a committee to coordinate the use of the latest technology and available science to improve reporting of missing persons, to improve the communication within the state and with national data bases, to enhance the dissemination of information to other agencies and the public, and to improve reporting for missing persons and the collection and preservation of evidence.Provides that protocols for the investigation of reported missing persons, identification of human remains, and recommended protocols for the reporting and identification of persons missing as the result of major events not limited to tsunami, earthquake, or acts of terrorism shall be endorsed by the groups named in this act who shall then seek the voluntary adoption of the same by all local law enforcement agencies, coroners, medical examiners, and others charged with locating missing persons or identifying human remains.Directs the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs to create and maintain a statewide web site, which shall be available to the public. The web site shall post relevant information concerning persons reported missing in the state of Washington.Requires the Washington state patrol to establish an interface with local law enforcement and the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs missing persons web site, the toll-free twenty-four hour hotline, and national and other statewide missing persons systems or clearinghouses.Requires local law enforcement agencies to file an official missing persons report and enter biographical information into the state missing persons computerized network within twelve hours after notification of a missing person's report is received under this act.Provides that biological samples taken for a missing person's investigation under RCW 68.50.320 shall be forwarded as appropriate to the federal bureau of investigation upon receipt of the DNA samples and to the Washington state patrol crime lab as soon as possible. The crime laboratory of the state patrol will provide guidance to agencies regarding where samples should be sent, conduct nuclear DNA testing of the biological sample where appropriate and, in the event additional testing is required, the mitochondrial DNA testing will be conducted through the federal bureau of investigation. Priority for testing shall be given to active criminal cases. If substantial delays in testing occur or federal testing is no longer available, the legislature should provide funding to implement mitochondrial technology in the state of Washington.Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.
| Jan 27 | CJC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2822-S
by House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections (originally sponsored by Representatives Priest, Haler, Orcutt, Campbell, Ericksen, Woods, Alexander, Talcott, Kristiansen, Holmquist, Rodne, Serben, Roach, Buri, Skinner, Schindler, Hinkle, Jarrett, McDonald, P. Sullivan, Simpson, Walsh, Tom, Armstrong, McCune, Shabro, and Dunn)
Modifying provisions relating to taking a motor vehicle without permission.
Establishes mandatory minimum penalties for adult offenders convicted of taking a motor vehicle without permission.Provides that any person who makes or mends, or causes to be made or mended, or has in his or her possession, any shaved key commonly used for the commission of taking a motor vehicle without permission, shall be guilty of possession of shaved keys.Declares that possession of a shaved key is a gross misdemeanor.Appropriates the sum of seven million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the state general fund to the Washington state patrol to establish and operate three regional auto theft task forces in Washington.Appropriates the sum of three million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the state general fund to the Washington state patrol to establish and operate proaction auto theft swat units in Washington.
| Jan 27 | CJC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2884-S
by House Committee on Economic Development, Agriculture & Trade (originally sponsored by Representatives Linville and McCoy)
Concerning the use of reclaimed water.
Requires the department of ecology to, in coordination with the department of health, adopt rules for reclaimed water use consistent with this chapter. The rules must address all aspects of reclaimed water use, including commercial and industrial uses, land applications, direct recharge, wetland discharge, surface percolation, constructed wetlands, stream flow augmentation, and greywater use. The rules must also designate whether the department of ecology or the department of health will be the lead permitting or regulatory agency responsible for a particular aspect of reclaimed water use. In developing the rules, the departments of health and ecology shall amend or rescind any existing rules on reclaimed water in conflict with the new rules.Requires the department of ecology to present interim reports to the appropriate committees of the legislature by January 1, 2008, and January 1, 2009, that summarize the steps taken to that date towards the final rule making required by this act. The reports must include, at a minimum, a summary of participation in the advisory group and the topics considered by the department.Provides that all rules required to be adopted pursuant to this act must be completed no later than December 31, 2010.
| Jan 27 | EDAT - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Jan 30 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2908-S
by House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Bailey, Schindler, and Strow)
Modifying the boundary provision for Island county.
