FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2526

C 93 L 02

Synopsis as Enacted

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

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

House Committee on Local Government & Housing

Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Water

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  the 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 the SEPA is subject to review administratively, if allowed by the agency, and judicially.  The department=s rules under the SEPA also apply to proposed reductions of city or town limits and proposed disincorporations of cities or towns.

Summary:

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

Votes on Final Passage:

House970

Senate480

Effective:  June 13, 2002