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ONE HUNDRED AND FIRST DAY





MORNING SESSION


House Chamber, Olympia, Wednesday, April 21, 1999


             The House was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Speaker Pro Tempore Ogden. The Clerk called the roll and a quorum was present.


             The flag was escorted to the rostrum by a Sergeant at Arms Color Guard, Pages Elizabeth Kather and Arnell Owens. Prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Sanford Brown, First United Methodist Church, Wenatchee.


RESOLUTION


             HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 99-4653, by Representatives Stensen, Kastama, Wolfe, Santos, Wood, O'Brien, Doumit, Eickmeyer, Dunshee, Morris, Murray, Gombosky, Hatfield, Regala, McIntire, Tokuda, H. Sommers, Anderson, Edmonds, Lantz, Schual-Berke, Romero, Hurst, Rockefeller, Fisher, Scott, Ruderman, Reardon, Haigh, Keiser, Edwards, Constantine, Cooper, Conway, Quall, Veloria, Kenney, Cody, Fortunato, Kagi, Linville, Lambert, McMorris, D. Schmidt, Huff, Wensman, Ballasiotes, Radcliff, K. Schmidt, Mitchell, G. Chandler, Thomas, Mulliken, Hankins, Esser, Skinner, Carlson and Talcott


             WHEREAS, The family is the cornerstone of our nation and state, and children are the future of society; and

             WHEREAS, The care and nurturing of children has traditionally been the responsibility of biological parents with support of the neighborhood and community; and

             WHEREAS, Changes in social structure have resulted in some biological parents unable to appropriately care for their children; and

             WHEREAS, Grandparents and other relatives step forward and assume the full, daily parental responsibility for the children of relatives; and

             WHEREAS, Relatives face emotional, financial, legal, and day-to-day living challenges in their efforts to provide children a healthy and safe life; and

             WHEREAS, The Washington State Legislature recognizes that there is a significant increase in relatives who are raising family children; and

             WHEREAS, There are nearly eighty-six thousand grandparent-headed households with children;

             NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Washington acknowledge and honor the contributions of relatives raising children; and

             BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to the Governor.


             Representative Stensen moved adoption of the resolution.


             Representatives Stensen, Kastama, Wolfe, Veloria, G. Chandler and Lovick spoke in favor of the adoption of the resolution.


             House Resolution No. 99-4653 was adopted.


SPEAKER'S PRIVILEGE


             The Speaker (Representative Ogden presiding) introduced Edith Owen of Relatives Raising Children, and asked the Chamber to acknowledge her.


             HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 99-4677, by Representatives Edmonds, Kagi, Dickerson, Wensman, Ballasiotes, Pflug, Kenney, McIntire, Thomas, Hankins, Esser and Fortunato


             WHEREAS, It is the intent of the Washington State House of Representatives to honor academic excellence, which is the foundation of the future for our children, our families, our communities, and our entire state, and to recognize the achievements of our schools, students, and teachers; and

             WHEREAS, Three of our state's secondary schools, Shorewood High School of the Shoreline School District, Liberty High School of the Issaquah School District, and Blanchet High School of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, have been designated as among the one hundred sixty-six Blue Ribbon Schools by the United States Department of Education; and

             WHEREAS, The Blue Ribbon Schools Program promotes and supports the improvement of education across America by identifying schools that are models of academic excellence and success, recognizing schools that demonstrate a commitment to educational equity and opportunity for all students, encouraging schools to share information and ideas about proven methods for achieving higher standards, and providing students, parents, educators, business leaders, elected officials, and taxpayers a means of measuring educational progress based on objective standards and intensive assessment; and

             WHEREAS, Shorewood High School, which is receiving the Blue Ribbon for a second time, is a leader in effective school reform and positive partnership, and a school where excellence is rooted in a deep commitment to children, frequent and abundant staff development, and tangible community support; and

             WHEREAS, Liberty High School encapsulates the ideals and beliefs that lie at the heart of the community it serves, and embraces core beliefs honoring personal dignity, quality and excellence in performance, moral and ethical courage, and individual capacity for flexibility and growth; and

             WHEREAS, Blanchet High School combines dedication to faith and family with an outstanding commitment to academic excellence, cultural diversity, community outreach, and the goal of developing all its students spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically, and artistically;

             NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives congratulate the students, parents, educators, and community supporters of Shorewood High School, Liberty High School, and Blanchet High School for honoring our state by bringing home the Blue Ribbon; and

             BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage every student, parent, teacher, school, and community in the State of Washington to emulate the outstanding example and national recognition achieved by our Blue Ribbon Schools.


             Representative Edmonds moved adoption of the resolution.


             Representatives Edmonds, Thomas, Kenney and McIntire spoke in favor of the adoption of the resolution.


             House Resolution No. 99-4677 was adopted.


SPEAKER'S PRIVILEGE


             The Speaker (Representative Ogden presiding) introduced Ron Mahan, Vice Principal and Sandi McClary, Former Vice Principal, Liberty High School, Issaquah; and Pam Palasz, Counselor, Blanchett High School, and asked the Chamber to acknowledge them.


RESOLUTION


             HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 99-4686, by Representatives G. Chandler, Mulliken and Hankins


             WHEREAS, Grant County Fire District 5 was formed in 1949; and

             WHEREAS, The first volunteer roster sent to the Board for Volunteer Firefighter in 1950 listed forty-four members; and

             WHEREAS, Much of the early success of Grant County Fire District 5 was due to the active involvement of its members, both through countless hours of volunteering, as well as organizing fund-raisers within the community to help purchase much-needed equipment; and

             WHEREAS, In 1955 Grant County Fire District 5 purchased two brand new Seagrave fire trucks for $44,000 out of their total annual budget of $54,000; and

             WHEREAS, The original board of trustees were Roy Chapman, chief, George Dougherty, secretary, Jud Henderson, Bob Goodwin, and Frank Hansen; and

             WHEREAS, The first battalion chiefs were Harvey Schell from Ruff, Frank Hansen from Mae Valley, and Oscar Leaf from Peninsula; and

             WHEREAS, Today Dan Roseburg, chairman, Jerry Jensen, and Dennis Bjork make up the district's board; and

             WHEREAS, Grant County Fire District 5 has six full-time staff, twelve part-time shift duty officers and one hundred twenty-three volunteer firefighters operating out of fourteen stations with twelve fire companies; and

             WHEREAS, Grant County Fire District 5 owns sixty pieces of firefighting equipment and numerous support vehicles to meet their responsibilities within the district's five hundred fifty square miles of agricultural, residential, and heavy and light industrial properties;

             NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives hereby recognize and honor the firefighters of Grant County Fire District 5 who have risked their lives and given their time to create an outstanding fifty-year legacy of protecting life and property in Grant County.


             Representative G. Chandler moved adoption of the resolution.


             Representatives G. Chandler and Cooper spoke in favor of the adoption of the resolution.


             House Resolution No. 99-4686 was adopted.


SPEAKER'S PRIVILEGE


             The Speaker (Representative Ogden presiding) recognized Roger Hansen, Chief, and Dennis Bjork, Commissioner, Grant County Fire District #5, and asked the Chamber to recognize them.


             Reading of the Journal of the previous day was dispensed with and it was ordered to stand approved.


MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

April 20, 1999

Mr. Speaker:


             The Senate has concurred in the House amendment(s) and passed the following Senate bills as amended by the House:


SENATE BILL NO. 5005,

SENATE BILL NO. 5020,

ENGROSSED SENATE BILL NO. 5036,

SENATE BILL NO. 5040,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5064,

SENATE BILL NO. 5095,

SECOND SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5108,

SENATE BILL NO. 5125,

SENATE BILL NO. 5127,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5147,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5153,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5154,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5179,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5213,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5214,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5219,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5273,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5279,

ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5290,

SENATE BILL NO. 5307,

SENATE BILL NO. 5358,

SENATE BILL NO. 5384,

SENATE BILL NO. 5385,

SENATE BILL NO. 5499,

SENATE BILL NO. 5502,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5671,

and the same are herewith transmitted.

Tony M. Cook, Secretary


April 20, 1999

Mr. Speaker:


             The President has signed:


HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL NO. 4006,

and the same is herewith transmitted.

Tony M. Cook, Secretary


April 20, 1999

Mr. Speaker:


             The President has signed:

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 1204,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 1345,

HOUSE BILL NO. 1554,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 1620,

ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 1887,

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2152,

and the same are herewith transmitted.

Tony M. Cook, Secretary


April 21, 1999

Mr. Speaker:


             The President has signed:

SENATE BILL NO. 5005,

SENATE BILL NO. 5020,

ENGROSSED SENATE BILL NO. 5036,

SENATE BILL NO. 5040,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5064,

SENATE BILL NO. 5095,

SECOND SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5108,

SENATE BILL NO. 5125,

SENATE BILL NO. 5127,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5147,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5153,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5154,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5179,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5213,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5214,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5219,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5273,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5279,

ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5290,

SENATE BILL NO. 5307,

SENATE BILL NO. 5358,

SENATE BILL NO. 5384,

SENATE BILL NO. 5385,

SENATE BILL NO. 5499,

SENATE BILL NO. 5502,

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 5671,

and the same are herewith transmitted.

Tony M. Cook, Secretary


RESOLUTION


             HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 99-4687, by Representatives Linville and Ericksen


             WHEREAS, The soaring Blaine Borderites darted to an amazing 63-54 victory over the Pullman Greyhounds last month to capture the Washington State 2A boys' basketball championship; and

             WHEREAS, Shaking off a mild case of the jitters at the outset of the title contest, the Blaine hoops corps roared back to seize a five-point halftime lead; and

             WHEREAS, Blaine and Pullman went into the state championship bout each possessing an unblemished record of more than two dozen victories and no defeats; and

             WHEREAS, Flying to victory after victory after victory, the Blaine team, undefeated on its home court since 1996, has snared three straight league and district crowns; and

             WHEREAS, Heralded head coach Rob Ridnour and his highly regarded assistant coaches Rob Adams, Sean Dillon, Kris Kruse, George Long, Dan Rucker, and Kevin Williams tirelessly worked with their Borderites to bring home one of the most celebrated basketball seasons in the annals of Blaine sports; and

             WHEREAS, Team members Austin Broyan, Brian Cedarquist, Charlie Franklin, Aaron Harmening, Matt Jones, Jesse Newell, Tony Nymeyer, Jesse Riddle, Luke Ridnour, Brad Scheib, Gerrit Southland (manager), John Spencer, and Barry Stieb brought honor and acclaim to the historic, peaceful, and international community of Blaine; and

             WHEREAS, A large contingent of ardent Blaine boosters traveled from the Northwest Washington community and surrounding region to behold the state-wide prominence claimed by their basketball mainstays; and

             WHEREAS, All season long, the Blaine defense, every bit as dominating as the Blaine offense, stymied opposing shooters and ball-handlers; and

             WHEREAS, All season long, the Blaine offense, every bit as intimidating as the Blaine defense, flattened rival ploys and strategies;

             NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Washington laud and applaud the Blaine Borderites for their untarnished, state championship boys' basketball season; and

             BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to the boys' basketball coaching staff and the administration at Blaine High School.


             Representative Linville moved adoption of the resolution.


             Representatives Linville and Ericksen spoke in favor of the adoption of the resolution.


             House Resolution No. 99-4687 was adopted.


SENATE AMENDMENTS TO HOUSE BILL

April 6, 1999

Mr. Speaker:


             The Senate has passed SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 1024 with the following amendment(s):


             Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:


             "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 41.32 RCW under the subchapter heading "Plan 1" to read as follows:

             A member may make the irrevocable election under this section no later than six months after attaining thirty years of service. The election shall become effective at the beginning of the calendar month following department receipt of employee notification.

             (1) The sum of member contributions made for periods of service after the effective date of the election plus seven and one-half percent interest shall be paid to the member at retirement without a reduction in the member's monthly retirement benefit as determined under RCW 41.32.498.

             (2) Upon retirement, the member's benefit shall be calculated using only the earnable compensation credited prior to the effective date of the member's election. Calculation of the member's average earnable compensation shall include eligible cash-outs of annual leave based on the member's salary and leave accumulations at the time of retirement, except that the amount of a member's average earnable compensation cannot be higher than if the member had not taken advantage of the election offered under this section.

             (3) Members who have already earned thirty years of service credit prior to the effective date of this act may participate in the election by notifying the department in writing of their intention by December 31, 1999.

             The department shall continue to collect employer contributions as required in RCW 41.45.060.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 41.40 RCW under the subchapter heading "Plan 1" to read as follows:

             A member may make the irrevocable election under this section no later than six months after attaining thirty years of service. The election shall become effective at the beginning of the calendar month following department receipt of employee notification.

             (1) The sum of member contributions made for periods of service after the effective date of the election plus seven and one-half percent interest shall be paid to the member at retirement without a reduction in the member's monthly retirement benefit as determined under RCW 41.40.185.

