 | WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE | |
| Legislative Digest No. 7 | ||
| FIFTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE | ||
| Wednesday, January 18, 2006 | 10th Day - 2006 Regular Session | |
| HOUSE |
|
This publication includes digest and history for bills, joint memorials, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, initiatives, and substitutes. Engrossed measures may be republished if the amendment makes a substantive change.
Electronic versions of Legislative Digests are available at http://www.leg.wa.gov/wsladm/billinfo1/digsup.cfm?year=2006.
HB 2292-S2
by House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Lantz, Cody, Campbell, Kirby, Flannigan, Williams, Linville, Springer, Clibborn, Wood, Fromhold, Morrell, Hunt, Moeller, Green, Kilmer, Conway, O'Brien, Sells, Kenney, Kessler, Chase, Upthegrove, Ormsby, Lovick, McCoy, and Santos)
Addressing health care liability reform.
Finds that access to safe, affordable health care is one of the most important issues facing the citizens of Washington state.Finds that the rising cost of medical malpractice insurance has caused some physicians, particularly those in high-risk specialties such as obstetrics and emergency room practice, to be unavailable when and where the citizens need them the most. The answers to these problems are varied and complex, requiring comprehensive solutions that encourage patient safety practices, increase oversight of medical malpractice insurance, and making the civil justice system more understandable, fair, and efficient for all the participants.Declares an intent to prioritize patient safety and the prevention of medical errors above all other considerations as legal changes are made to address the problem of high malpractice insurance premiums. Thousands of patients are injured each year as a result of medical errors, many of which can be avoided by supporting health care providers, facilities, and carriers in their efforts to reduce the incidence of those mistakes.Declares an intent to provide incentives to settle cases before resorting to court, and to provide the option of a more fair, efficient, and streamlined alternative to trials for those for whom settlement negotiations do not work.Declares an intent to provide the insurance commissioner with the tools and information necessary to regulate medical malpractice insurance rates and policies so that they are fair to both the insurers and the insured.
| Jan 13 | JUDI - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
HB 2335-S
by House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Appleton, Campbell, Cody, Moeller, Green, Clibborn, Lantz, Morrell, Chase, Murray, Darneille, Santos, Wallace, Dickerson, Kenney, and Schual-Berke)
Regulating body piercing.
Finds and declares that the practices of body piercing and body art involve an invasive procedure with the use of needles, single-use disposable sharps, reusable sharps, instruments, and jewelry. These practices may be dangerous when improperly sterilized, presenting a risk of infecting the client with bloodborne pathogens including, but not limited to, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. It is in the interests of the public health, safety, and welfare to establish requirements in the commercial practice of body piercing in this state.Directs the secretary of health to adopt by rule requirements for standard universal precautions, as recommended by the United States centers for disease control and prevention, for preventing the spread of disease and the sterilization of needles, single-use disposable sharps, reusable sharps, instruments, and jewelry used by a person who practices body piercing or body art.Declares that a person who practices body piercing or body art must comply with the rules adopted by the department of health under this act.Provides that a violation of this act is a misdemeanor.
| Jan 13 | HC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 17 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2341-S
by House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Moeller, Hinkle, Williams, Sells, Upthegrove, Lantz, Morrell, Clibborn, Conway, Kenney, and Campbell)
Modifying optometry licensing requirements.
Revises optometry licensing requirements of RCW 18.53.010.Declares that the secretary of health may adopt rules under this act authorizing an inactive license status.Provides that an inactive license may be placed in an active status upon compliance with rules established by the secretary of health.Declares that provisions relating to disciplinary action against a person with a license are applicable to a person with an inactive license, except that when disciplinary proceedings against a person with an inactive license have been initiated, the license will remain inactive until the proceedings have been completed.
| Jan 13 | HC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 17 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2376-S
by House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Clibborn, Morrell, Murray, Wallace, Cody, Schual-Berke, Simpson, Green, Sells, Ormsby, Appleton, Fromhold, Hunt, Kenney, Kessler, Lantz, Miloscia, Moeller, and Williams; by request of Governor Gregoire)
Prohibiting the department of social and health services from imposing premiums on children in households with income at or below two hundred percent of the federal poverty level.
Prohibits the department of social and health services from imposing premiums on children in households with income at or below two hundred percent of the federal poverty level.
| Jan 13 | HC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
HB 2384-S
by House Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives Dickerson, Buck, Blake, and B. Sullivan; by request of Department of Natural Resources)
Concerning the state geological survey.
Declares an intent that there be an effective state geological survey that can produce essential information that provides for the health, safety, and economic well-being of the citizens.In addition to the objectives stated in RCW 43.92.020, the geological survey must conduct and maintain an assessment of seismic, landslide, and tsunami hazards in Washington. This assessment must include the identification and mapping of volcanic, seismic, landslide, and tsunami hazards, an estimation of potential consequences, and the likelihood of occurrence.
| Jan 13 | NREP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 17 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2405-S
by House Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance (originally sponsored by Representatives Kirby and Roach; by request of Insurance Commissioner)
Regulating the compensation paid by an insurer to an insurance broker.
Amends RCW 48.17.270 to regulate the compensation paid by an insurer to an insurance broker.Declares that, for purposes of this act, "insurer" includes an insurer authorized under chapter 48.05 RCW, a health care service contractor registered under chapter 48.44 RCW, and a health maintenance organization under chapter 48.46 RCW. "Insured" means the policyholder.
| Jan 12 | FII - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 16 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2415-S
by House Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance (originally sponsored by Representatives Ericks, Roach, Kirby, Morrell, Green, Nixon, McDonald, Hasegawa, Conway, Simpson, Ormsby, and Schual-Berke; by request of Insurance Commissioner)
Compensating the victims of uninsured and underinsured motorists.
Provides that, if the covered person seeking underinsured motorist coverage under this act was the intended victim of the tort feasor, the incident must be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency and the covered person must cooperate with any related law enforcement investigation.Declares that the purpose of this act is to protect innocent victims of uninsured and underinsured motorists. Covered persons are entitled to coverage without regard to whether an event was intentionally caused unless the insurer can demonstrate that the covered person intended to cause the damage for which uninsured and/or underinsured motorists' coverage is sought.Declares that, as used in this act, and in the section of policies providing the underinsured motorist coverage described in this act, "accident" means an occurrence that is unexpected and unintended from the standpoint of the covered person.
| Jan 12 | FII - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Jan 16 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
| Jan 17 | Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading. | |
HB 2923
by Representatives Santos, Sells, Appleton, Ericks, McCoy, Chase, and Conway
Adopting a weighted multiple measures approach to graduation requirements.
Declares an intent to account for a student's entire high school academic history by using a weighted multiple measures approach to evaluate a student's readiness to graduate. This method recognizes all of the state's graduation requirements, considers the academic impact and benefit of each, and puts all in proper perspective. It honors a well-rounded, rigorous, and challenging educational experience that prepares our students for a changing and complex twenty-first century. It recognizes that while all students can learn at high levels, many demonstrate competencies through various strengths, learning styles, and different formats, and academically develop at different rates over time. It upholds all of the state's four learning goals throughout a student's high school tenure. It provides the opportunity to students to develop, grasp, and demonstrate many learning objectives, including those beyond the tenth grade. It will give students hope and reason to complete high school.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
HB 2924
by Representatives Chase, Dunn, and Schual-Berke
Prohibiting eminent domain for the purpose of economic development.
Prohibits eminent domain for the purpose of economic development.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 2925
by Representatives Santos, Morrell, Bailey, Cody, Hinkle, Pettigrew, Linville, and Schual-Berke
Concerning assisted living facility medicaid minimum occupancy of fifty percent or greater.
Requires the department to establish a capital add-on rate, not less than the July 1, 2005, capital add-on rate established by the department, for those assisted living facilities contracting with the department that have a medicaid minimum occupancy percentage of fifty percent or greater. The medicaid minimum occupancy percentage shall be determined on an annual basis.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Health Care. | |
HB 2926
by Representatives Flannigan, Nixon, Campbell, and Murray; by request of Board For Judicial Administration
Modifying photo enforcement of traffic infraction provisions.