Declares that Island county shall consist of all of the islands known as Whidbey, Camano, Smith, Deception, Strawberry, Baby, Minor, Kalamut, and Ben Ure and shall extend into the adjacent channels to connect with the boundaries of adjoining counties as defined by statute.
| Jan 26 | LG - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2914-S
by House Committee on Children & Family Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Roberts, Haler, Darneille, Kagi, Dickerson, Morrell, Hankins, Green, and Simpson)
Regarding compliance with certification standards for providers of residential services and support to persons with developmental disabilities.
Revises provisions for compliance with certification standards for providers of residential services and support to persons with developmental disabilities.
| Jan 26 | CFS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2939-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Grant, Dunshee, Linville, Kessler, Upthegrove, Kilmer, Ericks, Hasegawa, P. Sullivan, Santos, Green, Springer, Conway, Simpson, and Hudgins)
Establishing the energy freedom program.
Declares an intent to reduce Washington's dependence on imported oil, expand renewable fuel production and use in Washington, improve use of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, and promote sustainable rural economic development by creating new jobs and stimulating business and economic activity in local communities across Washington.Provides that to accomplish this, the energy freedom program is established to stimulate strategic investment in facilities, infrastructure, technologies, and research and development that will advance Washington's move toward energy independence.Provides that, beginning July 1, 2006, for four fiscal years through June 30, 2010, the state treasurer shall transfer the sum of twenty-five million dollars each fiscal year from the general fund--state to the energy freedom account established in this act, for a total of one hundred million dollars.Provides that, beginning July 1, 2006, and for four fiscal years through June 30, 2010, the sum of twenty-five million dollars for each fiscal year is appropriated from the energy freedom account to the department of community, trade, and economic development for the purposes of this act.
| Jan 26 | TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2996-S
by House Committee on Children & Family Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Walsh, Haler, Kagi, Roberts, Hankins, and Santos)
Creating a pilot program concerning trauma mitigation for children.
Declares an intent to create a pilot program to demonstrate the effectiveness of trauma mitigation strategies for the treatment of trauma-exposed children.Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.
| Jan 26 | CFS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 30 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 3039-S
by House Committee on Select Committee on Hood Canal (originally sponsored by Representatives McCoy, Eickmeyer, Sump, Chase, Appleton, and B. Sullivan)
Reducing nitrogen discharges into an aquatic rehabilitation zone.
Provides that, before issuing or renewing a permit for a sewage system within an aquatic rehabilitation zone established under RCW 90.88.010(2), the department shall ensure that the system removes nitrogen from the wastewater to the fullest extent practical. The department shall specify conditions in each permit necessary to ensure that nitrogen removal is effective. This requirement must be implemented without requiring rule making by the department.Provides that existing permittees under RCW 90.48.160 and 90.48.162 that operate a sewage system within an aquatic rehabilitation zone established under RCW 90.88.010(2), may have a compliance schedule established by the department to adopt nitrogen removal treatment. The compliance schedule must be as short as possible and may not extend beyond January 1, 2014. Any new system or replacement system permitted after the effective date of this act must install nitrogen removing treatment before a permit may be granted.Requires the department of ecology to offer financial and technical assistance to local governments and tribal entities in the aquatic rehabilitation zone established under RCW 90.88.010(2) to establish or expand on-site sewage system repair and replacement local loan and grant programs. The programs shall give priority to low-income home owners and award grants based on financial need.
| Jan 26 | HOOD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Jan 30 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 3076-S
by House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Ahern, Lantz, McCoy, Nixon, Simpson, Woods, Serben, Springer, Conway, Kessler, Green, and Morrell)
Changing penalties for driving or physical control of a vehicle under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug.
Makes it a felony to drive or be in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug when the person has three prior offenses within seven years or has a prior conviction for vehicular homicide or vehicular assault.
| Jan 27 | JUDI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Jan 30 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 3271
by Representatives Haler, Blake, Serben, and McCune
Concerning archery hunting.
Provides that a person who is otherwise qualified by law to carry a firearm may carry or have in his or her possession such a firearm, including a muzzle loader, while in the field archery hunting during an archery season specified for a designated area.
| Jan 31 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 3272
by Representatives Anderson and Rodne
Requiring a study of mathematics curricula.
Finds that a key reason for the high level of performance of Singapore students is a coherent, sequenced mathematics curriculum that focuses on the core skills of mathematical problem solving.Declares an intent to direct a study of whether to require statewide adoption of the syllabus and curriculum framework for mathematics used by Singapore.Directs the institute to issue a report to the education committees of the legislature by December 1, 2006, in order to assist policymakers in their consideration of requiring statewide adoption of the mathematics syllabus and curriculum framework used by Singapore.
| Jan 31 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
HB 3273
by Representative Anderson
Increasing state property tax distributions to the student achievement fund.
Provides that: (1) For the 2005-06 school year, an amount equal to three hundred dollars per full-time equivalent student in all school districts shall be deposited in the student achievement fund.(2) For the 2006-07 school year, an amount equal to three hundred seventy-five dollars per full-time equivalent student in all school districts shall be deposited in the student achievement fund.(3) For the 2007-08 school year, an amount equal to four hundred fifty dollars per full-time equivalent student in all school districts shall be deposited in the student achievement fund.(4) For each subsequent school year, the amount deposited per full-time equivalent student shall be adjusted for inflation.
| Jan 31 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 3274
by Representatives Conway, Serben, and Dickerson
Revising the industrial insurance self-insurance program.
Finds that: (1) It is fundamental to the Washington workers' compensation system that claims be adjudicated and resolved in a fair, informal, and cooperative environment that benefits the injured worker, the employer, and the department of labor and industries;(2) With an appropriate auditing program and statutory penalty structure, more flexibility and authority for self-insured employers to administer their claims should be granted; and(3) Revisions to the industrial insurance self-insurance program should be made to grant self-insured employers more authority to actively participate in workers' compensation claims.
| Jan 31 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 3275
by Representative Hinkle
Regarding expedited processing for small water impoundments.
Expedites applications for projects to store one hundred acre feet or less of water that demonstrate substantial late-season flow and habitat improvement for resident or anadromous fish by eliminating the diversion of water from the natural course of a stream or river during its base flow period.
| Jan 31 | First reading, referred to Economic Development, Agriculture & Trade. | |
HB 3276
by Representatives Darneille, Upthegrove, Kagi, Hunt, Nixon, Hasegawa, Williams, Dickerson, and Green
Creating a task force to study voting rights and restrictions of felons.
Finds that: (1) The system for determining how, when, and where former felons have their right to vote restored is contributing to uncertainty about the validity of the election process, and local county clerks and auditors find it impossible to access clear information about this determination;(2) Washington currently denies the right to vote to all persons who have been convicted of an infamous crime and who have not fully completed all conditions of their sentence, including full payment of their legal financial obligations;(3) Responsibility for monitoring compliance with the various conditions of the sentence is placed at various times with the department of corrections, the county clerk, and the sentencing judge; and(4) The current system for determining when the right to vote has been restored takes away time from the other important duties of the county clerks, county auditors, and secretary of state's staff.Declares an intent to study the issue of establishing a standard for restricting and restoring the voting rights of felons that will provide clear information about the status of former felon voting rights to all state and local election officials.Directs the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate committees of the legislature by October 30, 2006.
| Jan 31 | First reading, referred to State Government Operations & Accountability. | |
HB 3277
by Representatives O'Brien, Rodne, Kirby, Williams, Darneille, Sells, Kessler, Lovick, Ericks, Simpson, Kilmer, Lantz, Anderson, Takko, Green, Moeller, Campbell, Morris, Hunt, Conway, and Fromhold
Authorizing special verdicts for specified sex offenses against children and vulnerable adults.
Authorizes special verdicts that would result in more severe punishment for certain sex offenses against children and vulnerable adults by increasing the minimum sentences to twenty-five years or the maximum of the standard sentence range, whichever is greater, for rape of a child in the first degree, rape of a child in the second degree, and child molestation in the first degree, when a special allegation that the offense was predatory has been made and proven beyond a reasonable doubt.Increases the minimum sentences to twenty-five years or the maximum of the standard sentence range, whichever is greater, for rape in the first degree, rape in the second degree, indecent liberties by forcible compulsion, and kidnapping in the first degree with sexual motivation, when a special allegation that the victim was under age fifteen at the time of the crime has been made and proven beyond a reasonable doubt.Increases the minimum sentences to twenty-five years or the maximum of the standard sentence range, whichever is greater, for rape in the first degree, rape in the second degree by forcible compulsion, indecent liberties by forcible compulsion, and kidnapping in the first degree with sexual motivation, when a special allegation that the victim was, at the time of the crime, developmentally disabled, mentally disordered, or a frail elder or vulnerable adult, has been made and proven beyond a reasonable doubt, without making any change to the sentencing grid, RCW 9.94A.510, or the seriousness level table, RCW 9.94A.515.
| Jan 31 | First reading, referred to Criminal Justice & Corrections. | |
| CJC - Executive action taken by committee. | ||
| CJC - Majority; do pass. | ||
| Placed on second reading. | ||
HB 3278
by Representatives Conway and Dickerson
Making adjustments to the unemployment insurance system.
Finds that it is in the best interest of unemployed workers, businesses, and the state to maintain a stable and solvent unemployment insurance system. The legislature intends to make adjustments to benefit and tax equity that ensure both the stability and solvency of the system.
| Jan 31 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
SB 6150-S
by Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Fraser, Hewitt, Doumit, Pflug, Brandland, Roach, Rasmussen, Pridemore, Deccio, Fairley, Thibaudeau, Schmidt, Regala, and Rockefeller; by request of Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development and Public Works Board)
Authorizing projects recommended by the public works board.
Authorizes projects recommended by the public works board.
| Jan 30 | WM - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 6151-S
by Senate Committee on Water, Energy & Environment (originally sponsored by Senators Schoesler, Poulsen, Mulliken, Rasmussen, Jacobsen, Morton, and Delvin)
Protecting aquifer levels.
Finds that the department of ecology adopted ground water management subarea rules to manage aquifer depletions in the Odessa subarea, which includes undeveloped portions of the federal Columbia basin project.Finds that deep well agricultural irrigation was permitted within the Odessa subarea under the expectation that federal Columbia basin project water would be delivered to replace the temporary ground water withdrawals in time to stabilize aquifer levels.Finds that because federal project water has not been delivered as anticipated, aquifer levels have continued to decline despite department of ecology and community efforts to manage ground water withdrawals in a sustainable manner.Finds that, because substantial project expansion and aquifer recharge is a long-term effort, the continued availability of ground water for domestic, municipal, industrial, and agricultural uses in the region is in great jeopardy.Declares that immediate relief is needed to encourage more efficient use of water and to protect the region's citizens from economic hardships and public health and safety risks that can result from declining aquifer levels.Requires the department to submit a report to the legislature as to the status of the aquifer, participation in the nonuse program set forth in this act, and the outcome of the United States bureau of reclamation's study on feasible alternatives to Odessa groundwater use. This report must be submitted six months after completion of the United States bureau of reclamation's study, which is expected to be completed in February 2011. The department's report must also suggest viable solutions and the actions needed by the state to move forward with such solutions.
| Jan 30 | WEE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 6158-S
by Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Jacobsen, Oke, Spanel, Doumit, and Shin)
Concerning public disclosure requirements for sensitive fish and wildlife data.
Clarifies the public disclosure of sensitive fish and wildlife data.Provides that sensitive fish and wildlife data may be released to the following entities and their agents for fish, wildlife, land management purposes, or scientific research needs: Government agencies, public utilities, and accredited colleges and universities. Sensitive wildlife data may also be released to the owner, lessee, or right of way or easement holder of the private land to which the data pertains. The release of sensitive fish and wildlife data may be subject to a confidentiality agreement.
| Jan 30 | NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 6188-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Johnson, Keiser, Oke, Rockefeller, Thibaudeau, and Kohl-Welles)
Providing health benefit plans offering coverage for prostate cancer screening.
Provides health benefit plans offering coverage for prostate cancer screening.Provides that each plan offered to public employees and their covered dependents under this chapter that is not subject to the provisions of Title 48 RCW and is issued or renewed after December 31, 2006, shall provide coverage for prostate cancer screening, provided that the screening is delivered upon the recommendation of the patient's physician, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.Declares that this act shall not be construed to prevent the application of standard policy provisions applicable to other benefits, such as deductible or copayment provisions. This act does not limit the authority of the health care authority to negotiate rates and contract with specific providers for the delivery of prostate cancer screening services.Appropriates the sum of fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the department of health for the implementation of a prostate cancer public awareness and education campaign. The campaign shall place special emphasis on early education for men over forty, African-American men, and men who are at high risk for prostate cancer according to the guidelines of the American cancer society.
| Jan 30 | HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 6189-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senator Keiser)
Requiring hospitals to provide patients certain billing information.