             (2) Upon retirement, the member's benefit shall be calculated using only the compensation earnable credited prior to the effective date of the member's election. Calculation of the member's average final compensation shall include eligible cash-outs of sick and annual leave based on the member's salary and leave accumulations at the time of retirement, except that the amount of a member's average final compensation cannot be higher than if the member had not taken advantage of the election offered under this section.

             (3) Members who have already earned thirty years of service credit prior to the effective date of this act may participate in the election by notifying the department in writing of their intention by December 31, 1999.

             The department shall continue to collect employer contributions as required in RCW 41.45.060.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 41.40 RCW under the subchapter heading "Plan 1" to read as follows:

             (1) A retiree who receives state-funded long-term care services on or after June 1, 1998, is not eligible for the increase provided by section 8, chapter 340, laws of 1998, if the increase would make the retiree ineligible for state-funded long-term care services. For the purposes of this section "state-funded long-term care services" means a state-funded adult family home, adult residential care, assisted living, enhanced adult residential care, in-home care, or nursing home service, as defined in RCW 74.39A.009, for which the retiree is required to contribute all income other than a specified amount reserved for the retiree's personal maintenance needs. Retirees who are subject to this section shall notify the department in writing. The department has no affirmative duty to identify retirees who are subject to this subsection (3)(e).

             (2) This section applies to all payments under section 8, chapter 340, laws of 1998, made on or after the effective date of this act, regardless of the date of retirement.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. Section 3 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately."


             On page 1, line 2 of the title, after "service;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "adding a new section to chapter 41.32 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 41.40 RCW; and declaring an emergency."


and the same are herewith transmitted.

Tony M. Cook, Secretary


             There being no objection, the House concurred in the Senate amendment(s) to Substitute House Bill No. 1024 and advanced the bill as amended by the Senate to final passage.


FINAL PASSAGE OF HOUSE BILL AS AMENDED BY SENATE


             The Speaker (Representative Ogden presiding) stated the question before the House to be final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 1024 as amended by the Senate.


             Representatives Carlson, Wolfe and H. Sommers spoke in favor of passage of the bill as amended by the Senate.


MOTION


             On motion of Representative Wolfe, Representative Quall was excused.


ROLL CALL


             The Clerk called the roll on the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 1024, as amended by the Senate and the bill passed the House by the following vote: Yeas - 97, Nays - 0, Absent - 0, Excused - 1.

             Voting yea: Representatives Alexander, Anderson, Ballasiotes, Barlean, Benson, Boldt, Buck, Bush, Cairnes, Campbell, Carlson, Carrell, B. Chandler, G. Chandler, Clements, Cody, Constantine, Conway, Cooper, Cox, Crouse, DeBolt, Delvin, Dickerson, Doumit, Dunn, Dunshee, Edmonds, Edwards, Eickmeyer, Ericksen, Esser, Fisher, Fortunato, Gombosky, Grant, Haigh, Hankins, Hatfield, Huff, Hurst, Kagi, Kastama, Keiser, Kenney, Kessler, Koster, Lambert, Lantz, Linville, Lisk, Lovick, Mastin, McDonald, McIntire, McMorris, Mielke, Miloscia, Mitchell, Morris, Mulliken, Murray, O'Brien, Ogden, Parlette, Pennington, Pflug, Poulsen, Radcliff, Reardon, Regala, Rockefeller, Romero, Ruderman, Santos, Schindler, D. Schmidt, K. Schmidt, Schoesler, Schual-Berke, Scott, Skinner, D. Sommers, H. Sommers, Stensen, Sullivan, Sump, Talcott, Thomas, Tokuda, Van Luven, Veloria, Wensman, Wolfe, Wood, Mr. Speaker Ballard and Mr. Speaker Chopp - 97.

             Excused: Representative Quall - 1.


             Substitute House Bill No. 1024, as amended by the Senate, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed.


SENATE AMENDMENTS TO HOUSE BILL

April 6, 1999

Mr. Speaker:


             The Senate has passed SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 1163 with the following amendment(s):


             Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:


             "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the contamination of properties used for illegal drug manufacturing poses a threat to public health. The toxic chemicals left behind by the illegal drug manufacturing must be cleaned up to prevent harm to subsequent occupants of the properties. It is the intent of the legislature that properties are decontaminated in a manner that is efficient, prompt, and that makes them safe to reoccupy.


             Sec. 2. RCW 64.44.010 and 1990 c 213 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

             The words and phrases defined in this section shall have the following meanings when used in this chapter unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

             (1) "Authorized contractor" means a person who decontaminates, demolishes, or disposes of contaminated property as required by this chapter who is((: (a))) certified by the department as provided for in RCW 64.44.060((, or (b) until January 1, 1991, listed with the department as provided for in section 8, chapter 213, Laws of 1990)).

             (2) "Contaminated" or "contamination" means polluted by hazardous chemicals so that the property is unfit for human habitation or use due to immediate or long-term hazards. Property that at one time was contaminated but has been satisfactorily decontaminated according to procedures established by the state board of health is not "contaminated."

             (3) "Hazardous chemicals" means the following substances used in the manufacture of illegal drugs: (a) Hazardous substances as defined in RCW 70.105D.020, and (b) precursor substances as defined in RCW 69.43.010 which the state board of health, in consultation with the state board of pharmacy, has determined present an immediate or long-term health hazard to humans.

             (4) "Officer" means a local health officer authorized under chapters 70.05, 70.08, and 70.46 RCW.

             (5) "Property" means any property, site, structure, or part of a structure which is involved in the unauthorized manufacture or storage of hazardous chemicals. This includes but is not limited to single-family residences, units of multiplexes, condominiums, apartment buildings, boats, motor vehicles, trailers, manufactured housing, or any shop, booth, or garden.


             Sec. 3. RCW 64.44.020 and 1990 c 213 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

             Whenever a law enforcement agency becomes aware that property has been contaminated by hazardous chemicals, that agency shall report the contamination to the local health officer. The local health officer shall ((cause a posting of a notice)) post a written warning on the premises ((immediately upon being notified)) within one working day of notification of the contamination and shall ((cause an inspection to be done on)) inspect the property within fourteen days after receiving the notice of contamination. The warning shall inform the potential occupants that hazardous chemicals may exist on, or have been removed from, the premises and that entry is unsafe. If a property owner believes that a tenant has contaminated property that was being leased or rented, and the property is vacated or abandoned, then the property owner shall contact the local health officer about the possible contamination. Local health officers or boards may charge property owners reasonable fees for inspections of suspected contaminated property requested by property owners.

             ((If property is determined to be contaminated, then the local health officer shall cause a posting of a notice on the premises.)) A local health officer may enter, inspect, and survey at reasonable times any properties for which there are reasonable grounds to believe that the property has become contaminated. If the property is contaminated, the local health officer shall post a written notice declaring that the officer intends to issue an order prohibiting use of the property as long as the property is contaminated.

             Local health officers must report all cases of contaminated property to the state department of health. The department may make the list of contaminated properties available to health associations, landlord and realtor organizations, prosecutors, and other interested groups. The department shall promptly update the list of contaminated properties to remove those which have been decontaminated according to provisions of this chapter.

             The local health officer may determine when the services of an authorized contractor are necessary.


             Sec. 4. RCW 64.44.030 and 1990 c 213 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

             If after the inspection of the property, the local health officer finds that it is contaminated, then the property shall be found unfit for use. The local health officer shall cause to be served an order prohibiting use either personally or by certified mail, with return receipt requested, upon all occupants and persons having any interest therein as shown upon the records of the auditor's office of the county in which such property is located((, and)). The local health officer shall also post the order prohibiting use in a conspicuous place on the property((, an order prohibiting use)). If the whereabouts of such persons is unknown and the same cannot be ascertained by the local health officer in the exercise of reasonable diligence, and the health officer makes an affidavit to that effect, then the serving of the order upon such persons may be made either by personal service or by mailing a copy of the order by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to each person at the address appearing on the last equalized tax assessment roll of the county where the property is located or at the address known to the county assessor, and the order shall be posted conspicuously at the residence. A copy of the order shall also be mailed, addressed to each person or party having a recorded right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the property. ((Such)) The order shall contain a notice that a hearing before the local health board or officer shall be held upon the request of a person required to be notified of the order under this section. The request for a hearing must be made within ten days of serving the order. The hearing shall then be held within not less than twenty days nor more than thirty days after the serving of the order. The officer shall prohibit use as long as the property is found to be contaminated. A copy of the order shall also be filed with the auditor of the county in which the property is located, and such filing of the complaint or order shall have the same force and effect as other lis pendens notices provided by law. In any hearing concerning whether property is fit for use, the property owner has the burden of showing that the property is decontaminated or fit for use. The owner or any person having an interest in the property may file an appeal on any order issued by the local health board or officer within thirty days from the date of service of the order with the appeals commission established pursuant to RCW 35.80.030. All proceedings before the appeals commission, including any subsequent appeals to superior court, shall be governed by the procedures established in chapter 35.80 RCW.


             Sec. 5. RCW 64.44.040 and 1990 c 213 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

             The city or county in which the contaminated property is located may take action to condemn or demolish property or to require the property be vacated or the contents removed from the property. The city or county ((must)) may use an authorized contractor if property is demolished, decontaminated, or removed under this section. No city or county may condemn or demolish property pursuant to this section until all procedures granting the right of notice and the opportunity to appeal in RCW 64.44.030 have been exhausted.


             Sec. 6. RCW 64.44.050 and 1990 c 213 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

             An owner of contaminated property who desires to have the property decontaminated ((must)) shall use the services of an authorized contractor ((to decontaminate the property)) unless otherwise authorized by the local health officer. The contractor shall prepare and submit a written work plan for decontamination to the local health officer. The local health officer may charge a reasonable fee for review of the work plan. If the work plan is approved and the decontamination is completed and the property is retested according to the plan and properly documented, then the health officer shall allow reuse of the property. A ((notice)) release for reuse document shall be recorded in the real property records ((if applicable,)) indicating the property has been decontaminated in accordance with rules of the state department of health.


             Sec. 7. RCW 64.44.060 and 1997 c 58 s 878 are each amended to read as follows:

             (1) ((After January 1, 1991,)) A contractor may not perform decontamination, demolition, or disposal work unless issued a certificate by the state department of health. The department shall establish performance standards for contractors by rule in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW, the administrative procedure act. The department shall train and test, or may approve courses to train and test, contractors and their employees on the essential elements in assessing property used as an illegal drug manufacturing or storage site to determine hazard reduction measures needed, techniques for adequately reducing contaminants, use of personal protective equipment, methods for proper decontamination, demolition, removal, and disposal of contaminated property, and relevant federal and state regulations. Upon successful completion of the training, the contractor or employee shall be certified.

             (2) The department may require the successful completion of annual refresher courses provided or approved by the department for the continued certification of the contractor or employee.

             (3) The department shall provide for reciprocal certification of any individual trained to engage in decontamination, demolition, or disposal work in another state when the prior training is shown to be substantially similar to the training required by the department. The department may require such individuals to take an examination or refresher course before certification.

             (4) The department may deny, suspend, or revoke a certificate for failure to comply with the requirements of this chapter or any rule adopted pursuant to this chapter. A certificate may be denied, suspended, or revoked on any of the following grounds:

             (a) Failing to perform decontamination, demolition, or disposal work under the supervision of trained personnel;

             (b) Failing to file a work plan;

             (c) Failing to perform work pursuant to the work plan;

             (d) Failing to perform work that meets the requirements of the department;

             (e) The certificate was obtained by error, misrepresentation, or fraud; or

             (f) If the person has been certified pursuant to RCW 74.20A.320 by the department of social and health services as a person who is not in compliance with a support order or a residential or visitation order. If the person has continued to meet all other requirements for reinstatement during the suspension, reissuance of the license or certificate shall be automatic upon the department's receipt of a release issued by the department of social and health services stating that the person is in compliance with the order.

             (5) A contractor who violates any provision of this chapter may be assessed a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars for each violation.

             (6) The department of health shall prescribe fees as provided for in RCW 43.70.250 for the issuance and renewal of certificates, the administration of examinations, and for the review of training courses.

             (7) The decontamination account is hereby established in the state treasury. All fees collected under this chapter shall be deposited in this account. Moneys in the account may only be spent after appropriation for costs incurred by the department in the administration and enforcement of this chapter.


             Sec. 8. RCW 64.44.070 and 1990 c 213 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:

             (1) The state board of health shall promulgate rules and standards for carrying out the provisions in this chapter in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW, the administrative procedure act. The local board of health and the local health officer are authorized to exercise such powers as may be necessary to carry out this chapter. The department shall provide technical assistance to local health boards and health officers to carry out their duties under this chapter.

             (2) The department shall ((develop guidelines)) adopt rules for decontamination of a property used as ((a)) an illegal drug laboratory and methods for the testing of ground water, surface water, soil, and septic tanks for contamination. The rules shall establish decontamination standards for hazardous chemicals, including but not limited to methamphetamine, lead, mercury, and total volatile organic compounds."


