BILL REQ. #:  H-4354.2 

Read first time 01/23/2006.   Referred to Committee on State Government Operations & Accountability.

     AN ACT Relating to blind persons operating vending facilities and vending machines; and amending RCW 74.18.220.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 74.18.220 and 1983 c 194 s 22 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department is authorized to license blind persons to operate vending facilities and vending machines on federal property and in public buildings.
     (2) The state, political subdivisions thereof, and agencies of the state, or political subdivisions thereof shall:
     (a) Give priority to licensees in the operation of vending facilities and vending machines in public buildings; and
     (b) Allow licensees to operate vending facilities and vending machines in public buildings rent free.
     (3) A licensee may subcontract with food service providers in operating vending facilities and vending machines in public buildings.
     (4) Any private office building located in the capital area that leases space to at least one hundred state employees shall contract with the department of services for the blind to provide vending facilities and/or vending machines in those facilities. If the department indicates to the building owner that a vendor is not available or that the building does not meet the needs of the blind vendors' program, the building owner may then seek other vendors for the facility; however, all vending machines in such facilities shall be provided by the department.
     (5) For purposes of this section, "capital area" includes the area within the boundaries of Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey, Washington.