HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2526

As Reported by House Committee On:

Local Government & Housing

Title:  An act relating to exemptions from the state environmental policy act for reductions of city limits and disincorporations.

Brief Description:  Providing exemptions from SEPA for reductions of city limits and disincorporations.

Sponsors:  Representatives Berkey, Mulliken, Dunshee, Mielke, Kirby, Crouse and Linville.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Local Government & Housing:  1/31/02 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

$Exempts reductions of city limits and disincorporations from compliance with the state environmental policy act.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT & HOUSING

Majority Report:  Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Dunshee, Chair; Edwards, Vice Chair; Mulliken, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Crouse, DeBolt, Dunn, Hatfield, Kirby, Mielke and Sullivan.

Staff:  Amy Wood (786‑7127).

Background:

The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requires a governmental entity, whether state or local, to analyze the environmental impacts of its major actions.  The Department of Ecology has adopted rules to implement SEPA.  The lead agency must make a threshold determination of whether the proposal has probable significant adverse environmental impacts.  If the lead agency determines that it does, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) must be prepared.  An agency=s decision under SEPA is subject to review administratively, if allowed by the agency, and judicially.

These same basic rules apply to proposed reductions of city limits and proposed disincorporations.

Summary of  Bill:

Reductions of city limits and disincorporations are exempted from compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The cities want clarification that they are exempt from SEPA requirements when they reduce city limits or disincorporate.  The bill will help reduce cost and eliminate an undue burden on cities.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Berkey, prime sponsor; Ron Rosenbloom, Association of Washington Cities.