             On page 1, line 3 of the title, after "drugs;" strike the reminder of the title and insert "amending RCW 64.44.010, 64.44.020, 64.44.030, 64.44.040, 64.44.050, 64.44.060, and 64.44.070; and creating a new section."


and the same are herewith transmitted.

Tony M. Cook, Secretary


             There being no objection, the House concurred in the Senate amendment(s) to Substitute House Bill No. 1163 and advanced the bill as amended by the Senate to final passage.


FINAL PASSAGE OF HOUSE BILL AS AMENDED BY SENATE


             The Speaker (Representative Ogden presiding) stated the question before the House to be final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 1163 as amended by the Senate.


             Representative Cooper spoke in favor of passage of the bill as amended by the Senate.


ROLL CALL


             The Clerk called the roll on the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 1163, as amended by the Senate and the bill passed the House by the following vote: Yeas - 97, Nays - 0, Absent - 0, Excused - 1.

             Voting yea: Representatives Alexander, Anderson, Ballasiotes, Barlean, Benson, Boldt, Buck, Bush, Cairnes, Campbell, Carlson, Carrell, B. Chandler, G. Chandler, Clements, Cody, Constantine, Conway, Cooper, Cox, Crouse, DeBolt, Delvin, Dickerson, Doumit, Dunn, Dunshee, Edmonds, Edwards, Eickmeyer, Ericksen, Esser, Fisher, Fortunato, Gombosky, Grant, Haigh, Hankins, Hatfield, Huff, Hurst, Kagi, Kastama, Keiser, Kenney, Kessler, Koster, Lambert, Lantz, Linville, Lisk, Lovick, Mastin, McDonald, McIntire, McMorris, Mielke, Miloscia, Mitchell, Morris, Mulliken, Murray, O'Brien, Ogden, Parlette, Pennington, Pflug, Poulsen, Radcliff, Reardon, Regala, Rockefeller, Romero, Ruderman, Santos, Schindler, D. Schmidt, K. Schmidt, Schoesler, Schual-Berke, Scott, Skinner, D. Sommers, H. Sommers, Stensen, Sullivan, Sump, Talcott, Thomas, Tokuda, Van Luven, Veloria, Wensman, Wolfe, Wood, Mr. Speaker Ballard and Mr. Speaker Chopp - 97.

             Excused: Representative Quall - 1.


             Substitute House Bill No. 1163, as amended by the Senate, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed.


SENATE AMENDMENTS TO HOUSE BILL

April 8, 1999

Mr. Speaker:


             The Senate has passed HOUSE BILL NO. 1442 with the following amendment(s):


             Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:


             "Sec. 1. RCW 9A.36.031 and 1998 c 94 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

             (1) A person is guilty of assault in the third degree if he or she, under circumstances not amounting to assault in the first or second degree:

             (a) With intent to prevent or resist the execution of any lawful process or mandate of any court officer or the lawful apprehension or detention of himself or another person, assaults another; or

             (b) Assaults a person employed as a transit operator or driver, the immediate supervisor of a transit operator or driver, a mechanic, or a security officer, by a public or private transit company or a contracted transit service provider, while that person is performing his or her official duties at the time of the assault; or

             (c) Assaults a school bus driver, the immediate supervisor of a driver, a mechanic, or a security officer, employed by a school district transportation service or a private company under contract for transportation services with a school district, while the ((driver)) person is performing his or her official duties at the time of the assault; or

             (d) With criminal negligence, causes bodily harm to another person by means of a weapon or other instrument or thing likely to produce bodily harm; or

             (e) Assaults a fire fighter or other employee of a fire department, county fire marshal's office, county fire prevention bureau, or fire protection district who was performing his or her official duties at the time of the assault; or

             (f) With criminal negligence, causes bodily harm accompanied by substantial pain that extends for a period sufficient to cause considerable suffering; or

             (g) Assaults a law enforcement officer or other employee of a law enforcement agency who was performing his or her official duties at the time of the assault; or

             (h) Assaults a nurse, physician, or health care provider who was performing his or her nursing or health care duties at the time of the assault. For purposes of this subsection: "Nurse" means a person licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW; "physician" means a person licensed under chapter 18.57 or 18.71 RCW; and "health care provider" means a person certified under chapter 18.71 or 18.73 RCW who performs emergency medical services or a person regulated under Title 18 RCW and employed by, or contracting with, a hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW.

             (2) Assault in the third degree is a class C felony."


             On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "customers;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "amending RCW 9A.36.031; and prescribing penalties."


and the same are herewith transmitted.

Tony M. Cook, Secretary


             There being no objection, the House concurred in the Senate amendment(s) to House Bill No. 1442 and advanced the bill as amended by the Senate to final passage.


FINAL PASSAGE OF HOUSE BILL AS AMENDED BY SENATE


             The Speaker (Representative Ogden presiding) stated the question before the House to be final passage of House Bill No. 1442 as amended by the Senate.


             Representatives Edwards and Radcliff spoke in favor of passage of the bill as amended by the Senate.


ROLL CALL


             The Clerk called the roll on the final passage of House Bill No. 1442, as amended by the Senate and the bill passed the House by the following vote: Yeas - 79, Nays - 18, Absent - 0, Excused - 1.

             Voting yea: Representatives Alexander, Anderson, Ballasiotes, Barlean, Cairnes, Carlson, Carrell, B. Chandler, Clements, Cody, Constantine, Conway, Cooper, Cox, DeBolt, Delvin, Dickerson, Doumit, Dunshee, Edmonds, Edwards, Eickmeyer, Ericksen, Esser, Fisher, Fortunato, Gombosky, Grant, Haigh, Hankins, Hatfield, Huff, Hurst, Kagi, Kastama, Keiser, Kenney, Kessler, Lambert, Lantz, Linville, Lovick, McDonald, McIntire, Miloscia, Mitchell, Morris, Murray, O'Brien, Ogden, Pennington, Poulsen, Radcliff, Reardon, Regala, Rockefeller, Romero, Ruderman, Santos, D. Schmidt, K. Schmidt, Schoesler, Schual-Berke, Scott, Skinner, D. Sommers, H. Sommers, Stensen, Sullivan, Talcott, Thomas, Tokuda, Van Luven, Veloria, Wensman, Wolfe, Wood, Mr. Speaker Ballard and Mr. Speaker Chopp - 79.

             Voting nay: Representatives Benson, Boldt, Buck, Bush, Campbell, G. Chandler, Crouse, Dunn, Koster, Lisk, Mastin, McMorris, Mielke, Mulliken, Parlette, Pflug, Schindler and Sump - 18.

             Excused: Representative Quall - 1.


             House Bill No. 1442, as amended by the Senate, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed.


SENATE AMENDMENTS TO HOUSE BILL

April 15, 1999

Mr. Speaker:


             The Senate has passed SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 1525 with the following amendment(s):


             Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:


             "Sec. 1. RCW 2.56.030 and 1997 c 41 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

             The administrator for the courts shall, under the supervision and direction of the chief justice:

             (1) Examine the administrative methods and systems employed in the offices of the judges, clerks, stenographers, and employees of the courts and make recommendations, through the chief justice, for the improvement of the same;

             (2) Examine the state of the dockets of the courts and determine the need for assistance by any court;

             (3) Make recommendations to the chief justice relating to the assignment of judges where courts are in need of assistance and carry out the direction of the chief justice as to the assignments of judges to counties and districts where the courts are in need of assistance;

             (4) Collect and compile statistical and other data and make reports of the business transacted by the courts and transmit the same to the chief justice to the end that proper action may be taken in respect thereto;

             (5) Prepare and submit budget estimates of state appropriations necessary for the maintenance and operation of the judicial system and make recommendations in respect thereto;

             (6) Collect statistical and other data and make reports relating to the expenditure of public moneys, state and local, for the maintenance and operation of the judicial system and the offices connected therewith;

             (7) Obtain reports from clerks of courts in accordance with law or rules adopted by the supreme court of this state on cases and other judicial business in which action has been delayed beyond periods of time specified by law or rules of court and make report thereof to supreme court of this state;

             (8) Act as secretary of the judicial conference referred to in RCW 2.56.060;

             (9) Submit annually, as of February 1st, to the chief justice, a report of the activities of the administrator's office for the preceding calendar year including activities related to courthouse security;

             (10) Administer programs and standards for the training and education of judicial personnel;

             (11) Examine the need for new superior court and district judge positions under a weighted caseload analysis that takes into account the time required to hear all the cases in a particular court and the amount of time existing judges have available to hear cases in that court. The results of the weighted caseload analysis shall be reviewed by the board for judicial administration which shall make recommendations to the legislature. It is the intent of the legislature that weighted caseload analysis become the basis for creating additional district court positions, and recommendations should address that objective;

             (12) Provide staff to the judicial retirement account plan under chapter 2.14 RCW;

             (13) Attend to such other matters as may be assigned by the supreme court of this state;

             (14) Within available funds, develop a curriculum for a general understanding of child development, placement, and treatment resources, as well as specific legal skills and knowledge of relevant statutes including chapters 13.32A, 13.34, and 13.40 RCW, cases, court rules, interviewing skills, and special needs of the abused or neglected child. This curriculum shall be completed and made available to all juvenile court judges, court personnel, and service providers and be updated yearly to reflect changes in statutes, court rules, or case law;

             (15) Develop, in consultation with the entities set forth in RCW 2.56.150(3), a comprehensive state-wide curriculum, training requirements, and continuing education requirements for persons who act as guardians ad litem under Title 13 or 26 RCW except these requirements do not apply to the attorney general or any prosecuting attorney functioning as the guardian ad litem pursuant to RCW 74.20.310. The curriculum, training requirements, and continuing education requirements shall ((be made available July 1, 1997, and)) include specialty sections on child development, child sexual abuse, child physical abuse, child neglect, clinical and forensic investigative and interviewing techniques, family reconciliation and mediation services, and relevant statutory and legal requirements. The curriculum, training requirements, and continuing education requirements shall be made available to all superior court judges, court personnel, and all persons who act as guardians ad litem and be updated yearly to reflect changes in statutes, court rules, or case law;

             (16) Develop a curriculum for a general understanding of crimes of malicious harassment, as well as specific legal skills and knowledge of RCW 9A.36.080, relevant cases, court rules, and the special needs of malicious harassment victims. This curriculum shall be made available to all superior court and court of appeals judges and to all justices of the supreme court;

             (17) Develop, in consultation with the criminal justice training commission and the commissions established under chapters 43.113, 43.115, and 43.117 RCW, a curriculum for a general understanding of ethnic and cultural diversity and its implications for working with youth of color and their families. The curriculum shall be available to all superior court judges and court commissioners assigned to juvenile court, and other court personnel. Ethnic and cultural diversity training shall be provided annually so as to incorporate cultural sensitivity and awareness into the daily operation of juvenile courts state-wide;

             (18) Authorize the use of closed circuit television and other electronic equipment in judicial proceedings. The administrator shall promulgate necessary standards and procedures and shall provide technical assistance to courts as required;

             (19) Maintain a list of all guardians ad litem or investigators under RCW 26.09.220 appointed pursuant to Titles 11, 13, and 26 RCW, who have been removed from the guardian ad litem registry in any superior court within the state pursuant to a grievance action that orders removal from the registry. Superior courts shall report to the administrator for the courts any order removing a guardian ad litem, investigator under RCW 26.09.220 from the registry; and

             (20) Develop a model grievance procedure for use by the superior courts when dealing with complaints against: A guardian ad litem under chapter 11.88, 13.34, or 26.12 RCW; a court-appointed special advocate appointed under chapter 13.34 or 26.12 RCW; or an investigator appointed under RCW 26.09.220.


             Sec. 2. RCW 11.88.090 and 1996 c 249 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

             (1) Nothing contained in RCW 11.88.080 through 11.88.120, 11.92.010 through 11.92.040, 11.92.060 through 11.92.120, 11.92.170, and 11.92.180 shall affect or impair the power of any court to appoint a guardian ad litem to defend the interests of any incapacitated person interested in any suit or matter pending therein, or to commence and prosecute any suit in his or her behalf.

             (2) Prior to the appointment of a guardian or a limited guardian, whenever it appears that the incapacitated person or incapacitated person's estate could benefit from mediation and such mediation would likely result in overall reduced costs to the estate, upon the motion of the alleged incapacitated person or the guardian ad litem, or subsequent to such appointment, whenever it appears that the incapacitated person or incapacitated person's estate could benefit from mediation and such mediation would likely result in overall reduced costs to the estate, upon the motion of any interested person, the court may:

             (a) Require any party or other person subject to the jurisdiction of the court to participate in mediation;

             (b) Establish the terms of the mediation; and

             (c) Allocate the cost of the mediation pursuant to RCW 11.96.140.