Provides that infractions generated by the use of photo enforcement systems under this act shall be processed in the same manner as parking infractions, including for the purposes of RCW 3.46.120, 3.50.100, 35.20.220, 46.16.216, and 46.20.270(3).Declares that the penalty for infractions issued under this act shall be forty dollars.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2927
by Representatives Fromhold, Crouse, Nixon, Bailey, Kessler, Rodne, Moeller, and Conway; by request of Board For Judicial Administration
Revising retirement benefits for judges.
Revises retirement benefits for judges.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2928
by Representatives Orcutt, Blake, Buri, Holmquist, Schindler, Haler, McCune, Cox, Bailey, Alexander, Kristiansen, Crouse, Clements, Newhouse, Skinner, Dunn, Shabro, Kretz, and McDonald
Providing excise tax relief for commercial fuel users.
Provides excise tax relief for commercial fuel users.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 2929
by Representatives Jarrett, Fromhold, Priest, Cox, Clibborn, Appleton, Santos, and Kilmer
Regarding college-readiness standards.
Finds that the focus of college-readiness standards for students has been on courses and credits. It is the legislature's intent to change the focus of college-readiness to student skills and abilities.Requires the higher education coordinating board to report to appropriate committees of the legislature on the progress and status of the project in this section by March 1, 2007. The report shall identify any barriers encountered by the project.Requires the higher education coordinating board to submit a final report to appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2007. The report shall identify the skills and abilities necessary for students to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Higher Ed & Workforce Ed. | |
HB 2930
by Representatives Jarrett, Clibborn, Tom, Hunter, and Springer
Changing provisions concerning the possession of firearms or other dangerous weapons on school premises.
Revises provisions concerning the possession of firearms or other dangerous weapons on school premises.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 2931
by Representatives Rodne, Wood, Ericksen, Serben, Bailey, Kessler, Roach, Haler, Woods, Dunn, McCune, Dickerson, and Armstrong
Authorizing the use of high-occupancy vehicle lanes by alternative fuel vehicles.
Authorizes the use of high-occupancy vehicle lanes by alternative fuel vehicles.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2932
by Representatives Darneille, Curtis, Simpson, Conway, Hinkle, Williams, Ericks, Sells, Rodne, McDonald, Kilmer, and Green; by request of LEOFF Plan 2 Retirement Board
Establishing a catastrophic disability allowance under the law enforcement officers' and fire fighters' retirement system, plan 2.
Establishes a catastrophic disability allowance under the law enforcement officers' and fire fighters' retirement system, plan 2.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2933
by Representatives P. Sullivan, Curtis, Simpson, Conway, Hinkle, Kenney, Williams, Ericks, Sells, Rodne, McDonald, Kilmer, and Green; by request of LEOFF Plan 2 Retirement Board
Addressing death benefit payments for law enforcement officers' and fire fighters' retirement system, plan 2.
Addresses death benefit payments for law enforcement officers' and fire fighters' retirement system, plan 2.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2934
by Representatives Simpson, Priest, Conway, Hinkle, Williams, Ericks, Sells, Rodne, McDonald, Kilmer, and Green; by request of LEOFF Plan 2 Retirement Board
Determining the retirement allowance of a member who is killed in the course of employment.
Determines the retirement allowance of a member who is killed in the course of employment.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2935
by Representatives Holmquist, Hinkle, Dunn, Condotta, Kristiansen, and McCune
Modifying the oath of office to include support for the principles of the Declaration of Independence.
Revises the oath of office to include support for the principles of the Declaration of Independence.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to State Government Operations & Accountability. | |
HB 2936
by Representatives Dunn, Holmquist, Schindler, Miloscia, McCune, Condotta, Hinkle, Kessler, Roach, Kristiansen, Rodne, and Kretz
Providing a tax exemption for property that has declined in value due to shoreline or growth management regulation.
Provides a tax exemption for property that has declined in value due to shoreline or growth management regulation.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 2937
by Representatives Dunn, Holmquist, Schindler, Miloscia, McCune, Condotta, and Kristiansen
Allowing single-family residential development outside urban growth areas in areas where housing is not affordable for first-time buyers.
Declares an intent to make housing more affordable for first-time home buyers in counties where housing is currently not affordable for first-time home buyers. The legislature intends to do this by allowing single-family detached residential development to be placed outside of urban growth boundaries at density levels currently prohibited under the prevailing interpretation of the growth management act. These single-family detached homes could be placed outside of urban growth boundaries in counties where the first-time buyer housing affordability index demonstrates that housing is not affordable for first-time home buyers.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 2938
by Representatives Chase, Williams, Haigh, Green, Eickmeyer, Miloscia, Appleton, Hasegawa, Lantz, B. Sullivan, and Hunt
Addressing credit card applications and rates.
Finds that the number of unrequested solicitations to residents for credit cards is a cause for concern and consider them to be a violation of the consumer protection laws of Washington state.Finds that rising interest rates on credit cards regularly far exceed the state usury limit. The legislature finds many of the credit card industry's practices and interest rates to be unethical. The legislature intends to tax the amounts raised by interest rates that exceed the usury rate at a higher tax rate. The additional tax revenues shall be deposited into the vocational education enhancement account.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Financial Institutions & Insurance. | |
HB 2939
by Representatives Grant, Dunshee, Linville, Kessler, Upthegrove, Kilmer, Ericks, Hasegawa, P. Sullivan, Santos, Green, Springer, Conway, Simpson, and Hudgins
Establishing the energy freedom program.
Declares an intent to reduce Washington's dependence on imported oil, expand renewable fuel production and use in Washington, improve use of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, and promote sustainable rural economic development by creating new jobs and stimulating business and economic activity in local communities across Washington.Provides that to accomplish this, the energy freedom program is established to stimulate strategic investment in facilities, infrastructure, technologies, and research and development that will advance Washington's move toward energy independence.Appropriates the sum of one hundred million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the biennium ending June 30, 2007, from the energy freedom loan account to the department of community, trade, and economic development for the purposes of this act.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Technology, Energy & Communications. | |
HB 2940
by Representatives Quall and Kenney
Creating a certificate of attainment.
Provides that, beginning with the high school graduating class of 2008, a school district has the option to award a certificate of attainment to students who meet the criteria under this section. The certificate of attainment is not the equivalent of a high school diploma, but enables students to participate in commencement ceremonies.Requires that, to be eligible for a certificate of attainment, a student must: (1) Meet all state and local high school graduation requirements except for obtaining a certificate of academic achievement under RCW 28A.655.061 or a certificate of individual achievement under RCW 28A.155.045;(2) Have retaken the Washington assessment of student learning at least once;(3) Maintain at least a ninety percent attendance level during the senior year of high school, except that the school district superintendent may waive this requirement if the student provides documentation of circumstances such as illness that warrant this waiver; and(4) Meet with counselors and teachers to update the student's high school and beyond plan.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
HB 2941
by Representatives Quall, P. Sullivan, Haigh, McCoy, Kenney, Santos, and Simpson
Phasing in requirements for the certificate of academic achievement.
Provides that, in order to meet state requirements and earn a certificate of academic achievement, a student must meet or exceed either the proficient or basic level on the high school Washington assessment of student learning as follows: (1) Beginning with the graduating class of 2008 and until July 31, 2010, the student must meet or exceed the proficient level in two and meet or exceed the basic level in one of the reading, writing, and mathematics content areas on the high school Washington assessment of student learning or an approved alternative assessment;(2) Beginning August 1, 2010, and until July 31, 2012, the student must meet or exceed the proficient level in all three content areas of reading, writing, and mathematics on the high school Washington assessment of student learning or an approved alternative assessment; and(3) Beginning August 1, 2012, and thereafter, a student must meet or exceed the proficient level in all four content areas of reading, writing, mathematics, and science on the high school Washington assessment of student learning or an approved alternative assessment.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
HB 2942
by Representatives Curtis, Morrell, Campbell, Cody, Green, Clibborn, Kessler, Serben, Rodne, Moeller, McCune, and Hasegawa
Concerning contracts of health care providers.
