HB 2168-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Declares that "equitable distribution" or "distribute equitably" means siting or locating community facilities in a manner that reasonably reflects the proportion of juveniles sentenced to the department from each county or rural multicounty geographic area designated by the department, and, to the extent practicable, the proportion of such juveniles residing in particular jurisdictions or communities within such counties or geographic areas.  Equitable distribution is a policy goal, not a basis for any legal challenge to the siting, construction, occupancy, or operation of any facility anywhere in the state.

     Requires the department to prepare a projected list of counties and rural multicounty geographic areas in which community facilities need to be sited over the biennium beginning July 1, 2003, and every biennium thereafter, and transmit the list to the office of financial management and the counties on the list.

     Declares that the notice required under this act must also inform the public that any interested person or entity, including a local government entity, is invited to submit written comments regarding a proposed location, including comments regarding whether the site meets the equitable distribution and other statutory requirements for the facility.  Written comments must be submitted not later than thirty days following the date notice is issued.

     Requires the department to consider the testimony received at the public hearings and any written comments submitted before making a final selection of the site for the location or relocation of a work release facility.  The department shall issue a written analysis of the final selection, including how the selection was consistent with the requirements of this act.

     Provides that each county planning under RCW 36.70A.040, in cooperation with the cities located in whole or in part within the county, and each city planning under RCW 36.70A.040 shall, when it next amends its comprehensive plan, but in no case later than the deadline specified in RCW 36.70A.130, establish a process, or amend its existing process, for identifying and siting essential public facilities, and adopt or amend its development regulations as necessary to provide for the siting of community facilities as defined in RCW 72.05.020 and work release and other facilities operated by or under contract with the department of corrections.