             (3) Upon receipt of a petition for appointment of guardian or limited guardian, except as provided herein, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of the alleged incapacitated person, who shall be a person found or known by the court to:

             (a) Be free of influence from anyone interested in the result of the proceeding; and

             (b) Have the requisite knowledge, training, or expertise to perform the duties required by this section.

             The guardian ad litem shall within five days of receipt of notice of appointment file with the court and serve, either personally or by certified mail with return receipt, each party with a statement including: His or her training relating to the duties as a guardian ad litem; his or her criminal history as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 for the period covering ten years prior to the appointment; his or her hourly rate, if compensated; whether the guardian ad litem has had any contact with a party to the proceeding prior to his or her appointment; and whether he or she has an apparent conflict of interest. Within three days of the later of the actual service or filing of the guardian ad litem's statement, any party may set a hearing and file and serve a motion for an order to show cause why the guardian ad litem should not be removed for one of the following three reasons: (i) Lack of expertise necessary for the proceeding; (ii) an hourly rate higher than what is reasonable for the particular proceeding; or (iii) a conflict of interest. Notice of the hearing shall be provided to the guardian ad litem and all parties. If, after a hearing, the court enters an order replacing the guardian ad litem, findings shall be included, expressly stating the reasons for the removal. If the guardian ad litem is not removed, the court has the authority to assess to the moving party, attorneys' fees and costs related to the motion. The court shall assess attorneys' fees and costs for frivolous motions.

             No guardian ad litem need be appointed when a parent is petitioning for a guardian or a limited guardian to be appointed for his or her minor child and the minority of the child, as defined by RCW 11.92.010, is the sole basis of the petition. The order appointing the guardian ad litem shall recite the duties set forth in subsection (((4))) (5) of this section. The appointment of a guardian ad litem shall have no effect on the legal competency of the alleged incapacitated person and shall not overcome the presumption of competency or full legal and civil rights of the alleged incapacitated person.

             (((3))) (4)(a) The superior court of each county shall develop and maintain a registry of persons who are willing and qualified to serve as guardians ad litem in guardianship matters. The court shall choose as guardian ad litem a person whose name appears on the registry in a system of consistent rotation, except in extraordinary circumstances such as the need for particular expertise. The court shall develop procedures for periodic review of the persons on the registry and for probation, suspension, or removal of persons on the registry for failure to perform properly their duties as guardian ad litem. In the event the court does not select the person next on the list, it shall include in the order of appointment a written reason for its decision.

             (b) To be eligible for the registry a person shall:

             (i) Present a written statement outlining his or her background and qualifications. The background statement shall include, but is not limited to, the following information:

             (A) Level of formal education;

             (B) Training related to the guardian ad litem's duties;

             (C) Number of years' experience as a guardian ad litem;

             (D) Number of appointments as a guardian ad litem and the county or counties of appointment;

             (E) Criminal history, as defined in RCW 9.94A.030; and

             (F) Evidence of the person's knowledge, training, and experience in each of the following: Needs of impaired elderly people, physical disabilities, mental illness, developmental disabilities, and other areas relevant to the needs of incapacitated persons, legal procedure, and the requirements of chapters 11.88 and 11.92 RCW.

             The written statement of qualifications shall include a statement of the number of times the guardian ad litem has been removed for failure to perform his or her duties as guardian ad litem; and

             (ii) Complete the model training program as described in (d) of this subsection.

             (c) The background and qualification information shall be updated annually.

             (d) The department of social and health services shall convene an advisory group to develop a model guardian ad litem training program and shall update the program biennially. The advisory group shall consist of representatives from consumer, advocacy, and professional groups knowledgeable in developmental disabilities, neurological impairment, physical disabilities, mental illness, aging, legal, court administration, the Washington state bar association, and other interested parties.

             (e) The superior court shall require utilization of the model program developed by the advisory group as described in (d) of this subsection, to assure that candidates applying for registration as a qualified guardian ad litem shall have satisfactorily completed training to attain these essential minimum qualifications to act as guardian ad litem.

             (((4))) (5) The guardian ad litem appointed pursuant to this section shall have the following duties:

             (a) To meet and consult with the alleged incapacitated person as soon as practicable following appointment and explain, in language which such person can reasonably be expected to understand, the substance of the petition, the nature of the resultant proceedings, the person's right to contest the petition, the identification of the proposed guardian or limited guardian, the right to a jury trial on the issue of his or her alleged incapacity, the right to independent legal counsel as provided by RCW 11.88.045, and the right to be present in court at the hearing on the petition;

             (b) To obtain a written report according to RCW 11.88.045; and such other written or oral reports from other qualified professionals as are necessary to permit the guardian ad litem to complete the report required by this section;

             (c) To meet with the person whose appointment is sought as guardian or limited guardian and ascertain:

             (i) The proposed guardian's knowledge of the duties, requirements, and limitations of a guardian; and

             (ii) The steps the proposed guardian intends to take or has taken to identify and meet the needs of the alleged incapacitated person;

             (d) To consult as necessary to complete the investigation and report required by this section with those known relatives, friends, or other persons the guardian ad litem determines have had a significant, continuing interest in the welfare of the alleged incapacitated person;

             (e) To investigate alternate arrangements made, or which might be created, by or on behalf of the alleged incapacitated person, such as revocable or irrevocable trusts, or durable powers of attorney; whether good cause exists for any such arrangements to be discontinued; and why such arrangements should not be continued or created in lieu of a guardianship;

             (f) To provide the court with a written report which shall include the following:

             (i) A description of the nature, cause, and degree of incapacity, and the basis upon which this judgment was made;

             (ii) A description of the needs of the incapacitated person for care and treatment, the probable residential requirements of the alleged incapacitated person and the basis upon which these findings were made;

             (iii) An evaluation of the appropriateness of the guardian or limited guardian whose appointment is sought and a description of the steps the proposed guardian has taken or intends to take to identify and meet current and emerging needs of the incapacitated person;

             (iv) A description of any alternative arrangements previously made by the alleged incapacitated person or which could be made, and whether and to what extent such alternatives should be used in lieu of a guardianship, and if the guardian ad litem is recommending discontinuation of any such arrangements, specific findings as to why such arrangements are contrary to the best interest of the alleged incapacitated person;

             (v) A description of the abilities of the alleged incapacitated person and a recommendation as to whether a guardian or limited guardian should be appointed. If appointment of a limited guardian is recommended, the guardian ad litem shall recommend the specific areas of authority the limited guardian should have and the limitations and disabilities to be placed on the incapacitated person;

             (vi) An evaluation of the person's mental ability to rationally exercise the right to vote and the basis upon which the evaluation is made;

             (vii) Any expression of approval or disapproval made by the alleged incapacitated person concerning the proposed guardian or limited guardian or guardianship or limited guardianship;

             (viii) Identification of persons with significant interest in the welfare of the alleged incapacitated person who should be advised of their right to request special notice of proceedings pursuant to RCW 11.92.150; and

             (ix) Unless independent counsel has appeared for the alleged incapacitated person, an explanation of how the alleged incapacitated person responded to the advice of the right to jury trial, to independent counsel and to be present at the hearing on the petition.

             Within forty-five days after notice of commencement of the guardianship proceeding has been served upon the guardian ad litem, and at least fifteen days before the hearing on the petition, unless an extension or reduction of time has been granted by the court for good cause, the guardian ad litem shall file its report and send a copy to the alleged incapacitated person and his or her counsel, spouse, all children not residing with a notified person, those persons described in (f)(viii) of this subsection, and persons who have filed a request for special notice pursuant to RCW 11.92.150. If the guardian ad litem needs additional time to finalize his or her report, then the guardian ad litem shall petition the court for a postponement of the hearing or, with the consent of all other parties, an extension or reduction of time for filing the report. If the hearing does not occur within sixty days of filing the petition, then upon the two-month anniversary of filing the petition and on or before the same day of each following month until the hearing, the guardian ad litem shall file interim reports summarizing his or her activities on the proceeding during that time period as well as fees and costs incurred;

             (g) To advise the court of the need for appointment of counsel for the alleged incapacitated person within five court days after the meeting described in (a) of this subsection unless (i) counsel has appeared, (ii) the alleged incapacitated person affirmatively communicated a wish not to be represented by counsel after being advised of the right to representation and of the conditions under which court-provided counsel may be available, or (iii) the alleged incapacitated person was unable to communicate at all on the subject, and the guardian ad litem is satisfied that the alleged incapacitated person does not affirmatively desire to be represented by counsel.

             (((5))) (6) If the petition is brought by an interested person or entity requesting the appointment of some other qualified person or entity and a prospective guardian or limited guardian cannot be found, the court shall order the guardian ad litem to investigate the availability of a possible guardian or limited guardian and to include the findings in a report to the court pursuant to subsection (((4))) (5)(f) of this section.

             (((6))) (7) The parties to the proceeding may file responses to the guardian ad litem report with the court and deliver such responses to the other parties and the guardian ad litem at any time up to the second day prior to the hearing. If a guardian ad litem fails to file his or her report in a timely manner, the hearing shall be continued to give the court and the parties at least fifteen days before the hearing to review the report. At any time during the proceeding upon motion of any party or on the court's own motion, the court may remove the guardian ad litem for failure to perform his or her duties as specified in this chapter, provided that the guardian ad litem shall have five days' notice of any motion to remove before the court enters such order. In addition, the court in its discretion may reduce a guardian ad litem's fee for failure to carry out his or her duties.

             (((7))) (8) The court appointed guardian ad litem shall have the authority, in the event that the alleged incapacitated person is in need of emergency life-saving medical services, and is unable to consent to such medical services due to incapacity pending the hearing on the petition to give consent for such emergency life-saving medical services on behalf of the alleged incapacitated person.

             (((8))) (9) The court-appointed guardian ad litem shall have the authority to move for temporary relief under chapter 7.40 RCW to protect the alleged incapacitated person from abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation, as those terms are defined in RCW 74.34.020, or to address any other emergency needs of the alleged incapacitated person. Any alternative arrangement executed before filing the petition for guardianship shall remain effective unless the court grants the relief requested under chapter 7.40 RCW, or unless, following notice and a hearing at which all parties directly affected by the arrangement are present, the court finds that the alternative arrangement should not remain effective.

             (((9))) (10) The guardian ad litem shall receive a fee determined by the court. The fee shall be charged to the alleged incapacitated person unless the court finds that such payment would result in substantial hardship upon such person, in which case the county shall be responsible for such costs: PROVIDED, That if no guardian or limited guardian is appointed the court may charge such fee to the petitioner or the alleged incapacitated person, or divide the fee, as it deems just; and if the petition is found to be frivolous or not brought in good faith, the guardian ad litem fee shall be charged to the petitioner. The court shall not be required to provide for the payment of a fee to any salaried employee of a public agency.

             (((10))) (11) Upon the presentation of the guardian ad litem report and the entry of an order either dismissing the petition for appointment of guardian or limited guardian or appointing a guardian or limited guardian, the guardian ad litem shall be dismissed and shall have no further duties or obligations unless otherwise ordered by the court. If the court orders the guardian ad litem to perform further duties or obligations, they shall not be performed at county expense.

             (((11))) (12) The guardian ad litem shall appear in person at all hearings on the petition unless all parties provide a written waiver of the requirement to appear.

             (((12))) (13) At any hearing the court may consider whether any person who makes decisions regarding the alleged incapacitated person or estate has breached a statutory or fiduciary duty.


             Sec. 3. RCW 11.88.090 and 1996 c 249 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

             (1) Nothing contained in RCW 11.88.080 through 11.88.120, 11.92.010 through 11.92.040, 11.92.060 through 11.92.120, 11.92.170, and 11.92.180 shall affect or impair the power of any court to appoint a guardian ad litem to defend the interests of any incapacitated person interested in any suit or matter pending therein, or to commence and prosecute any suit in his or her behalf.

             (2) Upon receipt of a petition for appointment of guardian or limited guardian, except as provided herein, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of the alleged incapacitated person, who shall be a person found or known by the court to:

             (a) Be free of influence from anyone interested in the result of the proceeding; and

             (b) Have the requisite knowledge, training, or expertise to perform the duties required by this section.

             The guardian ad litem shall within five days of receipt of notice of appointment file with the court and serve, either personally or by certified mail with return receipt, each party with a statement including: His or her training relating to the duties as a guardian ad litem; his or her criminal history as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 for the period covering ten years prior to the appointment; his or her hourly rate, if compensated; whether the guardian ad litem has had any contact with a party to the proceeding prior to his or her appointment; and whether he or she has an apparent conflict of interest. Within three days of the later of the actual service or filing of the guardian ad litem's statement, any party may set a hearing and file and serve a motion for an order to show cause why the guardian ad litem should not be removed for one of the following three reasons: (i) Lack of expertise necessary for the proceeding; (ii) an hourly rate higher than what is reasonable for the particular proceeding; or (iii) a conflict of interest. Notice of the hearing shall be provided to the guardian ad litem and all parties. If, after a hearing, the court enters an order replacing the guardian ad litem, findings shall be included, expressly stating the reasons for the removal. If the guardian ad litem is not removed, the court has the authority to assess to the moving party, attorneys' fees and costs related to the motion. The court shall assess attorneys' fees and costs for frivolous motions.

             No guardian ad litem need be appointed when a parent is petitioning for a guardian or a limited guardian to be appointed for his or her minor child and the minority of the child, as defined by RCW 11.92.010, is the sole basis of the petition. The order appointing the guardian ad litem shall recite the duties set forth in subsection (4) of this section. The appointment of a guardian ad litem shall have no effect on the legal competency of the alleged incapacitated person and shall not overcome the presumption of competency or full legal and civil rights of the alleged incapacitated person.

             (3)(a) The superior court of each county shall develop and maintain a registry of persons who are willing and qualified to serve as guardians ad litem in guardianship matters. The court shall choose as guardian ad litem a person whose name appears on the registry in a system of consistent rotation, except in extraordinary circumstances such as the need for particular expertise. A person appointed under exceptional circumstances because of a particular expertise may be exempt from the training and continuing education requirements by the court if the court limits the scope of the person's appointment and finds the training and continuing education requirements are unrelated to the tasks the court has assigned to the person. The court shall develop procedures for periodic review of the persons on the registry and for probation, suspension, or removal of persons on the registry for failure to perform properly their duties as guardian ad litem. In the event the court does not select the person next on the list, it shall include in the order of appointment a written reason for its decision.

             (b) To be eligible for the registry a person shall:

             (i) Present a written statement outlining his or her background and qualifications. The background statement shall include, but is not limited to, the following information:

             (A) Level of formal education;

             (B) Training related to the guardian ad litem's duties;

             (C) Number of years' experience as a guardian ad litem;

             (D) Number of appointments as a guardian ad litem and the county or counties of appointment;

             (E) Criminal history, as defined in RCW 9.94A.030; and

             (F) Evidence of the person's knowledge, training, and experience in each of the following: Needs of impaired elderly people, physical disabilities, mental illness, developmental disabilities, and other areas relevant to the needs of incapacitated persons, legal procedure, and the requirements of chapters 11.88 and 11.92 RCW.

             The written statement of qualifications shall include ((a statement of the number of times the guardian ad litem has been removed for failure to perform his or her duties as guardian ad litem)) the names of any counties in which the person was removed from a guardian ad litem registry pursuant to a grievance action that orders removal from the registry, and the cause number of any case in which the court orders removal of the person because the person fails to perform his or her duties as guardian ad litem; and

             (ii) Complete the ((model)) training ((program)) and continuing educational requirements as described in (((d))) (e) of this subsection. The training and continuing education requirements are not applicable to guardians ad litem appointed pursuant to court rule solely for the limited purpose of assessing a personal injury settlement.

             (c) Superior court shall remove any person from the guardian ad litem registry who misrepresents his or her qualifications.

             (d) The background and qualification information shall be updated annually.

             (((d))) (e) The department of social and health services shall convene an advisory group to develop a model guardian ad litem training program and establish training and continuing educational requirements. The department, in consultation with the advisory group, shall update the model training program biennially. The advisory group shall consist of representatives from consumer, advocacy, and professional groups knowledgeable in developmental disabilities, neurological impairment, physical disabilities, mental illness, aging, legal, court administration, the Washington state bar association, and other interested parties.

             (((e))) (f) The superior court shall require ((utilization of the model program developed by the advisory group as)) that any guardian ad litem appointed pursuant to this chapter comply with the training and continuing education requirements described in (((d))) (e) of this subsection((, to assure that candidates applying for registration as a qualified guardian ad litem shall have satisfactorily completed training to attain these essential minimum qualifications to act as guardian ad litem)), unless the guardian ad litem is appointed solely for the limited purposes of assessing a personal injury settlement.

             (4) The guardian ad litem appointed pursuant to this section shall have the following duties:

             (a) To meet and consult with the alleged incapacitated person as soon as practicable following appointment and explain, in language which such person can reasonably be expected to understand, the substance of the petition, the nature of the resultant proceedings, the person's right to contest the petition, the identification of the proposed guardian or limited guardian, the right to a jury trial on the issue of his or her alleged incapacity, the right to independent legal counsel as provided by RCW 11.88.045, and the right to be present in court at the hearing on the petition;

             (b) To obtain a written report according to RCW 11.88.045; and such other written or oral reports from other qualified professionals as are necessary to permit the guardian ad litem to complete the report required by this section;

             (c) To meet with the person whose appointment is sought as guardian or limited guardian and ascertain:

             (i) The proposed guardian's knowledge of the duties, requirements, and limitations of a guardian; and

             (ii) The steps the proposed guardian intends to take or has taken to identify and meet the needs of the alleged incapacitated person;

             (d) To consult as necessary to complete the investigation and report required by this section with those known relatives, friends, or other persons the guardian ad litem determines have had a significant, continuing interest in the welfare of the alleged incapacitated person;

             (e) To investigate alternate arrangements made, or which might be created, by or on behalf of the alleged incapacitated person, such as revocable or irrevocable trusts, or durable powers of attorney, or blocked accounts in cases of personal injury settlements; whether good cause exists for any such arrangements to be discontinued; and why such arrangements should not be continued or created in lieu of a guardianship;

             (f) To provide the court with a written report which shall include the following:

             (i) A description of the nature, cause, and degree of incapacity, and the basis upon which this judgment was made;

             (ii) A description of the needs of the incapacitated person for care and treatment, the probable residential requirements of the alleged incapacitated person and the basis upon which these findings were made;

             (iii) An evaluation of the appropriateness of the guardian or limited guardian whose appointment is sought and a description of the steps the proposed guardian has taken or intends to take to identify and meet current and emerging needs of the incapacitated person;

             (iv) A description of any alternative arrangements previously made by the alleged incapacitated person or which could be made, and whether and to what extent such alternatives should be used in lieu of a guardianship, and if the guardian ad litem is recommending discontinuation of any such arrangements, specific findings as to why such arrangements are contrary to the best interest of the alleged incapacitated person;

             (v) A description of the abilities of the alleged incapacitated person and a recommendation as to whether a guardian or limited guardian should be appointed. If appointment of a limited guardian is recommended, the guardian ad litem shall recommend the specific areas of authority the limited guardian should have and the limitations and disabilities to be placed on the incapacitated person;

             (vi) An evaluation of the person's mental ability to rationally exercise the right to vote and the basis upon which the evaluation is made;

             (vii) Any expression of approval or disapproval made by the alleged incapacitated person concerning the proposed guardian or limited guardian or guardianship or limited guardianship;

             (viii) Identification of persons with significant interest in the welfare of the alleged incapacitated person who should be advised of their right to request special notice of proceedings pursuant to RCW 11.92.150; ((and))

             (ix) Unless independent counsel has appeared for the alleged incapacitated person, an explanation of how the alleged incapacitated person responded to the advice of the right to jury trial, to independent counsel and to be present at the hearing on the petition; and

             (x) In cases of personal injury settlements, information relevant to the court's analysis of the offered settlement. The information relevant to the court's analysis may be specified by local court rule, and need not include information specified in subsection (4)(f)(i) through (ix) of this section.

             Within forty-five days after notice of commencement of the guardianship proceeding has been served upon the guardian ad litem, and at least fifteen days before the hearing on the petition, unless an extension or reduction of time has been granted by the court for good cause, the guardian ad litem shall file its report and send a copy to the alleged incapacitated person and his or her counsel, spouse, all children not residing with a notified person, those persons described in (f)(viii) of this subsection, and persons who have filed a request for special notice pursuant to RCW 11.92.150. If the guardian ad litem needs additional time to finalize his or her report, then the guardian ad litem shall petition the court for a postponement of the hearing or, with the consent of all other parties, an extension or reduction of time for filing the report. If the hearing does not occur within sixty days of filing the petition, then upon the two-month anniversary of filing the petition and on or before the same day of each following month until the hearing, the guardian ad litem shall file interim reports summarizing his or her activities on the proceeding during that time period as well as fees and costs incurred;

             (g) To advise the court of the need for appointment of counsel for the alleged incapacitated person within five court days after the meeting described in (a) of this subsection unless (i) counsel has appeared, (ii) the alleged incapacitated person affirmatively communicated a wish not to be represented by counsel after being advised of the right to representation and of the conditions under which court-provided counsel may be available, or (iii) the alleged incapacitated person was unable to communicate at all on the subject, and the guardian ad litem is satisfied that the alleged incapacitated person does not affirmatively desire to be represented by counsel.

             (5) If the petition is brought by an interested person or entity requesting the appointment of some other qualified person or entity and a prospective guardian or limited guardian cannot be found, the court shall order the guardian ad litem to investigate the availability of a possible guardian or limited guardian and to include the findings in a report to the court pursuant to subsection (4)(f) of this section.

             (6) The parties to the proceeding may file responses to the guardian ad litem report with the court and deliver such responses to the other parties and the guardian ad litem at any time up to the second day prior to the hearing. If a guardian ad litem fails to file his or her report in a timely manner, the hearing shall be continued to give the court and the parties at least fifteen days before the hearing to review the report. At any time during the proceeding upon motion of any party or on the court's own motion, the court may remove the guardian ad litem for failure to perform his or her duties as specified in this chapter, provided that the guardian ad litem shall have five days' notice of any motion to remove before the court enters such order. In addition, the court in its discretion may reduce a guardian ad litem's fee for failure to carry out his or her duties.

             (7) The court appointed guardian ad litem shall have the authority, in the event that the alleged incapacitated person is in need of emergency life-saving medical services, and is unable to consent to such medical services due to incapacity pending the hearing on the petition to give consent for such emergency life-saving medical services on behalf of the alleged incapacitated person.

             (8) The court-appointed guardian ad litem shall have the authority to move for temporary relief under chapter 7.40 RCW to protect the alleged incapacitated person from abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation, as those terms are defined in RCW 74.34.020, or to address any other emergency needs of the alleged incapacitated person. Any alternative arrangement executed before filing the petition for guardianship shall remain effective unless the court grants the relief requested under chapter 7.40 RCW, or unless, following notice and a hearing at which all parties directly affected by the arrangement are present, the court finds that the alternative arrangement should not remain effective.

             (9) The guardian ad litem shall receive a fee determined by the court. The fee shall be charged to the alleged incapacitated person unless the court finds that such payment would result in substantial hardship upon such person, in which case the county shall be responsible for such costs: PROVIDED, That if no guardian or limited guardian is appointed the court may charge such fee to the petitioner or the alleged incapacitated person, or divide the fee, as it deems just; and if the petition is found to be frivolous or not brought in good faith, the guardian ad litem fee shall be charged to the petitioner. The court shall not be required to provide for the payment of a fee to any salaried employee of a public agency. In cases of personal injury settlements, guardian ad litem fees shall be negotiated among the parties, and approved by the court.

             (10) Upon the presentation of the guardian ad litem report and the entry of an order either dismissing the petition for appointment of guardian or limited guardian or appointing a guardian or limited guardian, the guardian ad litem shall be dismissed and shall have no further duties or obligations unless otherwise ordered by the court. If the court orders the guardian ad litem to perform further duties or obligations, they shall not be performed at county expense.

             (11) The guardian ad litem shall appear in person at all hearings on the petition unless all parties provide a written waiver of the requirement to appear.

             (12) At any hearing the court may consider whether any person who makes decisions regarding the alleged incapacitated person or estate has breached a statutory or fiduciary duty.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. A new section is added to chapter 11.88 RCW to read as follows:

             The court shall, in each order of appointment, specify the hourly rate the guardian ad litem may charge for his or her services, and shall specify the maximum amount the guardian ad litem may charge without additional court review and approval.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. A new section is added to chapter 11.88 RCW to read as follows:

             All guardians ad litem are prohibited from engaging in ex parte communications with any judicial officer regarding the matter for which he or she is appointed, except as approved pursuant to a hearing conducted with appropriate notice to all parties. All guardians ad litem may petition the court to shorten time to hear any emergency motions pursuant to court rules. Unauthorized communication shall be immediately reported to all parties and their attorneys. The court, upon its own motion, or upon the motion of a party, may consider the removal of any guardian ad litem who violates this section from any pending case or the guardian ad litem rotational registry, and if so removed may require forfeiture of any fees for professional services on any pending cases.


             Sec. 6. RCW 13.34.100 and 1996 c 249 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:

             (1) The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for a child who is the subject of an action under this chapter, unless a court for good cause finds the appointment unnecessary. The requirement of a guardian ad litem may be deemed satisfied if the child is represented by independent counsel in the proceedings.

             (2) If the court does not have available to it a guardian ad litem program with a sufficient number of volunteers, the court may appoint a suitable person to act as guardian ad litem for the child under this chapter. Another party to the proceeding or the party's employee or representative shall not be so appointed.