Adds a new section to chapter 48.30 RCW relating to health care provider contracts.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Health Care. | |
HB 2943
by Representatives Cody, Curtis, Morrell, Campbell, Green, Clibborn, Kessler, Serben, Rodne, Roach, Moeller, Buri, Pearson, McCune, Appleton, Kenney, Hasegawa, and Dunn
Modifying health care provider contract requirements.
Revises health care provider contract requirements.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Health Care. | |
HB 2944
by Representatives Morrell, Serben, Rodne, Cody, Green, Campbell, Curtis, Clibborn, Kessler, Moeller, McCune, and Hasegawa
Concerning health care provider contracts.
Revises health care provider contracts.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Health Care. | |
HB 2945
by Representatives Alexander, DeBolt, Linville, Kristiansen, Rodne, Dunn, Condotta, McDonald, and Kretz
Modifying the requirements of small business economic impact statements by state agencies.
Revises the requirements of small business economic impact statements by state agencies.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to State Government Operations & Accountability. | |
HB 2946
by Representatives P. Sullivan, Roach, Simpson, Shabro, and McCoy
Regarding checks for employees of bureau of Indian affairs-funded schools.
Provides employees and applicants for employment of federal bureau of Indian affairs-funded schools may use the process in RCW 28A.400.303 for record checks. Any costs incurred under this provision shall be borne by the requesting entity.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
HB 2947
by Representatives McDonald, Ericks, and Dunn
Clarifying and making technical amendments to the prehire screening process for law enforcement applicants.
Clarifies and makes technical amendments to the prehire screening process for law enforcement applicants.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Criminal Justice & Corrections. | |
HB 2948
by Representatives O'Brien and Dunn
Revising felony sentence ranges.
Revises felony sentence ranges.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Criminal Justice & Corrections. | |
HB 2949
by Representatives Fromhold, Hinkle, Moeller, Green, Morrell, Schual-Berke, Appleton, and Linville
Revising the nursing facility payment system.
Revises the nursing facility payment system.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2950
by Representatives Moeller, Sump, and Dunn
Including medical costs in the reimbursement of extraordinary criminal justice costs.
Provides that cities and counties may submit a petition for relief to the office of public defense for reimbursement of extraordinary criminal justice medical costs. Extraordinary criminal justice medical costs are defined as those associated with providing medically necessary care to respond to the medical, dental, and mental health needs of adult misdemeanor or felony suspects in custody or incarcerated adult misdemeanor or felony offenders held in city or county facilities that exceed fifteen thousand dollars per individual suspect or offender per year.Requires that, before January 1st of each year, the office of public defense, in consultation with the Washington association of counties, the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, and the association of Washington cities, shall develop and submit to the appropriate fiscal committees of the senate and house of representatives a prioritized list of submitted petitions that are recommended for funding by the legislature.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2951
by Representatives Campbell, Morrell, McCune, and Green
Creating a firearms training certificate program for retired law enforcement officers.
Directs the commission to establish a program for issuing firearms certificates to residents of Washington who are qualified retired law enforcement officers for the purpose of satisfying the certification requirements contained in the federal law enforcement officers safety act of 2004 (118 Stat. 865; 18 U.S.C. Sec. 926B and 926C).
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 2952
by Representatives Schindler, Ahern, Woods, Dunn, and Kretz
Excluding cities and counties that plan under the growth management act from the state environmental policy act.
Declares that the requirements of chapter 43.21C RCW do not apply to cities and counties that plan under RCW 36.70A.040.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 2953
by Representatives Haler, Dunn, Crouse, McCune, Serben, Bailey, Kristiansen, Woods, Orcutt, and Kretz
Modifying utility tax provisions.
Revises utility tax provisions.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Technology, Energy & Communications. | |
HB 2954
by Representatives Ericksen, Dunn, Kristiansen, Haler, Serben, Ahern, Bailey, McCune, Schindler, Holmquist, Kretz, and Condotta
Expanding parental rights.
Declares that this act is intended to ensure parents can rightfully guide and direct the affairs of their minor children. This act is also intended to ensure government appropriately respects and reinforces those rights, and to facilitate parents in meeting the responsibilities inherent in bearing and raising young children. The legislature recognizes upholding the rights of parents is in the best interest of the families and minor children of Washington state.Provides that neither the state of Washington, nor its political subdivisions, should by any means enact or enforce any policy that supersedes or infringes upon the abilities and the rights of parents as recognized and protected by this act.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Health Care. | |
HB 2955
by Representatives Upthegrove, Clibborn, B. Sullivan, Jarrett, Sells, Lovick, and Shabro
Implementing a regional transportation plan for central Puget Sound counties.
Finds that effective transportation planning in urbanized regions involves an integrated, multimodal approach that will help reduce transportation congestion and improve safety.Finds that coordinated planning of and investment in transportation systems will significantly benefit the citizens of Washington. Although equity considerations must be respected, transportation problems are broader and deeper than the sum of geographic subareas.Declares it is therefore the policy of the state of Washington to require regional transportation leadership entities to develop and implement a comprehensive regional transportation plan, and to require the creation of a governance commission to develop a regional transportation governance proposal, for consideration by the citizens of the central Puget Sound metropolitan region.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2956
by Representative Hunter; by request of Department of Licensing
Concerning a voluntary biometric matching system for driver's licenses and identicards.
Authorizes a voluntary biometric matching system for driver's licenses and identicards.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2957
by Representatives Blake, Orcutt, Kessler, Kristiansen, and Dunn
Extending the expiration date for reporting requirements on timber purchases.
Extends the expiration date for reporting requirements on timber purchases to July 1, 2010.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks. | |
HB 2958
by Representatives B. Sullivan, Buck, Kessler, Orcutt, Blake, Kretz, Hunt, Chandler, Upthegrove, and Dickerson
Penalizing persons who violate rules concerning the use of nontoxic shot.
Provides that, in addition to the penalties set forth in this act, if a person violates a rule adopted by the commission under the authority of Title 77 RCW that requires the use of nontoxic shot, upon conviction: (1) The court shall require a payment of one thousand dollars as a criminal wildlife penalty assessment that must be paid to the clerk of the court and distributed to the state treasurer for deposit in the fish and wildlife enforcement reward account. The criminal wildlife penalty assessment must be imposed regardless of and in addition to any sentence, fine, or costs imposed for violating this act. The criminal wildlife penalty assessment must be included by the court in any pronouncement of sentence and may not be suspended, waived, modified, or deferred in any respect; and(2) The department shall revoke the hunting license of the person and order a suspension of small game hunting privileges for two years.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks. | |
HB 2959
by Representatives Morrell, Hinkle, Cody, and Santos
Concerning qualifications for adult family home providers.
Provides that, prior to being granted a license, providers applying after July 1, 2006, must complete a department-approved forty-eight hour adult family home administration and business planning class.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Health Care. | |
HB 2960
by Representative Kessler
Determining rates for the rental of county equipment.
Determines rates for the rental of county equipment.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 2961
by Representatives Blake, Buck, and Takko
Creating the Columbia river safety and coastal crab mitigation work group.
Provides that the Columbia river safety and coastal crab mitigation work group shall: (1) Evaluate the safety risks from wave amplification and the impacts to the coastal crab resource of the state from the Columbia river channel improvement project, including annual maintenance at the mouth of the Columbia river and all ocean and in river disposal activity;(2)(a) Examine the United States army corps of engineers' responsibilities for the monitoring and mitigation of the potential impacts identified in this act; and (b) evaluate the sufficiency of the United States army corps of engineers' monitoring and mitigation plans and activities in light of its responsibilities; and(3) Adopt recommended practices or guidelines for monitoring, dredging, or disposal activities that would help avoid, minimize, or compensate for the impacts set forth in this act, should the work group find such practices or guidelines to be necessary. The practices or guidelines must be completed by December 31, 2006.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks. | |
HB 2962
by Representatives Blake, Buck, and Takko
Concerning coastal crab fisheries licenses.
Amends RCW 77.70.350 relating to coastal crab fisheries licenses.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks. | |
HB 2963
by Representatives Blake, Buck, Kessler, Orcutt, Kristiansen, Dunn, Kretz, and McCune
Providing sales and use tax exemptions for diesel fuel used by loggers and timber growers.
Provides sales and use tax exemptions for diesel fuel used by loggers and timber growers.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 2964
by Representatives Kagi, Talcott, Walsh, Quall, Haler, Shabro, Fromhold, Kessler, Hunt, Appleton, Lantz, Darneille, Kenney, Chase, Hasegawa, Sells, Roberts, Hunter, Moeller, McCoy, Santos, Green, and Simpson; by request of Governor Gregoire
Creating the department of early learning.
Finds that the early years of a child's life are critical to the child's healthy brain development and that the quality of caregiving during the early years can significantly impact the child's intellectual, social, and emotional development.Declares that the purpose of this act is: (1) To establish the department of early learning, the purpose of which is to coordinate and consolidate child care and early learning programs;(2) To safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of children receiving child care and early learning services, which is paramount over the right of any person to provide care;(3) To promote the development of a sufficient number and variety of adequate child care and early learning facilities, both public and private; and(4) To license agencies and to assure the users of such agencies, their parents, the community at large and the agencies themselves that adequate minimum standards are maintained by all child care and early learning facilities.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Children & Family Services. | |
HB 2965
by Representatives Hasegawa, Chase, and Williams
Modifying the vehicle licensing fee on commercial trailers for commercial vehicle operator training purposes and local roads maintenance.
Revises the vehicle licensing fee on commercial trailers for commercial vehicle operator training purposes and local roads maintenance.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2966
by Representatives Haigh, Wallace, Woods, and McCoy
Modifying provisions concerning adverse possession.
Provides that in an action claiming adverse possession, continuity of possession for the requisite time limit is not established by privity between successive occupants holding adversely to the holder of the true title, unless the interest passed to the plaintiff pursuant to a will or by intestate succession.Requires the prevailing party in any proceeding concerning adverse possession of real property to pay to the county auditor of the county in which the real property is located an amount equal to the property taxes paid by another party or owed with regard to the real property during the period of the adverse possession. The county auditor shall reimburse any party to the proceeding other than the prevailing party for any taxes actually paid with regard to the real property during the period of the adverse possession.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 2967
by Representatives Green, Sells, Appleton, McCoy, P. Sullivan, Kenney, and Takko
Responding to drug crimes.
Responds to drug crimes by providing increased support for enforcement and prosecution of drug crimes, authorizing the use of drug courts by juvenile courts, clarifying provisions related to sentence enhancements for certain drug crimes, modifying earned early release provisions related to offenders sentenced under RCW 9.94A.660, improving judges' abilities to make informed sentencing decisions, and undertaking studies related to criminal justice.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Criminal Justice & Corrections. | |
HB 2968
by Representatives Woods, Bailey, Hankins, Alexander, Buck, Kristiansen, Skinner, Shabro, Serben, McCune, Ahern, Rodne, and Dunn
Increasing transportation permit efficiency.
Declares that streamlining the permit approval process is essential for reducing project delays and for making the most efficient use of every transportation dollar. To this end, the legislature directs that substantive standards and best management practices governing the construction of transportation projects be jointly agreed upon by both the department and Washington's natural resource agencies. After these substantive standards have been agreed upon, the legislature finds that the greatest efficiency and effectiveness in both protecting our environmental resources and in constructing the transportation infrastructure required to serve Washington's growing population will come from the implementation of these standards by the department itself, with appropriate oversight, as defined in this act, by both natural resource agencies and local governments.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2969
by Representatives Hinkle and Anderson
Increasing access to evidence-based medicine.
Finds that individuals in state purchased health care programs need assurance that they will have access to the medically necessary care ordered by their physician. The best available clinical evidence should be used by the state to give patients access to medically necessary care in a cost-effective manner. Decisions for broad patient populations made by the state must not jeopardize the ability of the physician and patient to choose the medical items and services that best meet the needs of the individual. The state must use open, transparent decision-making processes to ensure individuals in state purchased health care programs have access to medically necessary care.Declares that quality improvement is a prerequisite for achieving more efficient utilization of health care and control of state health expenditures; improving patient access to medically necessary care in a cost-effective manner is an important priority for the state. The state should use available, valid evidence to improve access to needed medicines and other health care items and services and improve the quality of care received by individuals in state purchased health care programs.Requires a legislative oversight committee to review and report at least yearly on the impact of evidence reports on patient access, treatment quality, and overall health care costs.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Health Care. | |
HB 2970
by Representatives Pettigrew, Haler, McIntire, Darneille, Hasegawa, Walsh, Clibborn, Cody, Hunt, Santos, Kessler, Appleton, Kenney, Roberts, P. Sullivan, Moeller, Schual-Berke, Springer, Simpson, and Hudgins
Preserving the WorkFirst child safety net program.
Requires the department to exempt a recipient's family from application of this act by providing child safety net payments to maintain housing, basic utilities, and other verified needs of children in a recipient's family if the recipient or another adult in the recipient's family is in sanction status. The child safety net payment shall not be less than sixty percent of the assistance unit's regular monthly grant.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Children & Family Services. | |
HB 2971
by Representatives Grant, Condotta, Eickmeyer, Appleton, Kessler, Kristiansen, Woods, and Chandler
Regulating the installation, repair, and maintenance of domestic well water systems.
Provides regulations for the installation, repair, and maintenance of domestic well water systems.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 2972
by Representatives Clibborn, Hinkle, Curtis, B. Sullivan, Cody, Moeller, P. Sullivan, Kenney, Kilmer, and Jarrett
Determining community rates for health benefit plans.
Determines community rates for health benefit plans.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Health Care. | |
HB 2973
by Representatives Priest, Ormsby, Kenney, Kagi, Hasegawa, P. Sullivan, Moeller, Santos, and Springer
Creating a career and technical high school graduation option for students meeting state standards in fundamental academic content areas.
Declares an intent to create a rigorous, high quality career and technical high school graduation option that assures students meet state standards in fundamental academic content areas, but also reflects nationally recognized standards for the knowledge and skills needed to pursue employment and careers in technical fields.Directs the superintendent of public instruction to develop a list of approved career and technical education programs that qualify for the high school graduation option under RCW 28A.230.090. Programs on the list must meet the following minimum criteria: (1) Lead to a certificate or credential that is nationally recognized by trades, industries, or other professional associations as necessary for employment or advancement in that field;(2) Require a vocationally intensive and rigorous course of study with the equivalent of one thousand eighty hours of study; and(3) Have a high potential for providing the program completer with gainful employment or entry into a postsecondary work force training program.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
HB 2974
by Representatives Cody, Morrell, and Moeller
Modifying provisions with respect to disciplining health professions.
Provides that any individual who applies for a license or temporary practice permit or holds a license or temporary practice permit and is prohibited from practicing a health care profession in another state because of an act of unprofessional conduct that is substantially equivalent to an act of unprofessional conduct prohibited by this chapter or any of the chapters specified in RCW 18.130.040 is prohibited from practicing a profession in this state until proceedings of the appropriate disciplining authority have been completed under RCW 18.130.050.Requires the disciplining authority to initiate an investigation in every instance where the disciplining authority receives information that a health care provider has been disqualified from participating in the federal medicare program, under Title XVIII of the federal social security act, or the federal medicaid program, under Title XIX of the federal social security act.Provides that, upon a guilty plea or conviction of a person for any felony crime involving homicide under chapter 9A.32 RCW, assault under chapter 9A.36 RCW, kidnapping under chapter 9A.40 RCW, sex offenses under chapter 9A.44 RCW, burglary or trespass under chapter 9A.52 RCW, theft or robbery under chapter 9A.56 RCW, or fraud under chapter 9A.60 RCW the prosecuting attorney shall notify the state patrol of such guilty pleas or convictions.Provides that when the state patrol receives information that a person has pled guilty to or been convicted of one of the felony crimes under this act, the state patrol shall transmit that information to the department of health. It is the duty of the department of health to identify whether the person holds a credential issued by a disciplining authority listed under RCW 18.130.040, and provide this information to the disciplining authority that issued the credential to the person who pled guilty or was convicted of the crimes committed in this act.Requires that, when developing its biennial budget request for appropriation of the health professions account created in RCW 43.70.320, beginning in the 2007-2009 budget and continuing in subsequent biennia, the department shall specify the number of full-time employees designated as investigators and attorneys and the costs associated with supporting their activities. The department shall also specify the additional full-time employees designated as investigators and attorneys that are required to achieve a staffing level that is able to respond promptly, competently, and appropriately to the workload associated with health professions disciplinary activities and the costs associated with supporting disciplinary activities.Requires the joint legislative audit and review committee, in consultation with the department, to report to the legislature by December 1, 2010, with recommendations for formulas for determining appropriate staffing levels for investigators and attorneys at the department of health involved in the health professions disciplinary process to achieve prompt, competent, and appropriate responses to complaints of unprofessional conduct. The report must be based upon the department's prior experience with staff levels compared to the number of providers, complaints, investigations, and other criteria that the department finds are relevant to determining appropriate staffing levels.Repeals RCW 18.57.174 and 18.71.0193.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Health Care. | |
HB 2975
by Representatives Newhouse, Kirby, and Dunn
Granting an exemption under the state securities act.
Grants an exemption under the state securities act.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Financial Institutions & Insurance. | |
HB 2976
by Representatives Sommers, Hasegawa, Linville, P. Sullivan, Quall, Kenney, and Conway
Implementing a collective bargaining agreement with Western Washington University.
Implements a collective bargaining agreement with Western Washington University.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2977
by Representatives Hasegawa, Conway, Simpson, Hankins, Dunshee, Santos, Green, Eickmeyer, Morrell, Sells, Chase, Flannigan, Hudgins, McCoy, Ormsby, Appleton, and Williams
Imposing monetary penalties on windfall profits of petroleum corporations.
Finds that Washington citizens and businesses are paying historically high prices for gasoline while the major oil companies are reaping windfall profits. As a result, tens of millions of dollars are being taken from the budgets of families and businesses. The legislature intends to reverse this economic injustice by developing a state windfall profits tax. This tax will create an incentive for major oil companies to keep retail gasoline prices at historically reasonable levels and a disincentive to increase prices to gain windfall profits.Declares that, if the major oil companies are unresponsive to this incentive, the tax will generate substantial revenue which can be used to partially offset the adverse effects of high gasoline prices by providing additional funding for public goods and services that are linked to the current costs of energy and/or the development of renewable in-state energy resources.Provides that any person who knowingly attempts to evade the tax imposed under this act or payment thereof is guilty of a class C felony as provided in chapter 9A.20 RCW.Provides that any person required to collect tax imposed under this act who knowingly fails to collect, truthfully account for, or pay over the tax is guilty of a class C felony as provided in chapter 9A.20 RCW.Provides that any person who knowingly fails to pay tax, pay estimated tax, make returns, keep records, or supply information, as required under this act, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor as provided in chapter 9A.20 RCW.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Technology, Energy & Communications. | |
HB 2978
by Representatives Hasegawa, Chase, and Santos
Modifying voters' pamphlet fiscal impact statement requirements.
Provides that a fiscal impact statement must include: (1) The current percentage amount of revenue from retail sales tax, business and occupation tax, property tax, real estate excise tax, public utility tax, and any other taxes in which two percent or more revenue is received by the state;(2) The current percentage of distribution of spending from the state general fund; and(3) The percent of income paid in all Washington state and local taxes broken down by household income as follows: (a) Below seventeen thousand dollars; (b) between seventeen thousand dollars and thirty-one thousand dollars; (c) between thirty-one thousand dollars and forty-eight thousand dollars; (d) between forty-eight thousand dollars and seventy-five thousand dollars; (e) between seventy-five thousand dollars and one hundred forty-three thousand dollars; (f) between one hundred forty-three thousand dollars and nine hundred twenty-two thousand dollars; and (g) over nine hundred twenty-two thousand dollars.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to State Government Operations & Accountability. | |
HB 2979
by Representatives Hasegawa, Chase, Roberts, and Santos
Addressing cultural upbringing in parenting plans.
Requires any allocation of decision-making authority regarding cultural upbringing to reflect the inherent value of sustaining the child's connection to his or her cultural heritage, through education or by other means.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Juvenile Justice & Family Law. | |
HB 2980
by Representatives Takko, Skinner, Blake, Hudgins, Hankins, Kenney, and Dickerson; by request of Washington State Patrol
Modifying procedures for applications for title reissuance when a vehicle has been declared a total loss.
Provides that a vehicle that has been rebuilt after surrender of the certificate of ownership to the department under RCW 46.12.070 due to the vehicle's destruction as a total loss is not required to be presented for a physical inspection when the registered owner of the vehicle at the time of the vehicle's destruction or declaration as a total loss retains possession of the vehicle and applies for title reissuance.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2981
by Representatives Fromhold, Clements, and Murray; by request of Washington State Patrol
Modifying commercial vehicle provisions.
Revises commercial vehicle provisions.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2982
by Representatives Appleton, Jarrett, and Simpson; by request of Washington State Patrol
Removing the minimum height requirement for the attachment of vehicle license plates.
Deletes the minimum height requirement for the attachment of vehicle license plates.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2983
by Representatives O'Brien, Ericks, Upthegrove, Sells, Kilmer, Green, Pearson, Springer, Conway, and Simpson; by request of Washington State Patrol
Clarifying procedures for forwarding sex offender information.
Clarifies procedures for forwarding sex offender information.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Criminal Justice & Corrections. | |
HB 2984
by Representatives Springer, Jarrett, Simpson, Clibborn, B. Sullivan, Hasegawa, Sells, P. Sullivan, Moeller, Santos, and Green
Authorizing cities, towns, and counties to implement affordable housing incentive programs.
Encourages cities, towns, and counties to enact or expand affordable housing incentive programs, including density bonuses and other incentives, to increase the availability of low-income housing for renter and owner occupancy located in largely market rate housing developments throughout the community consistent with local needs and adopted comprehensive plans. While this act provides minimum standards for those cities, towns, and counties choosing to implement or expand upon an affordable housing incentive program, cities, towns, and counties are encouraged to enact programs that address local circumstances and conditions while contributing to the statewide need for additional low-income housing.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 2985
by Representatives Schual-Berke, Clibborn, Appleton, Moeller, Green, Cody, Morrell, Walsh, McIntire, Kagi, Kenney, Hasegawa, and Simpson
Creating a foster care health unit in the department of social and health services.
Creates a foster care health unit in the department of social and health services.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Children & Family Services. | |
HB 2986
by Representatives Schual-Berke, Quall, Hunt, Lantz, Darneille, Kenney, Nixon, Hasegawa, and Santos
Minimizing the release of information in student directories.
Declares an intent, in the interest of student confidentiality, that school districts minimize the release of student telephone numbers and other directory information in the absence of express parental consent. The legislature finds that the nondisclosure of student telephone numbers and other directory information reduces the possibility of harassment of students and their families by organizations that received student information.Provides that, by September 1, 2006, each school district shall adopt a policy and procedures for providing separate written notice to every public high school student and his or her parent or legal guardian. The notice shall inform the parent or legal guardian and the student: (1) Of their right to request, pursuant to 20 U.S.C. Sec. 7908(a)(2), that the student's directory information not be released to recruiters without the prior written consent of the student's parent or guardian or the student; and(2) That if they do not request that the student's directory information be withheld from some or all recruiters by the thirtieth day of the new school year, the school may release the student's directory information if requested to do so by a recruiter.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
HB 2987
by Representatives Kagi, Clibborn, and Dickerson
Increasing penalties for vehicle gross weight violations.
Increases penalties for vehicle gross weight violations.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2988
by Representatives McIntire, Upthegrove, Haler, and Clibborn
Modifying the authorized uses of certain county sales and use taxes.
Revises the authorized uses of certain county sales and use taxes.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 2989
by Representatives Kenney, Cox, Sells, Chase, Ericks, Hasegawa, Takko, Haler, Rodne, Hunter, Quall, McCoy, Santos, Green, Schual-Berke, Springer, Dickerson, Simpson, and Hudgins
Establishing the Washington Teach Math-Science program.
Establishes the Washington teach math-science program to increase the number and enhance the preparation of secondary school mathematics and science teachers.Makes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this act.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Higher Ed & Workforce Ed. | |
HB 2990
by Representatives Appleton, Rodne, Kilmer, Woods, Strow, Eickmeyer, B. Sullivan, Pearson, Kessler, and Fromhold
Promoting underwater viewing.
Finds that Puget Sound and the other waters of Washington state contain an abundance of varied and unique marine life and other natural attractions that are of interest to divers and other recreationalists from all over the world.Finds that in addition to the usual benefits from tourism, the promotion of underwater viewing tourism in the waters of Washington state will enhance efforts to protect Puget Sound by assisting in educating residents and nonresidents as to the value of the marine environment.Finds that Washington state's efforts to promote nature-based tourism should include the natural wonder of underwater Washington.Directs the department of community, trade, and economic development; the department of fish and wildlife; the department of natural resources; the state parks and recreation commission; and the interagency committee for outdoor recreation to host a working conference on promoting underwater viewing tourism.Declares that the objective of the conference shall be to adopt a strategic plan and specific implementing actions to promote underwater viewing tourism in Washington in a manner that provides sustainable economic development in the state's rural and urban areas, enhances underwater recreational opportunity, and supports maintaining the state's underwater diversity and health of the natural marine environment.Finds that, in several locations throughout the world, the use of ships as artificial reefs has helped promote underwater viewing tourism. The department of community, trade, and economic development; the department of fish and wildlife; the department of natural resources; the state parks and recreation commission; and the department of ecology shall establish a work group on the use of ships as artificial reefs. To the extent funds are made available, the department of community, trade, and economic development may commission an independent study to assist the agencies' work group in its deliberations.Requires the agencies to prepare a summary of the work group findings to be submitted to the appropriate committees of the legislature no later than December 15, 2007.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Economic Development, Agriculture & Trade. | |
HB 2991
by Representatives Darneille, Walsh, Springer, and Simpson
Concerning background checks of metropolitan park district employees.
Requires the board of park commissioners to adopt rules establishing the requirements for a criminal history record information search for the following: Job applicants, volunteers, and independent contractors who have unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults, or who will be responsible for collecting or disbursing cash or processing credit/debit card transactions. These background checks will be done through the Washington state patrol criminal identification section and may include a national check from the federal bureau of investigation, which shall be through the submission of fingerprints. A permanent employee of a metropolitan park district, employed as of the effective date of this act, is exempt from the provisions of this provision.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 2992
by Representatives Moeller, Darneille, Hasegawa, and Dunn
Notifying parents, guardians, and custodians when a juvenile is taken into custody.
Declares that parents have a fundamental interest in knowing if their child has been taken into police custody for questioning and where their child is being held. Because a parent or guardian is most often in a position to provide a juvenile with guidance in matters of great importance to a juvenile, it is the intent of the legislature to assist parents in their ability to aid and guide their children when making important legal decisions, including the decision to waive legal rights during custodial interrogations. It is also the intent of the legislature to provide children in police custody the opportunity to seek and receive consultation with his or her parents.Provides that, when a law enforcement officer takes a juvenile into custody, the officer must make reasonable attempts to notify a parent, guardian, or custodian that the juvenile is in custody and where the juvenile is being held.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Juvenile Justice & Family Law. | |
HB 2993
by Representatives Moeller and Darneille
Modifying provisions concerning at-risk youth proceedings.
Provides that if the basis of the at-risk youth order is a finding that the child is at risk due to a possible substance abuse or mental health problem, the court may only impose confinement for up to two days as a sanction for the first contempt of court violation. If the child commits a further violation after having been confined for up to two days, the court may impose up to an additional seven days of confinement if the basis of the new contempt of court finding is that the youth committed the same violation as found by the court in the first contempt of court order. The court may not find a youth in contempt of court for failing to obtain an evaluation or services, if the evaluation or services were not available to the youth.Requires the Washington state institute for public policy to conduct a study of the juvenile court system to evaluate the use of confinement for youth who are found in contempt of court in nonoffender proceedings under RCW 13.32A.250 or 28A.225.090. The evaluation shall include information on: (1) How often youth are found in contempt;(2) What the violations are for when a youth is found in contempt;(3) What the underlying basis was for the petition;(4) How often confinement is ordered; and(5) What the rate is of subsequent compliance with the orders following a finding of contempt.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Juvenile Justice & Family Law. | |
HB 2994
by Representatives Nixon and Schual-Berke
Concerning volunteer medical workers.
Authorizes the secretary to issue a retired volunteer medical worker license to any applicant who: (1) Has held an active license issued by a disciplining authority under RCW 18.130.040 no more than ten years prior to applying for an initial license under this act;(2) Does not have any current restrictions on the ability to obtain a license for violations of chapter 18.130 RCW; and(3) Submits proof of registration as a volunteer with a local organization for emergency services or management as defined by chapter 38.52 RCW.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 2995
by Representatives Curtis and Moeller
Concerning preferred drug substitutions.
Declares that a "preferred drug" means any drug that is preferred pursuant to an evidence-based prescription drug program established under RCW 70.14.050.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Health Care. | |
HB 2996
by Representatives Walsh, Haler, Kagi, Roberts, Hankins, and Santos
Creating a pilot program concerning trauma mitigation for children.
Declares an intent to create a pilot program to demonstrate the effectiveness of trauma mitigation strategies for the treatment of trauma-exposed children.Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Children & Family Services. | |
SB 6608
by Senators McCaslin, Mulliken, Parlette, and Benton
Mandating that a person be disqualified from unemployment benefits due to incarceration.
Requires an individual to be disqualified from benefits if he or she has been discharged or suspended because he or she is incarcerated and fails to report for work as scheduled and fails to notify the employer within twenty-four hours of his or her failure to report for work. The disqualification begins with the first day of the calendar week in which he or she has been discharged or suspended and continues for seven calendar weeks and until he or she has obtained bona fide work in employment covered by Title 50 RCW and earned wages in that employment equal to seven times his or her weekly benefit amount.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 6609
by Senators Rasmussen, Delvin, Sheldon, Schoesler, Morton, Mulliken, Roach, and Shin
Exempting wholesale sales of bulk raw milk from business and occupation tax.
Exempts wholesale sales of bulk raw milk from business and occupation tax.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Rural Economic Development. | |
SB 6610
by Senators Oke, Rockefeller, Shin, Pflug, and Sheldon
Promoting underwater viewing.
Finds that Puget Sound and the other waters of Washington state contain an abundance of varied and unique marine life and other natural attractions that are of interest to divers and other recreationalists from all over the world.Finds that in addition to the usual benefits from tourism, the promotion of underwater viewing tourism in the waters of Washington state will enhance efforts to protect Puget Sound by assisting in educating residents and nonresidents as to the value of the marine environment.Finds that Washington state's efforts to promote nature-based tourism should include the natural wonder of underwater Washington.Directs the department of community, trade, and economic development; the department of fish and wildlife; the department of natural resources; the state parks and recreation commission; and the interagency committee for outdoor recreation to host a working conference on promoting underwater viewing tourism.Declares that the objective of the conference shall be to adopt a strategic plan and specific implementing actions to promote underwater viewing tourism in Washington in a manner that provides sustainable economic development in the state's rural and urban areas, enhances underwater recreational opportunity, and supports maintaining the state's underwater diversity and health of the natural marine environment.Finds that, in several locations throughout the world, the use of ships as artificial reefs has helped promote underwater viewing tourism. The department of community, trade, and economic development; the department of fish and wildlife; the department of natural resources; the state parks and recreation commission; and the department of ecology shall establish a work group on the use of ships as artificial reefs. To the extent funds are made available, the department of community, trade, and economic development may commission an independent study to assist the agencies' work group in its deliberations.Requires the agencies to prepare a summary of the work group findings to be submitted to the appropriate committees of the legislature no later than December 15, 2007.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to International Trade & Economic Development. | |
SB 6611
by Senators Kohl-Welles, Benton, and Schoesler
Regulating home heating fuel service contracts.
Declares that the purpose of this act is to create a legal framework within which home heating fuel service contracts may be sold in this state and set forth requirements for conducting a service contract business.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Financial Institutions, Housing & Consumer Protection. | |
SB 6612
by Senators Kline, Johnson, Esser, and Roach; by request of Board For Judicial Administration
Reorganizing the administration of the local and district courts.
Reorganizes the administration of the local and district courts.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 6613
by Senators Prentice, Keiser, Kline, Rasmussen, and Shin
Prohibiting internet gambling.
Declares that it is the policy of this state to prohibit all forms and means of gambling, except where carefully and specifically authorized and regulated. With the advent of the internet and other technologies and means of communication that were not contemplated when either the gambling act was enacted in 1973, or the lottery commission was created in 1982, it is appropriate for this legislature to reaffirm the policy prohibiting gambling that exploits such new technologies.Provides that an affirmative vote of sixty percent of both houses of the legislature is required before offering any game allowing or requiring a player to become eligible for a prize or to otherwise play any portion of the game by either: (1) Using the internet; or(2) Interacting with any device or terminal involving electronic, digital, video, or other representations of any game of chance, including pull-tabs, bingo, poker or other cards, dice, roulette, keno, or slot machines.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 6614
by Senator Jacobsen
Creating an international airport expedited security screening task force.
Creates an international airport expedited security screening task force.Provides that the international airport expedited security screening task force shall, upon convening, examine the findings and recommendations of the United States transportation security administration's registered traveler pilot program and any and all other information that may be pertinent to expediting security screening at international airports in Washington state. The task force shall report its findings to the port of Seattle and the transportation committees of the legislature by December 1, 2006.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
SB 6615
by Senators Prentice and Rasmussen
Limiting social card games.
Limits the number and location of house-banked social card games.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 6616
by Senators Haugen, Jacobsen, and Shin
Limiting hunting near schools.
Declares that hunting is prohibited within one mile of a public or private school serving students in preschool through the 12th grade. The prohibition on hunting is in effect during school hours and during any scheduled school activity or event. The department may authorize a special hunting season if it determines that there is a need to hunt animals that pose a threat to human safety.Applies only to counties with population densities of greater than one hundred persons per square mile, as determined by the office of financial management, or any county if adopted by the legislative authority of that county.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation. | |
SB 6617
by Senators Haugen and Rasmussen
Regarding the contents of farm plans prepared by conservation districts.
Requires conservation districts, before developing a farm plan, to inform the landowner or operator in writing of the types of information that is subject to disclosure to the public under chapter 42.56 RCW. Before completion of the final draft of a farm plan, the district shall send the final draft farm plan to the requesting landowner or operator for verification of the information. The final farm plan shall not be disclosed by the conservation district until the requesting owner or operator confirms the information in the farm plan and a signed copy of the farm plan is received by the conservation district.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Rural Economic Development. | |
SB 6618
by Senators McAuliffe and Schmidt
Revising the high school assessment system.
Provides that, beginning in the 2007-08 school year, students shall have the option to select a certified assessment option other than the Washington assessment of student learning to demonstrate that they have met state learning standards in reading, math, writing, and, beginning with the class of 2010, science. Certified assessment options shall include but not be limited to portfolios, industry certification tests, and other career and technical education assessments used to determine readiness for work force entry or higher education, and college entrance exams.Provides that, prior to the beginning of the 2007-08 school year, the state board of education shall establish a procedure for certification of assessment options that lead to a certificate of academic achievement. Certification of assessment alternative options shall be based upon demonstrated alignment with the state learning standards including school to work goals. The level of student performance necessary to meet state learning standards shall be comparable between all assessments.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education. | |
SB 6619
by Senator Deccio
Modifying provisions relating to dangerous dogs.
Revises provisions relating to dangerous dogs.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 6620
by Senators Rasmussen, Pridemore, and Benton
Eliminating the certificate of academic achievement as a requirement for high school graduation.
Finds that it is important to recognize that students have multiple learning styles and that too often a single, high stakes test does not accommodate all learning styles. It is important to have high academic standards and the Washington assessment of student learning can be an effective tool to assist districts in achieving them. The Washington assessment of student learning, however, may not adequately challenge our high performing students and it takes valuable time and resources away from essential learning for all students. Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to eliminate the use of the Washington assessment of student learning as a graduation requirement.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education. | |
SB 6621
by Senators Kohl-Welles, Deccio, and Shin
Allowing tax deductions for nonprofit convention and tourism promotion corporations.
Allows tax deductions for nonprofit convention and tourism promotion corporations.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to International Trade & Economic Development. | |
SB 6622
by Senators Keiser and Kline
Allowing limited reporting of vulnerable adult abuse investigation results.
Provides that, upon request, the department shall disclose the fact that a report was received and the status of any investigation, unless the department has a reason to believe disclosing such information may compromise the investigation or the safety or well-being of a vulnerable adult.Authorizes the department to provide the outcome of the investigation to an agency, program, or provider serving a vulnerable adult. The name of the vulnerable adult and the alleged perpetrator of abuse, abandonment, neglect, or financial exploitation may be disclosed. The department shall not disclose the identity of the person making the report to the department or any witness without such individual's written permission. The term "witness" does not include the alleged perpetrator.Provides that upon request of a legislator or a state agency as defined in RCW 42.17.020 serving vulnerable adults or children, the department will disclose the results of an investigation under chapter 74.34.RCW. In cases where the department determines that an incident of abuse, abandonment, neglect, or financial exploitation is founded, the requestor shall be informed whether the finding is initial, subject to the alleged perpetrator's right to an administrative appeal, or final, following the administrative appeal process.Directs the department to establish by rule a state registry that contains identifying information about individuals investigated under this chapter found to have abused, abandoned, neglected, or financially exploited a vulnerable adult. Information provided under this chapter is limited to postdue process findings made by the department under this chapter. Contingent on resources, the department shall make readily available to the public a means to query the state registry to determine if an individual has been found by the department to have abused, abandoned, neglected, or financially exploited a vulnerable adult.Repeals RCW 74.34.068.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 6623
by Senators Prentice, Brandland, Parlette, Schoesler, Thibaudeau, Keiser, Oke, McAuliffe, Roach, Rasmussen, and Shin
Creating a business and occupation tax exemption for chemotherapy and anticancer drugs dispensed pursuant to prescription.
Creates a business and occupation tax exemption for chemotherapy and anticancer drugs dispensed pursuant to prescription.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 6624
by Senators Keiser, Kastama, and McAuliffe
Revising the nursing facility payment system.
Revises the nursing facility payment system.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 6625
by Senators Parlette and Fraser
Concerning the management of public lands.
Establishes the habitat and recreation lands coordinating group.Provides that, to ensure timely completion of the initial duties assigned to the habitat and recreation lands coordinating group, quarterly progress reports to either the office of financial management or the director are required.Requires the habitat and recreation lands coordinating group to: (1) Develop language to amend agency land acquisition, management, and disposal plans and policies to help provide for statewide coordination of habitat and recreation land acquisitions and disposals;(2) Develop standards for producing an interagency, statewide biennial forecast of habitat and recreation land acquisitions and disposals;(3) Establish procedures for submitting the biennial acquisition and disposal plans;(4) Develop and convene an annual forum for agencies to coordinate their near-term acquisition and disposal plans;(5) Develop a recommended standard for interagency geographic information system-based documentation of habitat and recreation lands;(6) Standardize acquisition and disposal recordkeeping;(7) Identify a preferred process for centralizing acquisition data;(8) Develop an approach for monitoring the success of acquisitions;(9) Identify and commence a dialogue with key state and federal partners to develop an inventory of potential public lands for transfer into habitat and recreation land management status;(10) Review all habitat conservation plans to achieve uniformity and save costs.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation. | |
SB 6626
by Senator Prentice
Providing tax incentives for certain multiple-unit dwellings in urban centers.
Provides tax incentives for certain multiple-unit dwellings in urban centers.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 6627
by Senators Weinstein and Fairley
Concerning construction defect actions.
Provides that, if an action is dismissed without prejudice under this act, the applicable statute of limitations for the claims shall be tolled from the earlier of the commencement of the dismissed action or the service of the original notice of claim, and shall remain tolled until sixty days after the period of time during which the filing of a subsequent action is barred under this act.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Financial Institutions, Housing & Consumer Protection. | |
SB 6628
by Senators Fairley, Regala, Thibaudeau, Keiser, Kline, McAuliffe, and Kohl-Welles
Preserving the WorkFirst child safety net program.
Requires the department to exempt a recipient's family from application of this act by providing child safety net payments to maintain housing, basic utilities, and other verified needs of children in a recipient's family if the recipient or another adult in the recipient's family is in sanction status. The child safety net payment shall not be less than sixty percent of the assistance unit's regular monthly grant.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections. | |
SB 6629
by Senators Kohl-Welles, Pridemore, Keiser, Brown, Regala, Thibaudeau, and Kline
Providing working connections child care for certain temporary assistance for needy families recipients.
Declares an intent to provide working connections child care for temporary assistance for needy families recipients, so that they can complete postsecondary education, while also meeting their work requirements, in order to secure careers to benefit themselves, their families, and society.Provides that, if a temporary assistance for needy families participant is meeting his or her individual responsibility plan employment or work requirements, and is eligible for working connections child care, the participant shall be eligible for working connections child care for all the hours the participant is working and enrolled in a vocational, educational, or training program.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections. | |
SB 6630
by Senators Kline, Prentice, Keiser, Fairley, Regala, McAuliffe, and Kohl-Welles
Protecting communities from individuals with behaviors that pose a threat of violence or sexual violence.
Protects communities from individuals with behaviors that pose a threat of violence or sexual violence.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 6631
by Senator Jacobsen
Creating an extended authority commission for Washington state patrol officers.
Authorizes Washington state patrol officers to request that an extended authority commission be granted by the chief of the Washington state patrol.Provides that state patrol officers who desire an extended authority commission shall request and complete an extended authority commission packet and satisfy the following requirements: (1) Acquire a Washington state-approved first aid certification card valid through the year of extended authority;(2) Qualify with their firearm in accordance with Washington state patrol rules or guidelines;(3) Must be under the age limit specified in RCW 43.43.250; and(4) Pay a fee of fifty dollars to the Washington state patrol.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
SB 6632
by Senators Kastama, Eide, Keiser, Roach, Johnson, Regala, Fraser, Haugen, Kline, Hewitt, Swecker, Finkbeiner, McAuliffe, Poulsen, and Spanel
Authorizing Washington state participation in the Johns Hopkins University Atlantic cardiovascular patient outcomes research team elective angioplasty study to determine, through evidence-based medicine, whether nonemergency percutaneous coronary interventions can be performed safely and effectively at hospitals without on-site open heart surgery programs.
Authorizes Washington state participation in the Johns Hopkins University Atlantic cardiovascular patient outcomes research team elective angioplasty study to determine, through evidence-based medicine, whether nonemergency percutaneous coronary interventions can be performed safely and effectively at hospitals without on-site open heart surgery programs.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 6633
by Senators Regala, Oke, Roach, and Kohl-Welles
Concerning background checks of metropolitan park district employees.
Requires the board of park commissioners to adopt rules establishing the requirements for a criminal history record information search for the following: Job applicants, volunteers, and independent contractors who have unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults, or who will be responsible for collecting or disbursing cash or processing credit/debit card transactions. These background checks will be done through the Washington state patrol criminal identification section and may include a national check from the federal bureau of investigation, which shall be through the submission of fingerprints. A permanent employee of a metropolitan park district, employed as of the effective date of this act, is exempt from the provisions of this provision.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 6634
by Senators Benton, Rasmussen, Benson, Stevens, Carrell, Delvin, Schoesler, Honeyford, Franklin, Johnson, Oke, and Roach
Requiring more registration information from homeless sex offenders.
Requires more registration information from homeless sex offenders.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections. | |
SB 6635
by Senators Franklin, Benton, Zarelli, Stevens, Honeyford, and Rasmussen
Changing provisions relating to adoption.
Declares an intent to ensure that children whose parents are unable to provide for their care are placed with safe and stable families through the process of adoption.Declares an intent that adoptions be handled efficiently and equitably with the rights of all parties protected. Under no circumstances shall adoptions be delayed, denied, or given preferential treatment based upon the race of the child or prospective adoptive parents. Nor shall any adoption-related fees be based upon the race or physical characteristics of the child, nor of the ability of the prospective adoptive parents to pay the adoption-related fees.Intends to eliminate any artificial barriers to adoption, such as fees exceeding the actual cost of the adoption-related services provided.Declares an intent to establish a fund to assist prospective adoptive parents in meeting the actual costs of adopting a child.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections. | |
SB 6636
by Senator Deccio
Modifying provisions concerning the transfer of fixed assets.
Provides that, after twenty years of continual use for the purposes specified in chapter 43.99C RCW, a municipality may transfer fixed assets acquired under this chapter to other public bodies either in the same municipality or another municipality, or to a private or public nonprofit organization having custody of the assets which provides a program carrying out one or more purposes of this chapter. The provisions of RCW 43.09.210 and chapter 36.34 RCW shall not apply to such transfer. In the event the nonprofit organization ceases to carry out one or more purposes of this chapter, the property or the fair market value of the property shall be returned to the municipality.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 6637
by Senators Keiser and Deccio
Concerning qualifications for adult family home providers.
Provides that, prior to being granted a license, providers applying after July 1, 2006, must complete a department-approved forty-eight hour adult family home administration and business planning class.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 6638
by Senators Deccio and Keiser
Revising the definition of adult family home.
Provides that the licensed capacity of an adult family home may be exceeded by one resident to allow a married couple to reside together.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 6639
by Senators Pridemore, Schmidt, Keiser, McAuliffe, and Kohl-Welles
Establishing the Washington Teach Math-Science program.
Establishes the Washington teach math-science program to increase the number and enhance the preparation of secondary school mathematics and science teachers.Makes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this act.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education. | |
SB 6640
by Senators Oke, Sheldon, and Rockefeller
Modifying sales and use taxation related to the state route 16 corridor improvements project.
Revises sales and use taxation related to the state route 16 corridor improvements project.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
| By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading. | ||
SB 6641
by Senators Pflug and Kline
Regarding the special education ombudsman.
Directs the special education ombudsman created in section 507, chapter 518, Laws of 2005, to form a state interdisciplinary team of experts or regional teams of experts to assist school districts that request assistance in conducting an initial evaluation or a reevaluation of a student who is suspected or has been found to have a disability that adversely affects the student's educational performance. The team shall include qualified physicians and psychologists who can identify the appropriate medical and psychological services that the child will need outside of and within the school setting in order to be able to benefit from the specially designed instruction provided by the educators in the school. Additionally, the ombudsman's team shall assist school districts to develop an individualized education program for the student.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education. | |
SB 6642
by Senators Fraser, Deccio, Fairley, Mulliken, Prentice, Honeyford, Haugen, Rockefeller, Berkey, Delvin, McAuliffe, Keiser, Kline, Regala, Thibaudeau, Parlette, Franklin, Sheldon, Roach, Rasmussen, Kohl-Welles, and Shin
Prohibiting sellers of travel from promoting travel for prostitution.
Prohibits sellers of travel from promoting travel for prostitution.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SJM 8032
by Senators Keiser, Franklin, Kohl-Welles, Thibaudeau, Kline, and McAuliffe
Asking for over-the-counter access status to "Plan B."
Requests that the President, Congress, and the United States Food and Drug Administration take necessary action to grant over-the-counter access status to "Plan B," an effective and safe emergency contraceptive option, for all women.
| Jan 17 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |