 | WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE | |
| Legislative Digest No. 29 | ||
| FIFTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE | ||
| Friday, February 17, 2006 | 40th Day - 2006 Regular Session | |
| SENATE |
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| HOUSE |
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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 2489-S2
by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Hunter, Jarrett, P. Sullivan, Springer, Morrell, Tom, Simpson, Miloscia, O'Brien, Roberts, and Green)
Assisting students to graduate from high school on time.
Provides that, for each high school student who was not successful on any or all of the content areas of the high school Washington assessment of student learning, either initially or after subsequent retakes of the assessment: (1) The school district shall prepare the student learning plan required under RCW 28A.655.061 before the end of the school year in which the assessment scores are returned;(2) The school district shall arrange a student-led conference for the student's parent or guardian to discuss the remedial extended learning activities the district will provide under this act and explain the student's level of risk of not graduating on time if the student does not participate in remediation assistance. To the maximum extent possible, student-led conferences shall be facilitated by a teacher or counselor who has been assigned as the student's mentor for the duration of the student's enrollment in the school;(3) If the student is in out-of-home care as defined by RCW 13.34.030, the school district shall include the student's social worker assigned from the department of social and health services in the student-led conference.Provides that, beginning with the 2009 assessment, the notice to parents of the results of the high school Washington assessment of student learning shall include the student's responses compared to the correct responses to test questions and information about how the parent can obtain a copy of the assessment. A school district shall provide an electronic or paper copy of the assessment on request. However, if specific funding for the purpose of this provision is not provided in the omnibus appropriations act, by June 30, 2006, a school district is not obligated to comply with this provision.
| Feb 6 | APP - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 7 | Placed on second reading. | |
| Feb 9 | 2nd substitute bill substituted. | |
| Floor amendment(s) adopted. | ||
| Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. | ||
| Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 0. | ||
| Feb 11 | First reading, referred to Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education. | |
HB 2582-S2
by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Upthegrove, Hunter, Appleton, Hasegawa, Quall, Clibborn, Simpson, Green, Ormsby, Kenney, Hudgins, and Kagi)
Expanding high school completion programs.
Finds that the state's commitment to providing a basic education for all public school students under the age of twenty-one should continue until a student earns a diploma. Therefore the legislature intends to expand high school completion programs at community and technical colleges for older students who have not yet received a diploma but are eligible for state basic education support.Provides that, in accordance with this act, each community or technical college shall make available courses or a program of study designed to enable students under the age of twenty-one who have completed all state high school graduation requirements except the certificate of academic achievement or certificate of individual achievement to complete their high school education and obtain a high school diploma.
| Feb 4 | APP - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 7 | Placed on second reading. | |
| Feb 9 | 2nd substitute bill substituted. | |
| Floor amendment(s) adopted. | ||
| Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. | ||
| Third reading, passed; yeas, 85; nays, 13; absent, 0; excused, 0. | ||
| Feb 11 | First reading, referred to Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education. | |
HB 2583-S2
by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Kenney, Cox, Conway, Hasegawa, Roberts, Appleton, Upthegrove, Morrell, Linville, Hunt, Dickerson, and Ormsby)
Regarding community and technical college part-time academic employee health benefits.
Declares an intent to provide for continuous health care eligibility for part-time academic employees based on averaging workload gained during the preceding academic year.Provides that part-time academic employees, as defined in RCW 28B.50.489, who have established eligibility as determined from the payroll records of the employing community or technical college districts, for employer contributions for benefits under this chapter and who have worked an average of half-time or more in an academic year, through employment at one or more community or technical college districts, are eligible for continuation of employer contributions for the subsequent summer quarter period including the break between summer and fall quarters.Provides that, to be eligible for maintenance of benefits through averaging, part-time academic employees must notify their employers of their potential eligibility. The state board for community and technical colleges shall report back to the legislature by November 15, 2009, on the feasibility of eliminating the self-reporting requirement for employees.
| Feb 4 | APP - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Feb 7 | Placed on second reading. | |
| Feb 9 | 2nd substitute bill substituted. | |
| Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. | ||
| Third reading, passed; yeas, 98; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0. | ||
| Feb 11 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
HB 2740-S
by House Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives Orcutt, Blake, and Kretz)
Concerning applications for forest practices. (REVISED FOR ENGROSSED: Concerning forest practices.)