             (3) Each guardian ad litem program shall maintain a background information record for each guardian ad litem in the program. The background file shall include, but is not limited to, the following information:

             (a) Level of formal education;

             (b) Training related to the guardian's duties;

             (c) Number of years' experience as a guardian ad litem;

             (d) Number of appointments as a guardian ad litem and the county or counties of appointment; ((and))

             (e) The name of any counties in which the person was removed from a guardian ad litem registry pursuant to a grievance action that orders removal from the registry, and the cause number of any case in which the court orders removal of the person because the person fails to perform his or her duties as guardian ad litem; and

             (f) Criminal history, as defined in RCW 9.94A.030.

             The background information report shall be updated annually. As a condition of appointment, the guardian ad litem's background information record shall be made available to the court. If the appointed guardian ad litem is not a member of a guardian ad litem program the person shall provide the background information to the court.

             Upon appointment, the guardian ad litem, or guardian ad litem program, shall provide the parties or their attorneys with a statement containing: His or her training relating to the duties as a guardian ad litem; the name of any counties in which the person was removed from a guardian ad litem registry pursuant to a grievance action that orders removal from the registry, and the cause number of any case in which the court orders removal of the person because the person fails to perform his or her duties as guardian ad litem; and his or her criminal history as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 for the period covering ten years prior to the appointment. The background statement shall not include identifying information that may be used to harm a guardian ad litem, such as home addresses and home telephone numbers, and for volunteer guardians ad litem the court may allow the use of maiden names or pseudonyms as necessary for their safety.

             (4) The appointment of the guardian ad litem shall remain in effect until the court discharges the appointment or no longer has jurisdiction, whichever comes first. The guardian ad litem may also be discharged upon entry of an order of guardianship.

             (5) A guardian ad litem through counsel, or as otherwise authorized by the court, shall have the right to present evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and to be present at all hearings. A guardian ad litem shall receive copies of all pleadings and other documents filed or submitted to the court, and notice of all hearings according to court rules. The guardian ad litem shall receive all notice contemplated for a parent or other party in all proceedings under this chapter.

             (6) If the child requests legal counsel and is age twelve or older, or if the guardian ad litem or the court determines that the child needs to be independently represented by counsel, the court may appoint an attorney to represent the child's position.

             (7) For the purposes of child abuse prevention and treatment act (42 U.S.C. Secs. 5101 et seq.) grants to this state under P.L. 93-247, or any related state or federal legislation, a person appointed pursuant to RCW 13.34.100 shall be deemed a guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of the minor in proceedings before the court.

             (8) When a court-appointed special advocate or volunteer guardian ad litem is requested on a case, the program shall give the court the name of the person it recommends and the appointment shall be effective immediately. The court shall appoint the person recommended by the program. If a party in a case reasonably believes the court-appointed special advocate or volunteer is inappropriate or unqualified, the party may request a review of the appointment by the program. The program must complete the review within five judicial days and remove any appointee for good cause. If the party seeking the review is not satisfied with the outcome of the review, the party may file a motion with the court for the removal of the court-appointed special advocate on the grounds the advocate or volunteer is inappropriate or unqualified.


             Sec. 7. RCW 13.34.102 and 1997 c 41 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

             (1)(a) All guardians ad litem((, who have not previously served or been trained as a guardian ad litem in this state, who are appointed after January 1, 1998,)) must ((complete the curriculum developed by the office of the administrator for the courts)) comply with the training requirements established under RCW 2.56.030(15), prior to their appointment in cases under Title 13 RCW, except that volunteer guardians ad litem or court-appointed special advocates ((accepted into a volunteer program after January 1, 1998,)) may ((complete an alternative curriculum)) comply with alternative training requirements approved by the office of the administrator for the courts that meet((s)) or exceed((s)) the state-wide ((curriculum)) requirements.

             (b) All persons appointed as guardians ad litem or court-appointed special advocates must comply with the continuing education requirements established under RCW 2.56.030(15).

             (2)(a) Each guardian ad litem program for compensated guardians ad litem shall establish a rotational registry system for the appointment of guardians ad litem. If a judicial district does not have a program the court shall establish the rotational registry system. Guardians ad litem shall be selected from the registry except in exceptional circumstances as determined and documented by the court. The parties may make a joint recommendation for the appointment of a guardian ad litem from the registry.

             (b) In judicial districts with a population over one hundred thousand, a list of three names shall be selected from the registry and given to the parties along with the background information as specified in RCW 13.34.100(3), including their hourly rate for services. Each party may, within three judicial days, strike one name from the list. If more than one name remains on the list, the court shall make the appointment from the names on the list. In the event all three names are stricken the person whose name appears next on the registry shall be appointed.

             (c) If a party reasonably believes that the appointed guardian ad litem lacks the necessary expertise for the proceeding, charges an hourly rate higher than what is reasonable for the particular proceeding, or has a conflict of interest, the party may, within three judicial days from the appointment, move for substitution of the appointed guardian ad litem by filing a motion with the court.

             (d) Upon the motion of any party the court shall, if located in a judicial district with a population over one hundred thousand, remove a compensated guardian ad litem who was not selected from a rotational registry system. This subsection (2)(d) does not apply when the guardian ad litem was appointed: (i) Under exceptional circumstances authorized under (a) of this subsection; or (ii) as a result of a joint recommendation of the parties.

             (3) The rotational registry system shall not apply to court-appointed special advocate programs.


             Sec. 8. RCW 13.34.105 and 1993 c 241 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

             (1) Unless otherwise directed by the court, the duties of the guardian ad litem include but are not limited to the following:

             (a) To ((represent)) investigate and ((be an advocate for)) report to the court factual information regarding the best interests of the child;

             (b) To collect relevant information about the child's situation;

             (c) To monitor all court orders for compliance and to bring to the court's attention any change in circumstances that may require a modification of the court's order; ((and))

             (d) To report to the court information on: (i) The legal status of a child's membership in any Indian tribe or band; and (ii) the facts relating to the child's best interests; and

             (e) Court-appointed special advocates may make recommendations based upon an independent investigation in the best interests of the child, which the court may consider and weigh in conjunction with the recommendations of all of the parties.

             (2) ((The)) A guardian ad litem shall be deemed an officer of the court for the purpose of immunity from civil liability.

             (3) Except for information or records specified in RCW 13.50.100(4), the guardian ad litem shall have access to all information available to the state or agency on the case. Upon presentation of the order of appointment by the guardian ad litem, any agency, hospital, school organization, division or department of the state, doctor, nurse, or other health care provider, psychologist, psychiatrist, police department, or mental health clinic shall permit the guardian ad litem to inspect and copy any records relating to the child or children involved in the case, without the consent of the parent or guardian of the child, or of the child if the child is under the age of thirteen years, unless such access is otherwise specifically prohibited by law.

             (4) A guardian ad litem may release confidential information, records, and reports to the office of the family and children's ombudsman for the purposes of carrying out its duties under chapter 43.06A RCW.

             (5) The guardian ad litem shall release case information in accordance with the provisions of RCW 13.50.100.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. A new section is added to chapter 13.34 RCW to read as follows:

             The court shall, in each order of appointment, specify the hourly rate the guardian ad litem may charge for his or her services, and shall specify the maximum amount the guardian ad litem may charge without additional court review and approval.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. A new section is added to chapter 13.34 RCW to read as follows:

             All guardians ad litem and court-appointed special advocates are prohibited from engaging in ex parte communications with any judicial officer regarding the matter for which he or she is appointed, except as approved pursuant to a hearing conducted with appropriate notice to all parties. All guardians ad litem may petition the court to shorten time to hear any emergency motions pursuant to court rules. Unauthorized communication shall be immediately reported to all parties and their attorneys. The court, upon its own motion, or upon the motion of a party, may consider the removal of any guardian ad litem or court-appointed special advocate who violates this section from any pending case or from any court-authorized registry, and if so removed may require forfeiture of any fees for professional services on any pending cases.


             Sec. 11. RCW 26.12.175 and 1996 c 249 s 15 are each amended to read as follows:

             (1)(a) The court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of a minor or dependent child when the court believes the appointment of a guardian ad litem is necessary to protect the best interests of the child in any proceeding under this chapter. The family court services professionals may also make a recommendation to the court regarding whether a guardian ad litem should be appointed for the child. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem from the court-appointed special advocate program, if that program exists in the county.

             (b) Unless otherwise ordered, the guardian ad litem's role is to investigate and report to the court concerning parenting arrangements for the child((, and to represent the child's best interests)). This should include factual information regarding the best interests of the child. Additionally, if a minor expresses his or her custody wishes, the guardian ad litem must report the wishes to the court. The child's wishes do not determine placement. The court may require the guardian ad litem to provide periodic reports to the parties regarding the status of his or her investigation. The guardian ad litem shall file his or her report at least sixty days prior to trial.

             (c) The court shall enter an order for costs, fees, and disbursements to cover the costs of the guardian ad litem. The court may order either or both parents to pay for the costs of the guardian ad litem, according to their ability to pay. If both parents are indigent, the county shall bear the cost of the guardian, subject to appropriation for guardians' ad litem services by the county legislative authority. Guardians ad litem who are not volunteers shall provide the parties with an itemized accounting of their time and billing for services each month.

             (2)(a) If the guardian ad litem appointed is from the county court-appointed special advocate program, the program shall supervise any guardian ad litem assigned to the case. The court-appointed special advocate program shall be entitled to notice of all proceedings in the case.

             (b) The legislative authority of each county may authorize creation of a court-appointed special advocate program. The county legislative authority may adopt rules of eligibility for court-appointed special advocate program services.

             (3) Each guardian ad litem program shall maintain a background information record for each guardian ad litem in the program. The background file shall include, but is not limited to, the following information:

             (a) Level of formal education;

             (b) Training related to the guardian's duties;

             (c) Number of years' experience as a guardian ad litem;

             (d) Number of appointments as a guardian ad litem and county or counties of appointment; ((and))

             (e) The name of any counties in which the person was removed from a guardian ad litem registry pursuant to a grievance action that orders removal from the registry, and the cause number of any case in which the court orders removal of the person because the person fails to perform his or her duties as guardian ad litem; and

             (f) Criminal history, as defined in RCW 9.94A.030.

             The background information report shall be updated annually. As a condition of appointment, the guardian ad litem's background information record shall be made available to the court. If the appointed guardian ad litem is not a member of a guardian ad litem program the person shall provide the background information to the court.

             Upon appointment, the guardian ad litem, or guardian ad litem program, shall provide the parties or their attorneys with a statement containing: His or her training relating to the duties as a guardian ad litem; the name of any counties in which the person was removed from a guardian ad litem registry pursuant to a grievance action that orders removal from the registry, and the cause number of any case in which the court orders removal of the person because the person fails to perform his or her duties as guardian ad litem; and his or her criminal history as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 for the period covering ten years prior to the appointment. The background statement shall not include identifying information that may be used to harm a guardian ad litem, such as home addresses and home telephone numbers, and for volunteer guardians ad litem the court may allow the use of maiden names or pseudonyms as necessary for their safety.

             (4) When a court-appointed special advocate or volunteer guardian ad litem is requested on a case, the program shall give the court the name of the person it recommends and the appointment shall be effective immediately. The court shall appoint the person recommended by the program. If a party in a case reasonably believes the court-appointed special advocate or volunteer is inappropriate or unqualified, the party may request a review of the appointment by the program. The program must complete the review within five judicial days and remove any appointee for good cause. If the party seeking the review is not satisfied with the outcome of the review, the party may file a motion with the court for the removal of the court-appointed special advocate on the grounds the advocate or volunteer is inappropriate or unqualified.


             Sec. 12. RCW 26.12.177 and 1997 c 41 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

             (1)(a) All guardians ad litem((, who have not previously served or been trained as a guardian ad litem in this state, who are appointed after January 1, 1998,)) and investigators appointed under RCW 26.09.220 must ((complete the curriculum developed by the office of the administrator for the courts)) comply with the training requirements established under RCW 2.56.030(15), prior to their appointment in cases under Title 26 RCW, except that volunteer guardians ad litem or court-appointed special advocates ((accepted into a volunteer program after January 1, 1998,)) may ((complete an alternative curriculum)) comply with alternative training requirements approved by the office of the administrator for the courts that meet((s)) or exceed((s)) the state-wide ((curriculum)) requirements.

             (b) All persons appointed as guardians ad litem, investigators under RCW 26.09.220, or court-appointed special advocates must comply with the continuing education requirements established under RCW 2.56.030(15).

             (2)(a) Each guardian ad litem program for compensated guardians ad litem shall establish a rotational registry system for the appointment of guardians ad litem and investigators under RCW 26.09.220. If a judicial district does not have a program the court shall establish the rotational registry system. Guardians ad litem and investigators under RCW 26.09.220 shall be selected from the registry except in exceptional circumstances as determined and documented by the court. The parties may make a joint recommendation for the appointment of a guardian ad litem from the registry.

