HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6520

BYSenators Lee, Talmadge, Anderson, Sutherland, Patrick, Thorsness, Barr, McMullen, Williams and Bauer

Giving the department of health responsibility for matters relating to nonionizing radiation.

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (13)

      Signed by Representatives Nelson, Chair; H. Myers, Vice Chair; Hankins, Ranking Republican Member; Bennett, Brooks, Cooper, Gallagher, Jacobsen, Jesernig, May, R. Meyers, Miller and S. Wilson.

House Staff:Fred Adair (786-7113)

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (16)

      Signed by Representatives Grant, Vice Chair; H. Sommers, Vice Chair; Brekke, Brough, Dorn, Ebersole, Ferguson, Hine, May, Nealey, Sayan, Spanel, Sprenkle, Valle, Wang and Wineberry.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (8)

      Signed by Representatives Locke, Chair; Silver, Ranking Republican Member; Youngsman, Assistant Ranking Republican Member; Belcher, Bowman, Inslee, McLean and Rust.

House Staff:      Michelle Hauth (786-7384)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 2, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Office of Radiation Protection within the Department of Health is the state agency primarily responsible for regulating and tracking issues related to ionizing radiation.

Presently, no state agency has specific direction to follow issues relating to non-ionizing radiation.  Sources of non-ionizing radiation include electric power lines, electric blankets, water beds, other household appliances, ultrasound equipment, and laser beams.

Research efforts to date, especially epidemiological studies, point to possible health effects from exposure to non-ionizing radiation.  These indications have promoted intensified research, especially in the areas of electric and magnetic fields.

SUMMARY:

The Office of Radiation Protection is designated as the lead state agency responsible for following the issues surrounding non-ionizing radiation.  The Office of Radiation Protection is directed to:  concentrate on issues surrounding electric and magnetic fields, serve as a state clearinghouse for information on this topic, maintain current information on studies pertaining to the health effects of non-ionizing radiation, and to periodically inform other state agencies regarding this topic.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    (Energy & Utilities)  Senator Eleanor Lee, prime sponsor; Senator Phil Talmadge, sponsor; Senator Max Benitz, Chairman, sponsoring committee; Mike Kaufman, Neighbors Against Power Encroachment; Vivian Matthews, self; Tom Manley and Virginia Wilhelmi, Citizens Against Overhead Power Lines; and Henry Yates, Seattle City Light.

(Appropriations)  No one.

House Committee - Testified Against:      (Energy & Utilities)  No one.

(Appropriations)  No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    (Energy & Utilities)  There is much research on the subject.  An impartial source in state government is needed as an authority and clearing house so, among other things, persons can call for advice.  There are concerns and fears concerning non-ionizing radiation because of studies indicating adverse health impacts.  The state should keep abreast of and provide information concerning the large number of studies on the effects of non-ionizing radiation.

(Appropriations)  None.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      (Energy & Utilities)  None.

(Appropriations)  None.