Finds that: (1) Local governments are the appropriate place for land use changes to be considered and for ordinances to be implemented that relate to the clearing and grading of land, local services, and critical areas;(2) The department of natural resources implements the forest practices act and the forest practices rules;(3) The department of ecology is responsible for protection of water quality;(4) It is in the best interests of the state that forest landowners keep their land in forestry;(5) Working forests are vital to the economic and environmental health of the state;(6) Processes are in place which allow a landowner to convert forest land to another use or maintain the option to convert forest land at a later date;(7) Laws governing conversion of forest land to other uses and regulatory jurisdiction over such forest practices have been in place for more than eight years; and(8) It is clear that at times in some places in the state these laws, and associated administrative processes, have unnecessarily complicated landowners' ability to carry out forest practices.Requires the department of natural resources to provide a report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by October 31, 2006, including recommendations for changes to laws and administrative processes.
| Feb 2 | NREP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 3 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
| Feb 9 | Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. | |
| Feb 13 | 1st substitute bill substituted. | |
| Floor amendment(s) adopted. | ||
| Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. | ||
| Third reading, passed; yeas, 98; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0. | ||
| Feb 15 | First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation. | |
HB 2785-S2
by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Quall, Tom, P. Sullivan, Hunter, Morrell, Nixon, Rodne, Roberts, Schual-Berke, Simpson, Springer, Sells, Lantz, Linville, Dunshee, and Kagi; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction)
Authorizing alternative methods of assessment and appeal processes for the certificate of academic achievement.
Provides that a student may access an alternative if the student meets applicable eligibility criteria in RCW 28A.655.061 and other eligibility criteria established by the superintendent of public instruction, including but not limited to a ninety-five percent minimum attendance criterion and required participation in remediation programs or instruction.Requires the superintendent of public instruction to develop a list of approved career and technical education programs that qualify for the objective alternative assessment for career and technical students developed under this act. Programs on the list must meet the following minimum criteria: (1) Lead to a certificate or credential that is state or nationally recognized by trades, industries, or other professional associations as necessary for employment or advancement in that field;(2) Require a sequenced progression of multiple courses, both exploratory and preparatory, that are vocationally intensive and rigorous; and(3) Have a high potential for providing the program completer with gainful employment or entry into a postsecondary work force training program.Provides that, by September 2006, the superintendent of public instruction shall report the following, in detail, to the education committees of the legislature: (1) Results of the pilot testing of the alternative assessments authorized under this act;(2) The proposed guidelines, protocols, and procedures to be used by the superintendent in implementing the alternative assessments, particularly the collection of evidence;(3) A description of the training to be provided for school districts, educators serving on scoring panels, and teachers assisting students with collections of evidence; and(4) Updated estimates of the number of students likely to be eligible or apply for either alternative assessment method.Provides that, if specific funding for the purposes of section 5 of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number is not provided by June 30, 2006, in the omnibus appropriations act, section 5 of this act is null and void.
| Feb 4 | APP - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 7 | Placed on second reading. | |
| Feb 9 | 2nd substitute bill substituted. | |
| Floor amendment(s) adopted. | ||
| Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. | ||
| Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 4; absent, 0; excused, 0. | ||
| Feb 11 | First reading, referred to Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education. | |
HB 2789-S2
by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Quall, Conway, Wood, Hasegawa, Haigh, Ormsby, Murray, Chase, Kessler, Morrell, Green, Roberts, McCoy, Moeller, Simpson, Sells, Lantz, McDermott, Ericks, Hankins, Kagi, and Hudgins; by request of Governor Gregoire)
Expanding apprenticeship opportunities for high school graduates.
Finds that it is in the public interest of the state to encourage and facilitate the formation of cooperative relationships between business and labor and educational institutions that provide for the development and expansion of programs of educational skills training consistent with employment needs.Finds that it is in the state's interest to make students aware of the educational training programs and career employment opportunities.Requires the following to be implemented to expand opportunities for secondary school students to prepare for technical careers and related apprenticeships: (1) Centers of excellence and other colleges with a high density of apprenticeship programs shall act as brokers of relevant information and resources as provided for in this act;(2) An educational outreach program coordinated by the Washington state apprenticeship and training council as provided for in this act; and(3) The development of direct-entry programs for graduating secondary students, approved and overseen by the Washington state apprenticeship and training council as provided for in this act.Provides that, subject to funding provided for the purposes of this act, the superintendent of public instruction in consultation with the Washington state apprenticeship and training council shall allocate grants on a competitive basis to up to four pilot projects to expand enrollment of secondary school students in career and technical programs that enable them to enter apprenticeships, particularly building and construction apprenticeships, upon graduation. The purpose of the pilot projects is to develop new collaborations among K-12 education and work force education providers and try new approaches to delivering instruction and career and technical education to secondary school students.Provides that two of the pilot projects shall involve skill centers or high schools working collaboratively with local or regional apprenticeship programs and the Washington state apprenticeship and training council to design and offer the programs.Provides that two of the pilot projects shall involve community or technical colleges working collaboratively with local high schools, local or regional apprenticeship programs, and the Washington state apprenticeship and training council to design and offer the programs.Provides that at least one of the pilot projects is encouraged to involve small or rural high schools.
| Feb 4 | APP - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 7 | Placed on second reading. | |
| Feb 9 | 2nd substitute bill substituted. | |
| Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. | ||
| Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 4; absent, 0; excused, 0. | ||
| Feb 11 | First reading, referred to Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education. | |
HB 2860-S2
by House Committee on Capital Budget (originally sponsored by Representatives Grant, Newhouse, Hankins, Haler, Walsh, and McCune)
Regarding water resource management in the Columbia river basin.
Finds that state water resources management in the Columbia river basin must immediately initiate the development of new water supplies to meet the economic and community development needs of people and the instream flow needs of fish.Declares that a Columbia river basin water supply development program is needed, and directs the department of ecology to aggressively pursue the development of cost-effective water supplies to benefit both instream and out-of-stream uses.Provides that, to support the development of new water supplies in the Columbia river, the department of ecology shall work with all interested parties, including but not limited to, interested watershed planning groups working adjacent to the Columbia river and tribal governments, to develop a Columbia river water supply inventory. The inventory must include: (1) A list of potential conservation and storage projects in the Columbia river basin;(2) Estimates of project costs and benefits;(3) A ranking of projects from the least expensive per acre-foot of water conserved to the most expensive per acre-foot;(4) A ranking of projects from the most beneficial to fish to the least beneficial to fish; and(5) A ranking of projects from the most beneficial to agriculture to the least beneficial to agriculture.Requires the Columbia river water supply inventory to consider long-term trends in water supply and demand, rely on existing project data already completed by local planning groups, and supplement existing information as necessary to develop a useful inventory.Directs the department of ecology to complete the first Columbia river water supply inventory by November 15, 2006, and shall update the inventory annually thereafter.Makes appropriations to carry out the provisions of the act.
| Feb 6 | CB - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Feb 7 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
| Feb 8 | Placed on second reading. | |
| Feb 13 | 2nd substitute bill substituted. | |
| Floor amendment(s) adopted. | ||
| Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. | ||
| Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 4; absent, 0; excused, 0. | ||
| Feb 14 | Read first time, rules suspended, and placed on second reading calendar. | |
| Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. | ||
| Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1. | ||
| Feb 15 | Speaker signed. | |
| President signed. | ||
| Delivered to Governor. | ||
| Feb 16 | Governor signed. | |
| Chapter 6, 2006 Laws. | ||
| Effective date 7/1/2006. | ||
HB 3017-S2
by House Committee on Capital Budget (originally sponsored by Representatives Springer, P. Sullivan, Upthegrove, Chase, Morrell, Simpson, Sells, Schual-Berke, Green, Kilmer, B. Sullivan, Linville, and Hasegawa; by request of Governor Gregoire and Commissioner of Public Lands)
Placing restrictions on condemnation and sale of condemned property by state and local governments.
Finds that members of the public have expressed concern regarding a recent United States supreme court decision, Kelo v. New London (No. 04-108 (June 23, 2005)), which upheld, under the United States Constitution, a Connecticut city's exercise of eminent domain. It is the intent of the legislature to recognize, reaffirm, and support existing Washington case law under Article I, section 16 of the state Constitution, that prohibits the condemnation of private property other than for certain public purposes pursuant to law.Recognizes, reaffirms, and supports the restrictions on the use of eminent domain to take private property for private use, as set forth in chapters 8.04, 8.08, 8.12, 8.16, and 8.20 RCW. It is the intent of the legislature that state and local governments shall not appropriate or acquire any real property for the primary purpose of economic development without the consent of the property owner.Provides that, if a local government determines, within seven years after the date the property is transferred to the county, that all or a portion of real property or an interest in real property that was acquired through condemnation or the threat of condemnation is no longer necessary for a public purpose and should be sold, the former owner shall have a repurchase right as provided in this act.Directs the office of financial management, working in consultation with state and local governments and private utilities and corporations that acquire property through eminent domain, to develop and provide recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2006, regarding the definition of "economic development" as set forth in RCW 8.04.070, 8.08.020, and 8.12.030 and regarding the appropriate statutory provisions for providing a repurchase right to the former owner of land that has been condemned by a state or local government or a private utility or corporation, where the condemning entity has decided to sell the condemned land.
| Feb 7 | CB - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
HB 3115-S2
by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Darneille, Talcott, Morrell, Green, McDonald, Ormsby, Simpson, and Roberts)
Establishing a foster parent critical support and retention program.
Finds that: (1) Foster parents are able to successfully maintain placements of children who are sexually reactive, physically assaultive, or who have other high-risk behaviors when they are provided with proper training and support. Lack of support contributes to placement disruptions and multiple moves between foster homes.(2) Young children who have experienced repeated early abuse and trauma are at high risk for behavior later in life that is sexually deviant, if left untreated. Placement with a well-trained, prepared, and supported foster family can break this cycle.Establishes a foster parent critical support and retention program to retain foster parents who care for children who act out sexually, are physically assaultive, or have other high-risk behaviors. The foster parent critical support and retention program is to be implemented under the division of children and family services' contract and supervision. A contractor must demonstrate experience providing in-home case management to foster homes that are licensed through the division of children and family services.Provides that, under the foster parent critical support and retention program, foster parents who care for children who act out sexually and/or physically or have other high-risk behaviors shall receive: (1) Twenty-four/seven emergency assistance;(2) Assessment of risk and development of a safety and supervision plan;(3) Home-based foster parent training utilizing evidence-based models;(4) Ongoing support groups; and(5) Referral to community services.Finds that: (1) Foster parents are able to successfully maintain placements of children who are sexually reactive, physically assaultive, or who have other high-risk behaviors when they are provided with proper training and support. Lack of support contributes to placement disruptions and multiple moves between foster homes.(2) Young children who have experienced repeated early abuse and trauma are at high risk for behavior later in life that is sexually deviant, if left untreated. Placement with a well-trained, prepared, and supported foster family can break this cycle.Establishes a foster parent critical support and retention program to retain foster parents who care for children who act out sexually, are physically assaultive, or have other high-risk behaviors. The foster parent critical support and retention program is to be implemented under the division of children and family services' contract and supervision. A contractor must demonstrate experience providing in-home case management to foster homes that are licensed through the division of children and family services.Provides that, under the foster parent critical support and retention program, foster parents who care for children who act out sexually and/or physically or have other high-risk behaviors shall receive: (1) Twenty-four/seven emergency assistance;(2) Assessment of risk and development of a safety and supervision plan;(3) Home-based foster parent training utilizing evidence-based models;(4) Ongoing support groups; and(5) Referral to community services.
| Feb 4 | APP - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Feb 7 | Placed on second reading. | |
| Feb 9 | 2nd substitute bill substituted. | |
| Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. | ||
| Third reading, passed; yeas, 98; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0. | ||
| Feb 11 | First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections. | |
HB 3186-S
by House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Law (originally sponsored by Representatives Dickerson and Rodne)
Modifying disposition orders.
Provides that, the prosecuting attorney, upon request by the juvenile court probation officer, may move the court to modify the terms of the order of the disposition, whether or not the respondent has violated any terms of the order of disposition. The court may modify the order of disposition for good cause shown, so long as the modification does not result in any increased sanction or penalty. In determining whether good cause exists, the court shall consider the best interests of the respondent, the victim, and the community.
| Jan 31 | JJFL - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Feb 2 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
| Feb 6 | Placed on second reading suspension calendar. | |
| Feb 8 | Placed on second reading. | |
| Feb 13 | 1st substitute bill substituted. | |
| Floor amendment(s) adopted. | ||
| Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. | ||
| Third reading, passed; yeas, 95; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 2. | ||
| Feb 15 | First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections. | |
SB 5330
by Senators Shin, Rasmussen, Berkey, McAuliffe, and Kohl-Welles
Creating the economic development grants program.
Declares that it is the state's policy to maximize the use of federal and private funds for economic development purposes and to devote state resources to leverage federal and private dollars to supplement state economic development efforts. In furtherance of this policy, it is the purpose of this act to authorize and fund a technical assistance and grant writing program within the department of community, trade, and economic development.Requires the department to submit to the appropriate committees of the legislature an annual list of grant applications submitted, grant awards received, and the total amount of grant funds received during the year. The list shall be due by December 1st of each year.Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.
| Jan 20 | First reading, referred to International Trade & Economic Development. | |
| Feb 10 | ITED - Majority; do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Mar 3 | WM - Majority; do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
| Mar 11 | Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. | |
| Mar 14 | Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. | |
| Third reading, passed; yeas, 43; nays, 0; absent, 2; excused, 4. | ||
| Mar 15 | First reading, referred to Economic Development, Agriculture & Trade. | |
| Apr 1 | EDAT - Executive action taken by committee. | |
| EDAT - Majority; do pass with amendment(s). | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Referred to Appropriations. | ||
| Apr 24 | By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading. | |
| Jan 9 | By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. | |
| Jan 19 | Made eligible to be placed on third reading. | |
| Feb 9 | Placed on third reading by Rules Committee. | |
| Feb 11 | Rules suspended. | |
| Returned to second reading for amendment. | ||
| Floor amendment(s) adopted. | ||
| Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. | ||
| Third reading, passed; yeas, 37; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 12. | ||
| Feb 14 | First reading, referred to Economic Development, Agriculture & Trade. | |
SB 6433
by Senators Kastama, Jacobsen, Poulsen, Pridemore, Rockefeller, Shin, Haugen, Rasmussen, Keiser, Regala, Thibaudeau, Franklin, McAuliffe, and Kohl-Welles
Establishing the emergency management, preparedness, and assistance account.
Declares that recognizing that all disasters are local disasters, the legislature therefore intends to strengthen local emergency response, mitigation, preparation, and coordination by establishing a stable source of funding with the intent that Washington state become the nationally recognized leader in emergency management. The funding will be dedicated to the development and coordination of local government emergency management programs by encouraging joint training, citizen and industry involvement, public education, and relationship building among local and state emergency management officials.Provides that, beginning in January 2008 and biennially thereafter, the department must conduct in conjunction with the emergency management council a strategic assessment of, and issue a report on, the ability of state, local, and tribal emergency management organizations to effectively provide for all phases of comprehensive emergency management. The assessment must: (1) Evaluate state, local, and tribal emergency management capabilities and needs;(2) Evaluate the ability of state, local, and tribal emergency management organizations to provide emergency management mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery;(3) Evaluate the effectiveness of the emergency management structure at the state, local, and tribal levels;(4) Provide findings and make recommendations that increase the ability of state, local, and tribal emergency management organizations to meet current and future risks; and(5) Detail where and for what purpose funds under section 3(1)(b) of this act have been distributed.Requires the joint legislative audit and review committee to study and review the performance of programs implemented under this act.
| Jan 12 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
| Feb 3 | GO - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Feb 7 | WM - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
| Feb 8 | Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. | |
| Feb 11 | 2nd substitute bill not substituted. | |
| Floor amendment(s) adopted. | ||
| Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. | ||
| Third reading, passed; yeas, 39; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 10. | ||
| Feb 15 | First reading, referred to State Government Operations & Accountability. | |
SB 6480-S2
by Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Haugen, Brown, and Keiser; by request of Department of Transportation)
Modifying public works apprenticeship utilization requirements.
Revises public works apprenticeship utilization requirements.Establishes an intent to assist returning veterans through programs such as the "helmets to hardhats" program, which is administered by the center for military recruitment, assessment, and veterans employment. It is the state's intent to assist returning veterans with apprenticeship placement career opportunities, in order to expedite the transition from military service to the construction work force.Directs the secretary of transportation to establish an apprenticeship utilization advisory committee, which shall include statewide geographic representation and consist of equal numbers of representatives of contractors and labor. The committee must include at least one member representing contractor businesses with less than thirty-five employees. The advisory committee shall meet regularly with the secretary of transportation to discuss implementation of this act by the department of transportation, including development of the process to be used to adjust the requirements of this act for a specific project. The committee shall provide a report to the legislature by January 1, 2008, on the effects of the apprentice labor requirement on transportation projects and on the availability of apprentice labor and programs statewide.Directs the Washington state apprenticeship and training council to lead and coordinate an outreach effort to educate returning veterans about apprenticeship and career opportunities in the construction industry.
| Feb 7 | TRAN - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
| Feb 8 | Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. | |
| Feb 11 | 2nd substitute bill substituted. | |
| Floor amendment(s) adopted. | ||
| Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. | ||
| Third reading, passed; yeas, 30; nays, 11; absent, 0; excused, 8. | ||
| Feb 14 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
SB 6497-S2
by Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Kline, Franklin, and Hargrove)
Revising felony sentence ranges.
Finds that statutorily granted judicial discretion in sentencing has been limited by appellate court decisions requiring jury findings prior to imposing sentences above the standard sentence ranges.Finds that expanding the sentencing ranges is the most appropriate method of increasing judicial discretion while retaining commensurate and appropriate punishment for similarly situated offenders as well as assuring the frugal use of state and local government resources.Declares an intent to provide judges with increased discretion and decrease the need to impose exceptional sentences. The legislature further intends that sentencing courts have the authority and power to adopt suitable processes of proceeding in cases where exceptional sentences are appropriate to the extent that such procedures are mandated by the United States Constitution or Washington state Constitution.
| Feb 7 | WM - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
| Feb 10 | Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. | |
| Feb 13 | 2nd substitute bill substituted. | |
| Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. | ||
| Third reading, passed; yeas, 32; nays, 15; absent, 0; excused, 2. | ||
| Feb 15 | First reading, referred to Criminal Justice & Corrections. | |
SB 6581-S2
by Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Poulsen and Delvin)
Regarding water resource management in the Columbia river basin.
Finds that a key priority of water resource management in the Columbia river basin is the development of new water supplies to meet the economic and community development needs of people and the instream flow needs of fish.Declares that a Columbia river basin water supply development program is needed, and directs the department of ecology to aggressively pursue the development of water supplies to benefit both instream and out-of-stream uses.Requires the department of ecology to focus its efforts to develop water supplies for the Columbia river basin on the following needs: (1) Alternatives to ground water for agricultural users in the Odessa subarea aquifer;(2) Sources of water supply for pending water right applications;(3) A new uninterruptible supply of water for the holders of interruptible water rights on the Columbia river mainstem that are subject to instream flows or other mitigation conditions to protect stream flows; and(4) New municipal, domestic, industrial, and irrigation water needs within the Columbia river basin.Authorizes the department of ecology to enter into voluntary regional agreements under which applications for new water rights from the Columbia river mainstem may be approved.Requires the department of ecology to monitor and evaluate the water allocated to instream and out-of-stream uses under this act and provide a report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by June 30, 2010.Provides that, by July 1, 2006, the department shall convene discussion groups, including all appropriate stakeholders, to consider and make recommendations on the following issues: (1) The public interest in regional equity regarding the sources of water supplies and mechanisms, to determine whether interregional water transfers jeopardize the economic health of any region or tributary basin. The review must also consider mechanisms that might provide for water supplies in other regions while retaining the water right in the region of the water source;(2) Whether a water bank for the Columbia river mainstem would simplify and improve the approval of water acquisitions, leases, loans, and exchanges; reduce the time and costs associated with such transactions; and increase the availability of water supplies and water-related information.Provides that reports from the reviews under this act are due to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 31, 2006.
| Feb 7 | WM - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
| Feb 13 | Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. | |