             (b) In judicial districts with a population over one hundred thousand, a list of three names shall be selected from the registry and given to the parties along with the background information as specified in RCW 26.12.175(3), including their hourly rate for services. Each party may, within three judicial days, strike one name from the list. If more than one name remains on the list, the court shall make the appointment from the names on the list. In the event all three names are stricken the person whose name appears next on the registry shall be appointed.

             (c) If a party reasonably believes that the appointed guardian ad litem lacks the necessary expertise for the proceeding, charges an hourly rate higher than what is reasonable for the particular proceeding, or has a conflict of interest, the party may, within three judicial days from the appointment, move for substitution of the appointed guardian ad litem by filing a motion with the court.

             (d) Upon the motion of any party the court shall, if located in a judicial district with a population over one hundred thousand, remove a compensated guardian ad litem who was not selected from a rotational registry system. This subsection (2)(d) does not apply when the guardian ad litem was appointed: (i) Under exceptional circumstances authorized under (a) of this subsection; or (ii) as a result of a joint recommendation of the parties.

             (e) Under this section, within either registry referred to in (a) of this subsection, a subregistry may be created that consists of guardians ad litem under contract with the department of social and health services' division of child support. Guardians ad litem on such a subregistry shall be selected and appointed in state-initiated paternity cases only.

             (3) The rotational registry system shall not apply to court-appointed special advocate programs.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 13. A new section is added to chapter 26.12 RCW to read as follows:

             The court shall, in each order of appointment, specify the hourly rate the guardian ad litem or investigator under RCW 26.09.220 may charge for his or her services, and shall specify the maximum amount the guardian ad litem or investigator under RCW 26.09.220 may charge without additional court review and approval.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 14. A new section is added to chapter 26.12 RCW to read as follows:

             All guardians ad litem, court-appointed special advocates, and investigators under RCW 26.09.220 are prohibited from engaging in ex parte communications with any judicial officer regarding the matter for which he or she is appointed, except as approved pursuant to a hearing conducted with appropriate notice to all parties. All guardians ad litem or investigators under RCW 26.09.220 may petition the court to shorten time to hear any emergency motions pursuant to court rules. Unauthorized communication shall be immediately reported to all parties and their attorneys. The court, upon its own motion, or upon the motion of a party, may consider the removal of any guardian ad litem, court-appointed special advocate, or investigator who violates this section from any pending case or from any court-authorized registry, and if so removed may require forfeiture of any fees for professional services on any pending cases.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 15. A new section is added to chapter 26.12 RCW to read as follows:

             All information, records, and reports obtained or created by a guardian ad litem, court-appointed special advocate, or investigator under RCW 26.09.220, shall be discoverable pursuant to court rule to the parties and their attorneys. The guardian ad litem, court-appointed special advocate, or investigator shall maintain the privacy of the parties and the confidentiality of information obtained, pursuant to the investigation, as to third parties. Any guardian ad litem or investigator under RCW 26.09.220 can move the court to seal the court file to protect information obtained by the guardian ad litem from disclosure to third persons, particularly in cases where no evidentiary rulings have been made on information introduced by affidavit, declaration, or other means. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to authorize disclosure of guardian ad litem or investigator records in personal injury actions.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 16. A new section is added to chapter 26.12 RCW to read as follows:

             Any guardian ad litem or investigator under RCW 26.09.220 appointed under this chapter may release confidential information, records, and reports to the office of the family and children's ombudsman for the purposes of carrying out its duties under chapter 43.06A RCW.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 17. (1) Sections 1, 3 through 6, 8 through 11, and 13 through 16 of this act take effect June 1, 2000.

             (2) Sections 7 and 12 of this act take effect January 1, 2001."


             On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "Relating to" strike the remainder of the title and insert "guardianship and guardian ad litem proceedings; amending RCW 2.56.030, 11.88.090, 11.88.090, 13.34.100, 13.34.102, 13.34.105, 26.12.175, and 26.12.177; adding new sections to chapter 11.88 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 13.34 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 26.12 RCW; providing effective dates; and declaring an emergency."


and the same are herewith transmitted.

Tony M. Cook, Secretary


POINT OF ORDER


             Representative Dickerson requested a scope and object ruling on the Senate amendments to Substitute House Bill No. 1525.


SPEAKERS' RULING


             The Speaker (Representative Ogden presiding): "The Co-Speakers have reviewed Substitute House Bill No. 1525 and the Senate amendments.

             The Title is AN ACT Relating to authorizing mediation in guardianship proceedings. They find that Substitute House Bill No. 1525 has a narrow scope and object that authorizes mediation in guardianship proceedings. The Senate amendments make a variety of changes to the statutes governing guardians ad litem including establishing new requirements for training, continuing education, grievance procedures, disclosure, appointment and removal

             The Senate amendments go far beyond authorizing mediation and clearly exceed the scope and object of Substitute House Bill No. 1525.

             Representative Dickerson, your Point of Order is well taken."


             There being no objection, the House refused to concur in the Senate Amendment(s) to Substitute House Bill No. 1525 and asked the Senate to recede therefrom.


MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

April 12, 1999

Mr. Speaker:


             The Senate has passed SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 1569 with the following amendment(s):

             Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:


             "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the purpose of Washington's accountability system is to improve student learning and student achievement of the essential academic learning standards. The legislature finds that only thirty-one percent of students who took the 1998 fourth grade Washington assessment of student learning met the standard for proficiency in mathematics. The legislature also finds that only twenty percent of students who took the seventh grade trial assessment met the standard for proficiency in mathematics. The legislature intends to identify best practices in mathematics instruction for current and prospective mathematics teachers in the elementary and middle grades, and to provide training opportunities for teachers in using those instructional methods to help students in the classroom.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 28A.300 RCW to read as follows:

             (1) The excellence in mathematics training program is established to improve the mathematics performance of elementary, middle and junior high school students. The purpose of the program is to improve students' proficiency in mathematics by enhancing teachers' skills in using teaching methods that have been proven to be effective based upon empirical research. The program shall be administered by the office of the superintendent of public instruction.

             (2) The superintendent of public instruction, to the extent funds are appropriated, shall establish training programs in mathematics instruction and assessment for educators working with elementary, middle, and junior high school students. The programs shall be designed to prepare educators to select and implement appropriate instructional strategies and effective programs to improve mathematics instruction. Funds, to the extent funds are appropriated, shall be used to develop training programs and to provide the training to the educators both through institutes and in the classroom during the school year. In selecting educators to participate in the program, the superintendent shall give priority to educators from schools and schools districts in which a significant portion of the students performed below standard on one or more mathematics assessments."


             On page 1, line 1 of the title, strike the remainder of the title and insert" adding a new section to chapter 28A.300 RCW, and creating a new section."


and the same are herewith transmitted.

Tony M. Cook, Secretary


             There being no objection, the House concurred in the Senate amendment(s) to Substitute House Bill No. 1569 and advanced the bill as amended by the Senate to final passage.


FINAL PASSAGE OF HOUSE BILL AS AMENDED BY SENATE


             The Speaker (Representative Ogden presiding) stated the question before the House to be final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 1569 as amended by the Senate.


             Representatives Keiser and Carlson spoke in favor of passage of the bill as amended by the Senate.


ROLL CALL


             The Clerk called the roll on the final passage of Substitute House Bill No. 1569, as amended by the Senate and the bill passed the House by the following vote: Yeas - 97, Nays - 0, Absent - 0, Excused - 1.

             Voting yea: Representatives Alexander, Anderson, Ballasiotes, Barlean, Benson, Boldt, Buck, Bush, Cairnes, Campbell, Carlson, Carrell, B. Chandler, G. Chandler, Clements, Cody, Constantine, Conway, Cooper, Cox, Crouse, DeBolt, Delvin, Dickerson, Doumit, Dunn, Dunshee, Edmonds, Edwards, Eickmeyer, Ericksen, Esser, Fisher, Fortunato, Gombosky, Grant, Haigh, Hankins, Hatfield, Huff, Hurst, Kagi, Kastama, Keiser, Kenney, Kessler, Koster, Lambert, Lantz, Linville, Lisk, Lovick, Mastin, McDonald, McIntire, McMorris, Mielke, Miloscia, Mitchell, Morris, Mulliken, Murray, O'Brien, Ogden, Parlette, Pennington, Pflug, Poulsen, Radcliff, Reardon, Regala, Rockefeller, Romero, Ruderman, Santos, Schindler, D. Schmidt, K. Schmidt, Schoesler, Schual-Berke, Scott, Skinner, D. Sommers, H. Sommers, Stensen, Sullivan, Sump, Talcott, Thomas, Tokuda, Van Luven, Veloria, Wensman, Wolfe, Wood, Mr. Speaker Ballard and Mr. Speaker Chopp - 97.

             Excused: Representative Quall - 1.


             Substitute House Bill No. 1569, as amended by the Senate, having received the constitutional majority, was declared passed.


SENATE AMENDMENTS TO HOUSE BILL

April 16, 1999

Mr. Speaker:


             The Senate has passed SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 2005 with the following amendment(s)


             Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:


             "Sec. 1. RCW 42.40.020 and 1995 c 403 s 509 are each amended to read as follows:

             As used in this chapter, the terms defined in this section shall have the meanings indicated unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

             (1) "Agency" means any state board, commission, bureau, committee, department, institution, division, or tribunal in the legislative, executive, or judicial branch of state government. "Agency" includes all elective offices, the state legislature, those institutions of higher education created and supported by the state government, and those courts that are part of state government.

             (2) "Auditor" means the office of the state auditor.

             (((2))) (3) "Employee" means any individual employed or holding office in any department or agency of state government.

             (((3))) (4) "Good faith" means a reasonable basis in fact for the communication. "Good faith" is lacking when the employee knows or reasonably ought to know that the report is malicious, false, or frivolous.

             (5) "Gross waste of funds" means to spend or use funds or to allow funds to be used without valuable result in a manner grossly deviating from the standard of care or competence that a reasonable person would observe in the same situation.

             (6)(a) "Improper governmental action" means any action by an employee((:

             (i) Which is)) undertaken in the performance of the employee's official duties((, whether or not the action is within the scope of the employee's employment; and)):

             (((ii))) (i) Which is ((in violation of any state law or rule, is an abuse of authority,)) mismanagement or gross waste of public funds or resources as defined in this section;

             (ii) Which is in violation of federal or state law or rule, if the violation is not merely technical or of a minimum nature; or

             (iii) Which is of substantial and specific danger to the public health or safety((, or is a gross waste of public funds)).

             (b) "Improper governmental action" does not include personnel actions, for which other remedies exist, including but not limited to employee grievances, complaints, appointments, promotions, transfers, assignments, reassignments, reinstatements, restorations, reemployments, performance evaluations, reductions in pay, dismissals, suspensions, demotions, violations of the state civil service law, alleged labor agreement violations, reprimands, claims of discriminatory treatment, or any action which may be taken under chapter 41.06 RCW, or other disciplinary action except as provided in RCW 42.40.030.

             (((4))) (7) "Mismanagement" means the exercise of an executive function in a manner grossly deviating from the standard of care or competence that a reasonable person would observe in the same situation.

             (8) "Substantial and specific danger" means a risk of serious injury, illness, peril, or loss, to which the exposure of the public is a gross deviation from the standard of care or competence which a reasonable person would observe in the same situation.

             (9) "Use of official authority or influence" includes taking, directing others to take, recommending, processing, or approving any personnel action such as an appointment, promotion, transfer, assignment, reassignment, reinstatement, restoration, reemployment, performance evaluation, or any adverse action under chapter 41.06 RCW, or other disciplinary action.

             (((5))) (10) "Whistleblower" means an employee who in good faith reports alleged improper governmental action to the auditor, initiating an investigation under RCW 42.40.040. For purposes of the provisions of this chapter and chapter 49.60 RCW relating to reprisals and retaliatory action, the term "whistleblower" also means: (a) An employee who in good faith provides information to the auditor in connection with an investigation under RCW 42.40.040 and an employee who is believed to have reported ((alleged)) asserted improper governmental action to the auditor or to have provided information to the auditor in connection with an investigation under RCW 42.40.040 but who, in fact, has not reported such action or provided such information; or (b) an employee who in good faith identifies rules warranting review or provides information to the rules review committee, and an employee who is believed to have identified rules warranting review or provided information to the rules review committee but who, in fact, has not done so.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. An employee must make a reasonable attempt to ascertain the correctness of the information furnished and may be subject to disciplinary actions, including, but not limited to, suspension or termination, for knowingly furnishing false information as determined by the employee's appointing authority.


             Sec. 3. RCW 42.40.040 and 1992 c 118 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

             (1)(a) In order to be investigated, an assertion of improper governmental action must be provided to the auditor within one year after the occurrence of the asserted improper governmental action.

             (b) The auditor has the authority to determine whether to investigate any assertions received. In determining whether to conduct either a preliminary or further investigation, the auditor shall consider factors including, but not limited to: The nature and quality of evidence and the existence of relevant laws and rules; whether the action was isolated or systematic; the history of previous assertions regarding the same subject or subjects or subject matter; whether other avenues are available for addressing the matter; whether the matter has already been investigated or is in litigation; the degree or significance of the asserted improper governmental action; and the cost and benefit of the investigation. The auditor has the sole discretion to determine the priority and weight given to these and other relevant factors and to decide whether a matter is to be investigated. The auditor shall document the factors considered and the analysis applied.

             (c) The auditor also has the authority to investigate assertions as part of an audit conducted under chapter 43.09 RCW. The auditor shall document the reasons for handling the matter as part of such an audit.

             (2) Subject to subsection (5)(c) of this section, the identity of a whistleblower is confidential at all times unless the whistleblower consents to disclosure by written waiver or by acknowledging his or her identity in a claim against the state for retaliation.

             (3) Upon receiving specific information that an employee has engaged in improper governmental action, the auditor shall, within five working days of receipt of the information, mail written acknowledgement to the whistleblower at the address provided stating whether a preliminary investigation will be conducted. For a period not to exceed thirty working days from receipt of the assertion, the auditor shall conduct such preliminary investigation of the matter as the auditor deems appropriate. ((In conducting the investigation, the identity of the whistleblower shall be kept confidential.

             (2))) (4) In addition to the authority under subsection (((1))) (3) of this section, the auditor may, on its own initiative, investigate incidents of improper state governmental action.

             (((3))) (5)(a) If it appears to the auditor, upon completion of the preliminary investigation, that the matter is so unsubstantiated that no further investigation, prosecution, or administrative action is warranted, the auditor shall so notify the whistleblower.

             (b) The written notification shall ((be by memorandum containing)) contain a summary of the information received((, a summary)) and of the results of the preliminary investigation with regard to each ((allegation)) assertion of improper governmental action((, and any determination made by the auditor under (c) of this subsection)).

             (c) In any case to which this section applies, the identity of the whistleblower shall be kept confidential unless the auditor determines that the information has been provided other than in good faith.

             (d) ((If it appears to the auditor that the matter does not meet the definition of an "improper governmental action" under RCW 42.40.020(3), or is other than a gross waste of public funds, the auditor may forward a summary of the allegations to the appropriate agency for investigation and require a response by memorandum no later than thirty days after the allegations are received from the auditor. The response shall contain a summary of the investigation with regard to each allegation and any determination of corrective action taken. The auditor will keep the identity of the whistleblower confidential. Upon receipt of the results of the investigation from the appropriate agency, the auditor will notify the whistleblower as prescribed under (a), (b), and (c) of this subsection)) With the agency's consent, the auditor may forward the assertions to an appropriate agency to investigate and report back to the auditor no later than sixty working days after the assertions are received from the auditor. The auditor is entitled to all investigative records resulting from such a referral. All procedural and confidentiality provisions of this chapter apply to investigations conducted under this subsection. The auditor shall document the reasons the assertions were referred.

             (((4))) (6) During the preliminary investigation, the auditor shall provide written notification of the nature of the assertions to the subject or subjects of the investigation and the agency head. The notification shall include the relevant facts and laws known at the time and the procedure for the subject or subjects of the investigation and the agency head to respond to the assertions and information obtained during the investigation. This notification does not limit the auditor from considering additional facts or laws which become known during further investigation.

             (7)(a) If it appears to the auditor after completion of the preliminary investigation that further investigation, prosecution, or administrative action is warranted, the auditor shall so notify the whistleblower, the subject or subjects of the investigation, and the agency head and either conduct a further investigation((s)) or issue a report under subsection (((6))) (10) of this section.

             (b) If the preliminary investigation resulted from an anonymous assertion, a decision to conduct further investigation shall be subject to review by a three-person panel convened as necessary by the auditor prior to the commencement of any additional investigation. The panel shall include a state auditor representative knowledgeable of the subject agency operations, a citizen volunteer, and a representative of the attorney general's office. This group shall be briefed on the preliminary investigation and shall recommend whether the auditor should proceed with further investigation.

             (c) If further investigation is to occur, the auditor shall provide written notification of the nature of the assertions to the subject or subjects of the investigation and the agency head. The notification shall include the relevant facts known at the time and the procedure to be used by the subject or subjects of the investigation and the agency head to respond to the assertions and information obtained during the investigation.

             (8) Within sixty working days after the ((thirty-day)) preliminary investigation period in subsection (((1))) (3) of this section, the auditor shall complete the investigation and report its findings to the whistleblower unless written justification for the delay is furnished to the whistleblower, agency head, and subject or subjects of the investigation. In all such cases, the report of the auditor's investigation and findings shall be sent to the whistleblower within one year after the information was filed under subsection (((1))) (3) of this section.

             (((5))) (9)(a) At any stage of an investigation under this section the auditor may require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary or other evidence relating to the investigation at any designated place in the state. The auditor may issue subpoenas, administer oaths, examine witnesses, and receive evidence. In the case of contumacy or failure to obey a subpoena, the superior court for the county in which the person to whom the subpoena is addressed resides or is served may issue an order requiring the person to appear at any designated place to testify or to produce documentary or other evidence. Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt thereof.

             (b) The auditor may order the taking of depositions at any stage of a proceeding or investigation under this chapter. Depositions shall be taken before an individual designated by the auditor and having the power to administer oaths. Testimony shall be reduced to writing by or under the direction of the individual taking the deposition and shall be subscribed by the deponent.

             (((6))) (c) Agencies shall cooperate fully in the investigation and shall take appropriate action to preclude the destruction of any evidence during the course of the investigation.

             (d) During the investigation the auditor shall interview each subject of the investigation. If it is determined there is reasonable cause to believe improper governmental action has occurred, the subject or subjects and the agency head shall be given fifteen working days to respond to the assertions prior to the issuance of the final report.

             (10)(a) If the auditor determines ((that)) there is reasonable cause to believe ((that)) an employee has engaged in ((any)) improper ((activity)) governmental action, the auditor shall report the nature and details of the activity to:

             (i) The ((employee)) subject or subjects of the investigation and the head of the employing agency; and

             (ii) If appropriate, the attorney general or such other authority as the auditor determines appropriate.

             (b) The auditor has no enforcement power except that in any case in which the auditor submits ((a)) an investigative report ((of alleged improper activity)) containing reasonable cause determinations to the ((head of an)) agency, the ((attorney general, or any other individual to which a report has been made under this section, the individual shall report to the auditor with respect to any action taken by the individual regarding the activity, the first report being transmitted no later than thirty days after the date of the auditor's report and monthly thereafter until final action is taken)) agency shall send its plan for resolution to the auditor within fifteen working days of having received the report. The agency is encouraged to consult with the subject or subjects of the investigation in establishing the resolution plan. The auditor may require periodic reports of agency action until all resolution has occurred. If the auditor determines that appropriate action ((is)) has not ((being)) been taken ((within a reasonable time)), the auditor shall report the determination to the governor and to the legislature and may include this determination in the agency audit under chapter 43.09 RCW.

             (((7))) (11) Once the auditor concludes that appropriate action has been taken to resolve the matter, the auditor shall so notify the whistleblower, the agency head, and the subject or subjects of the investigation. If the resolution takes more than one year, the auditor shall provide annual notification of its status to the whistleblower, agency head, and subject or subjects of the investigation.

             (12) This section does not limit any authority conferred upon the attorney general or any other agency of government to investigate any matter.


             Sec. 4. RCW 42.40.050 and 1992 c 118 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

             (1) Any person who is a whistleblower, as defined in RCW 42.40.020, and who as a result of being a whistleblower has been subjected to workplace reprisal or retaliatory action has the remedies provided under chapter 49.60 RCW. For the purpose of this section "reprisal or retaliatory action" means but is not limited to:

             (((1))) (a) Denial of adequate staff to perform duties;

             (((2))) (b) Frequent staff changes;

             (((3))) (c) Frequent and undesirable office changes;

             (((4))) (d) Refusal to assign meaningful work;

             (((5))) (e) Unwarranted and unsubstantiated letters of reprimand or unsatisfactory performance evaluations;

             (((6))) (f) Demotion;

             (((7))) (g) Reduction in pay;

             (((8))) (h) Denial of promotion;

             (((9))) (i) Suspension;

             (((10))) (j) Dismissal;

             (((11))) (k) Denial of employment; ((and

             (12))) (l) A supervisor or superior encouraging coworkers to behave in a hostile manner toward the whistleblower;

             (m) Actions which violate RCW 42.40.030; and

             (n) Disclosure of a whistleblower's name unless the whistleblower has consented to disclosure as provided in RCW 42.40.040(2).

             (2) Nothing in this section prohibits an agency from making any decision exercising its authority to terminate, suspend, or discipline an employee who engages in workplace reprisal or retaliatory action against a whistleblower. However, the agency also shall implement any order under chapter 49.60 RCW (other than an order of suspension if the agency has terminated the retaliator).


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. The auditor has the authority to contract for any assistance necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. The cost of administering this chapter is funded through the auditing services revolving account created in RCW 43.09.410.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. A whistleblower wishing to provide information under this chapter regarding asserted improper governmental action against the state auditor or an employee of that office shall provide the information to the attorney general who shall act in place of the auditor in investigating and reporting the matter.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. Chapter . . ., Laws of 1999 (this act) does not affect the jurisdiction of the legislative ethics board, the executive ethics board, or the commission on judicial conduct, as set forth in chapter 42.52 RCW.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. The office of financial management shall contract for a performance audit of the state employee whistleblower program on a cycle to be determined by the office of financial management. The audit shall be done in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2001. The audit shall determine at a minimum: Whether the program is acquiring, protecting, and using its resources such as personnel, property, and space economically and efficiently; the causes of inefficiencies or uneconomical practices; and whether the program has complied with laws and rules on matters of economy and efficiency. The audit shall also at a minimum determine the extent to which the desired results or benefits established by the legislature are being achieved, the effectiveness of the program, and whether the auditor has complied with significant laws and rules applicable to the program.

             The cost of the audit is a cost of operating the program and shall be funded by the auditing services revolving account created by RCW 43.09.410.


             Sec. 10. RCW 43.09.410 and 1995 c 301 s 25 are each amended to read as follows:

             An auditing services revolving account is hereby created in the state treasury for the purpose of a centralized funding, accounting, and distribution of the actual costs of the audits provided to state agencies by the state auditor and audits of the state employee whistleblower program under section 9 of this act.


             NEW SECTION. Sec. 11. Sections 2 and 5 through 9 of this act are each added to chapter 42.40 RCW."


             On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "whistleblowers;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "amending RCW 42.40.020, 42.40.040, 42.40.050, and 43.09.410; and adding new sections to chapter 42.40 RCW."


and the same are herewith transmitted.

Tony M. Cook, Secretary


             There being no objection, the House refused to concur in the Senate Amendment(s) to Substitute House Bill No. 2005 and asked the Senate to recede therefrom.


             There being no objection, the House advanced to the eleventh order of business.


MOTION


             On motion of Representative Kessler, the House adjourned until 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 22, 1999, the 102nd Legislative Day.

 

TIMOTHY A. MARTIN, Chief Clerk                                                                      CLYDE BALLARD, Speaker

DEAN R. FOSTER, Chief Clerk                                                                              FRANK CHOPP, Speaker


1024 (Sub)

Third Reading Final Passage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Other Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1163 (Sub)

Third Reading Final Passage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Other Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

1204 (Sub)

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1345 (Sub)

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1442

Third Reading Final Passage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Other Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

1525 (Sub)

Other Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

1554

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1569 (Sub)

Third Reading Final Passage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Other Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

1620 (Sub)

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1887 (Sub)

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2005 (Sub)

Other Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

2152 (Sub)

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

4006

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

4653 Relatives Raising Children

Introduced. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Adopted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

4677 Blue Ribbon Schools

Introduced. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Adopted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

4686 Grant County Fire District

Introduced. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Adopted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

4687 Blaine Borderites

Introduced. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Adopted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

5005

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 5

5020

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 5

5036

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 5

5040

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 5

5064 (Sub)

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5095

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5108 (2nd Sub)

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5125

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5127

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5147 (Sub)

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5153 (Sub)

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5154 (Sub)

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5179 (Sub)

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5213 (Sub)

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5214 (Sub)

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5219 (Sub)

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5273 (Sub)

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5279 (Sub)

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5290 (Sub)

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5307

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5358

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5384

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5385

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5499

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5502

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

5671 (Sub)

Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (Representative Ogden presiding)

Point of Order, Representative Dickerson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE (Representative Ogden presiding)

Recognizing Edith Owen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Speaker's Privilege, Blue Ribbon Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Speaker's Privilege, Grant County Fire District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Speaker's Ruling: Scope & Object: 1525-S Senate Amd; Point well t. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28