Finds that the implementation of health information technologies in hospitals, including electronic medical records, has the potential to significantly reduce cost, improve patient outcomes, and simplify the administration of health care.Finds that the number of and complexity of the bills that result from a hospital stay can be confusing to patients. Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to encourage hospitals to design the implementation of health information technologies so as to allow the hospital to provide the patient, prior to or upon discharge, clearly understandable information about the services provided during the hospital stay, and the bills the patient is likely to receive related to each of those services.
| Jan 30 | HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 6195-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Franklin, Regala, Keiser, Eide, Prentice, Jacobsen, McAuliffe, Fraser, Kline, and Shin)
Requiring health impact assessments.
Finds that people of color experience significant disparities from the general population in education, employment, healthy living conditions, access to health care, and other social determinants of health. The legislature intends that state government policy leaders, program managers, and staff increase their awareness of actions they take or that they contemplate taking that contribute to health disparities.Declares that it shall be the policy of the state of Washington to address health disparities in communities of color by creating an action plan and statewide policy to include health impact assessments that measure and address other social determinants of health that lead to disparities as well as the contributing factors of health that can have broad impacts on improving status, health literacy, physical activity, and nutrition.Requires the state board, in collaboration with the council, to complete health impact assessments, in collaboration with the council, and with assistance that shall be provided by any state agency of which the board makes a request. The state board may limit the number of health impact assessments it produces to retain quality while operating within its available resources.Appropriates the sum of one hundred nineteen thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the department of health for allotment to the state board of health for its use in implementing this act.
| Jan 30 | HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 6197-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Franklin, Regala, Eide, Prentice, Fraser, Brown, Kline, Kohl-Welles, and Shin)
Creating the governor's interagency coordinating council on health disparities.
Declares an intent to create the healthiest state in the nation by striving to eliminate health disparities in people of color. In meeting the intent of this act, the legislature creates the governor's interagency council on health disparities.Directs the council to promote and facilitate communication, coordination, and collaboration among relevant state agencies and communities of color to address health disparities. The council shall conduct public hearings, inquiries, studies, or other forms of information gathering to understand how the actions of state government ameliorate or contribute to health disparities. Within the limits of their resources, all state agencies must cooperate with the council's efforts.Directs the governor's interagency council on health disparities to consider in its deliberations an action plan for eliminating health disparities by 2012.Requires the council to meet as often as necessary but not less than six times per calendar year. The council shall report its progress with the action plan to the governor and the legislature no later than January 15, 2008. A second report shall be presented no later than January 15, 2010, and a final report from the council shall be presented to the governor and the legislature no later than January 15, 2012.Requires the joint committee to conduct a review of the governor's interagency coordinating council on health disparities and its functions. The review shall be substantially the same as a sunset review under chapter 43.131 RCW. The joint committee shall present its findings to appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2016.Appropriates the sum of one hundred eighty-eight thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the department of health for allotment to the state board of health for its use in implementing this act.
| Jan 30 | HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 6205-S
by Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Jacobsen, Oke, and Shin; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission)
Modifying provisions governing the sale of unneeded park land.
Revises provisions governing the sale of unneeded park land.
| Jan 30 | NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 6209-S
by Senate Committee on Water, Energy & Environment (originally sponsored by Senator Jacobsen)
Modifying utility charge provisions.
Provides that where multiple individuals are liable for payment of a utility charge, each responsible party shall provide acknowledgment of that liability by signing a form provided by the utility. The utility may allow up to thirty days for submittal of the signature, which may be provided in person or by mail. If the acknowledgment is not provided within thirty days, the utility may terminate services or be limited to seeking payment from the individual who established the account.Provides that the city or town may not refuse to provide service to an applicant or customer because there are outstanding amounts due from a prior customer at the same premises, unless the city or town can determine, based on objective evidence, that a fraudulent act is being committed such that the applicant or customer is acting in cooperation with the prior customer with the intent to avoid payment.
| Jan 30 | WEE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 6246-S
by Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Kastama, Roach, Eide, Pflug, and Shin; by request of Lieutenant Governor)
Outlining the duties of the lieutenant governor.
Finds that as the duties and responsibilities of the office of lieutenant governor have continued to incrementally increase, they have been distributed among various noncorresponding chapters in statute.Finds that by consolidating the duties and responsibilities of the office of lieutenant governor under one chapter it keeps our statutes consistent among the different statewide elected offices and greater facilitates the understanding of the role of the office of lieutenant governor and its many statutorily defined duties and responsibilities.
| Jan 30 | GO - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 6266-S
by Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senator Kastama)
Providing for county and city participation in the rule-making process.
Provides that, when the interests of a county or city are or could reasonably be affected by a subject of rule making, the agency shall invite all affected counties and cities to participate in a pilot rule project. If any affected county or city accepts the invitation to participate, then the agency and the participating counties and cities shall jointly develop a pilot rule project.
| Jan 30 | GO - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 6287-S
by Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Fairley, Thibaudeau, and Shin)
Authorizing special parking privileges for the legally blind.
Authorizes special parking privileges for the legally blind.
| Jan 30 | TRAN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 6359-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Parlette, and Kline; by request of Employment Security Department)
Ensuring employers do not evade their contribution rate.
Provides that, if it is found that a purpose of the transfer or acquisition of a business was to obtain a reduced array calculation factor rate, then the following applies: (1) If the successor was an employer at the time of the transfer, then the experience rating accounts of the employers involved shall be combined into a single account and the employers assigned the higher of the predecessor or successor array calculation factor rate.(2) If the successor was not an employer at the time of the transfer, then the experience rating account of the acquired business must not be transferred and, instead, the new employer rate shall be assigned.Provides that, if the person knowingly evading the successorship provisions, or knowingly attempting to evade these provisions, or knowingly promoting the evasion of these provisions, is not an employer, the person is subject to a civil penalty assessment of five thousand dollars per occurrence. In addition, the person is subject to the penalties prescribed in RCW 50.36.020 as if the person were an employer. The person must also pay for the employment security department's reasonable expenses of auditing his or her books and collecting the civil penalty assessment.
| Jan 30 | LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 6875
by Senators Eide, Pflug, Brandland, Mulliken, Rasmussen, Benton, and Benson
Providing small business tax relief.
Provides small business tax relief.Repeals RCW 82.04.4451.
| Jan 31 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 6876
by Senators Mulliken, Deccio, Swecker, Stevens, Hargrove, Oke, Roach, Benton, Benson, Zarelli, Sheldon, Johnson, Honeyford, Hewitt, Schoesler, Morton, Parlette, and Delvin
Prohibiting the superintendent of public instruction from encouraging or promoting the teaching of sexual orientation.
Prohibits the superintendent of public instruction from encouraging or promoting the teaching of sexual orientation.
| Jan 31 | First reading, referred to Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education. | |
SB 6877
by Senator Kline
Modifying provisions relating to crimes against personal property.
Revises provisions relating to crimes against personal property.
| Jan 31 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 6878
by Senators Doumit, Schoesler, Pridemore, Roach, Kline, Morton, Benton, Brandland, and Rasmussen
Revising provisions relating to renewing a concealed pistol license by members of the armed forces.
Revises provisions relating to renewing a concealed pistol license by members of the armed forces.
| Jan 31 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 6879
by Senators Esser, Poulsen, Morton, Finkbeiner, Kline, and Rasmussen
Providing smart grid energy technology tax incentives.
Provides that, no later than December 1, 2007, the department, in collaboration with the center and its northwest energy technology collaborative, shall adopt rules creating a certification process for smart grid energy technologies that promise to significantly improve the reliability, efficiency, and environmental integrity of electrical transmission and distribution systems. The rules shall not take effect until after the end of the next regular legislative session. "Smart grid energy technology" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 82.63.010.
| Jan 31 | First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Environment. | |
SB 6880
by Senators Kline, Weinstein, and McCaslin
Creating a commission on psychoactive substance control.
Creates a commission to investigate and make recommendations for alternative regulatory approaches to the production, distribution, and control of psychoactive substances with the objective of reducing crime, enhancing public health, protecting children, and promoting efficient use of scarce public resources.Requires the commission to report its recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2007.
| Jan 31 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SJM 8040
by Senator Thibaudeau
Requesting the creation of a department of peace and nonviolence.
Requests the creation of a department of peace and nonviolence.
| Jan 31 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |