S-3948.1 _______________________________________________
SENATE BILL 6779
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State of Washington 57th Legislature 2002 Regular Session
By Senators Haugen, B. Sheldon, Oke, Swecker, Rasmussen, Shin, Gardner, Roach, Hale and Costa
Read first time 02/04/2002. Referred to Committee on State & Local Government.
AN ACT Relating to a military facilities task force; and adding a new chapter to Title 38 RCW.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that placing a high priority on the continuation of military activities at the military bases located in our state is in the best interest of the state and the United States. In order to avoid the closing of these bases, the privatization of the infrastructure of these bases should be facilitated. This effort will require the combined efforts of the state and local governments and the private sector working in partnership with the United States military. Therefore, the military facilities task force is hereby created. The task force's primary goal is to create the legislative framework required best to facilitate the privatization of that infrastructure chosen to be desirable for that treatment by the task force.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The purpose of the military facilities task force is to coordinate statewide efforts to ensure all military facilities in Washington retain their premier status with respect to their national defense missions. The task force shall inform the governor and the legislature on matters affecting the operational viability of military facilities within Washington through (1) understanding the mission of each military facility in this state; (2) examining the integral role of Washington facilities within the national defense structure; (3) identifying any obstacles to the mission of each facility according to criteria used by its respective branch of service; (4) examining any law, ordinance, requirement, rule, or regulation that impacts each facility's mission; (5) evaluating any locally developed proposals intended to mitigate the impact of military facilities on surrounding areas or the impact of nonmilitary activities in surrounding areas on the mission of military facilities; and (6) studying the economic impacts of the facilities on the Washington economy. The task force shall make recommendations to the governor and the legislature regarding actions needed to ensure the viability of military facilities, including (a) expenditures appropriate to ensure the proper functioning and continued operation of military facilities within the state; (b) required changes to state law, local ordinances, local zoning requirements, or any other state or local requirement, rule, or regulation in order to encourage the continued operation of military facilities within the state; and (c) any required actions to be taken by the state at the federal level in support of military facilities within the state.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1) The military facilities task force committee shall have the following membership:
(a) The executive committee of the joint committee on veterans' and military affairs;
(b) Representatives of each county and city containing a major military facility to be appointed by resolution of the legislative authorities of these counties and cities;
(c) Two members who are nonelected community leaders, appointed by the governor; and
(d) The military authorities of each military base in the state shall be invited to participate in the task force.
(2) The governor or his or her designee shall serve as chair of the task force and provide staff support.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. The task force shall meet as soon as possible after its membership is appointed. It shall have the authority to invite participation of any experts it deems appropriate. It shall continue until such time as the consensus of its membership is to dissolve.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. Sections 1 through 4 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 38 RCW.
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