WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE
Legislative Digest No. 26

FIFTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE
Tuesday, February 14, 200637th Day - 2006 Regular Session

SENATE
SB 6480-S2SB 6500-SSB 6676-SSB 6708-SSB 6718-SSB 6730-SSB 6740-S
SB 6747-SSB 6754-SSB 6775-SSB 6778-SSB 6791-SSB 6806-SSB 6820-S
SB 6838-SSB 6840-SSB 6846-SSB 6852-SSB 6864-SSB 6867-SSB 6885-S
SB 6894SB 6895SJM 8041
HOUSE
HB 2733-SHB 2740-SHB 2749-SHB 2794-SHB 2842-SHB 2845-SHB 2872-S
HB 2902-SHB 2903-SHB 2939-S3HB 2998-SHB 3003-SHB 3004-SHB 3013-S
HB 3021-SHB 3033-SHB 3059-SHB 3067-SHB 3069-SHB 3081-SHB 3087-S
HB 3102-SHB 3120-SHB 3153-SHB 3234-SHB 3260-SHB 3311HB 3312
HJM 4042

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.


House Bills

HB 2733-S

by House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives P. Sullivan, Simpson, Haler, McCoy, Schual-Berke, Curtis, Green, and Morrell)


Changing the requirements for information on high school transcripts.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Revises the requirements for information on high school transcripts.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 1ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; without recommendation.
Feb 3Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 7Placed on second reading.
Feb 91st substitute bill substituted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 77; nays, 21; absent, 0; excused, 0.
-- IN THE SENATE --
Feb 11First reading, referred to Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education.

HB 2740-S

by House Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives Orcutt, Blake, and Kretz)


Concerning applications for forest practices.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Reauthorizes the department of natural resources to have exclusive jurisdiction over all forest practices applications.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 2NREP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Feb 3Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 9Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

HB 2749-S

by House Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives B. Sullivan, McCoy, Upthegrove, Chase, P. Sullivan, Appleton, Eickmeyer, Newhouse, Miloscia, Dunshee, Conway, and Buck)


Concerning specialized forest products.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Revises provisions concerning specialized forest products.

Provides that if huckleberries seized under this act were taken from the ceded areas of a federally recognized American Indian tribe, then the huckleberries shall be turned over to the tribe or its agent, without charge, for ceremonial, educational, or religious uses.

Prohibits the harvest of huckleberries in any amount using a rake, mechanical device, or any other method that damages the huckleberry bush.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 2NREP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Feb 3Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 10Placed on second reading.

HB 2794-S

by House Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives Chase, B. Sullivan, Dickerson, Upthegrove, Ericks, Linville, Pettigrew, Hunt, Murray, McCoy, Miloscia, Grant, Sells, Williams, Kenney, Simpson, and Kagi)


Encouraging carbon dioxide mitigation.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Minimizes the environmental cost of greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging mitigation for carbon dioxide.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 2NREP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Feb 3Referred to Appropriations.

HB 2842-S

by House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives B. Sullivan, Anderson, Quall, Tom, Chase, and Simpson)


Requiring that organ donation awareness be taught in public schools.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Finds that continuing education as to the existence and maintenance of a statewide organ and tissue donor registry is in the best interest of the people of the state of Washington.

Requires organ donation awareness to be taught in the public schools of this state in driver training courses. Organ donation education shall include instruction explaining the organ and tissue donor registry created in RCW 68.50.635.

Requires instructional materials to be developed in coordination with the federally designated organ procurement organization for Washington state.

Provides that all costs associated with the development, distribution, and implementation of this curriculum shall be the responsibility of the foundation established in RCW 46.12.510.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 2ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Feb 3Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 9Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

HB 2845-S

by House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Simpson and Curtis)


Regulating water availability for residential fire sprinkler suppression systems.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Establishes regulations regarding water availability for residential fire sprinkler suppression systems.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 2LG - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Feb 3Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

HB 2872-S

by House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Roberts, Roach, O'Brien, Dickerson, Nixon, Cody, Green, Hudgins, Appleton, Darneille, McDonald, Rodne, and McCune)


Increasing the minimum age for gambling.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Provides that, in any advertising, including broadcast, print media, or written advertising, on behalf of the state lottery, the state lottery or its lottery sales agents may not actively target advertisement to persons under the age of twenty-one years.

Provides that no one may participate or attempt to participate in a house-banked card game who is under the age of twenty-one years.

Requires the Washington state gambling commission to, in collaboration with the appropriate committees of the legislature, review the policy issues related to establishing a minimum age of gambling for gambling activities under its jurisdiction. The commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2006.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 2CL - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Feb 3Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

HB 2902-S

by House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Talcott, Quall, O'Brien, Cox, P. Sullivan, Curtis, Hunter, Morrell, Roach, Holmquist, Woods, Shabro, Walsh, Ericksen, Condotta, Anderson, McDonald, Serben, Nixon, Jarrett, Haler, Armstrong, McCune, Haigh, Sump, Priest, Tom, Simpson, Hinkle, Strow, Newhouse, and Rodne)


Allowing certain national tests as multiple measures for mathematics.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Provides that after formal approval by the legislature of the score required for this purpose, a student's score on the mathematics portion of the preliminary scholastic assessment test (PSAT), the scholastic assessment test (SAT), the American college test (ACT), or the ACT programs PLAN or WorkKeys may be used as an objective alternative assessment under this act for demonstrating that a student has met the mathematics standards for the certificate of academic achievement. The state board of education shall identify the scores students must achieve on the mathematics portion of the PSAT, SAT, ACT, or ACT programs PLAN or WorkKeys to meet the state standard for mathematics and shall submit the proposed scores, along with any subsequent revisions, to the legislature for formal approval through enacted legislation or concurrent resolution. Subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this purpose, school districts shall reimburse students for the cost of taking the tests in this act when the students take the tests for the purpose of using the mathematics results as an objective alternative assessment.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 1ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Feb 3Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

HB 2903-S

by House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Talcott, Quall, Cox, Curtis, Roach, Orcutt, Holmquist, Woods, Shabro, Ericksen, Anderson, Serben, Nixon, Haler, McCune, Haigh, Sump, Priest, Armstrong, Santos, Hinkle, Strow, Newhouse, and Rodne)


Making reforms necessary to improve student academic achievement.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Provides that, beginning September 1, 2007, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall make available to school districts diagnostic assessments that help improve student learning.

Provides that beginning with the 2006-07 school year, the superintendent of public instruction shall reimburse school districts, from funds appropriated for this purpose, for administration of diagnostic assessments in grades nine and ten for the purpose of identifying academic weaknesses and developing targeted instructional strategies to assist students before the high school Washington assessment of student learning.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 1ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Feb 3Referred to Appropriations.

HB 2939-S3

by House Committee on Capital Budget (originally sponsored by Representatives Grant, Dunshee, Linville, Kessler, Upthegrove, Kilmer, Ericks, Hasegawa, P. Sullivan, Santos, Green, Springer, Conway, Simpson, and Hudgins)


Establishing the energy freedom program.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 3RD SUBSTITUTE)


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.

Creates the energy freedom board.

Requires the board to: (1) Establish a competitive process to solicit proposals for and prioritize project applications for potential funding;

(2) Adopt rules governing project eligibility and evaluation criteria;

(3) Develop the prioritized list through open and public meetings;

(4) Establish performance measures against which the program will be evaluated;

(5) Aggressively seek federal and other grant moneys;

(6) Report annually to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature on the implementation of this act. The report must include, but is not limited to: Information on the number of applications for financial assistance; the grant or loan amount awarded each project; a description of each project; the status of each funded project, including the agricultural and environmental benefits of each project, as well as the progress made by each project in creating jobs and moving towards energy independence; the documentation of nonstate funds to be used for each project; and progress against performance measures developed under this act. The first report must be submitted by December 31, 2006, to committees in the house of representatives and senate with jurisdiction over energy issues.

Provides that if a transfer from the general fund to the energy freedom account created in section 8 of this act for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 2006, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 7CB - Majority; 3rd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 8Placed on second reading.
Feb 113rd substitute bill substituted.
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 68; nays, 30; absent, 0; excused, 0.

HB 2998-S

by House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives P. Sullivan, Simpson, Santos, McCoy, Chase, Morrell, B. Sullivan, Hasegawa, Kenney, and Green)


Requiring a study to explore options to augment the current educational assessment system.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Requires the Washington state institute for public policy to conduct a study to explore options to augment the current system of assessments to provide additional opportunities for students to demonstrate that they have met the state learning standards. The study is limited to: (1) A review and statistical analysis of Washington assessment of student learning data to profile the students who did not meet the standard in one or more areas of assessment, identify the characteristics of those students, and identify possible barriers to student success or possible causes of the lack of success;

(2) A review and identification of additional alternative assessment options that could be used to augment the current assessment system. In identifying the alternative assessment options, the institute shall include a review of alternative assessments used in other states as well as those that have been developed and those that have been proposed in Washington. The institute shall examine the use of national tests as well as career skill certification exams in their review of possible alternative assessment options; and

(3) A review and identification of additional alternative methods, procedures, or combinations of performance measures, including those proposed in Washington, to assess whether students have met the state learning standards.

Provides that the Washington state institute for public policy shall provide an interim report to the legislature by December 1, 2006, and a final report by December 1, 2007.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 2ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; without recommendation.
Feb 3Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 7Placed on second reading.
Feb 91st substitute bill substituted.
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 80; nays, 18; absent, 0; excused, 0.
-- IN THE SENATE --
Feb 11First reading, referred to Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education.

HB 3003-S

by House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Conway, Wallace, Jarrett, Wood, Hankins, Murray, Haler, Ormsby, Morrell, Strow, McCoy, Upthegrove, Chase, Simpson, Appleton, Sells, Dickerson, Hasegawa, Kenney, and Hudgins; by request of Department of Transportation)


Modifying public works apprenticeship utilization requirements.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Revises public works apprenticeship utilization requirements.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 1CL - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Feb 3Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 6Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
Feb 71st substitute bill substituted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 68; nays, 30; absent, 0; excused, 0.
-- IN THE SENATE --
Feb 9First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.

HB 3004-S

by House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections (originally sponsored by Representatives Pearson, Lovick, B. Sullivan, Sells, Ericks, Green, O'Brien, Strow, Kristiansen, P. Sullivan, Woods, Kilmer, Roach, and McCune)


Creating a pilot project for registration of methamphetamine offenders.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Establishes a pilot project for registration of methamphetamine offenders.

Authorizes public agencies to release information to the public regarding methamphetamine offenders when the agency determines that disclosure of the information is relevant and necessary to protect the public and counteract the danger created by the particular offender. The extent of the public disclosure of relevant and necessary information shall be rationally related to: (1) The level of risk posed by the offender to the community;

(2) The locations where the offender resides, expects to reside, or is regularly found; and

(3) The needs of the affected community members for information to enhance their individual and collective safety.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 2CJC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Feb 3Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 9Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

HB 3013-S

by House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Flannigan, Talcott, Quall, Pettigrew, Ormsby, Nixon, Green, Moeller, Kagi, Chase, Lantz, Anderson, Morrell, Simpson, Haigh, Kilmer, Santos, Hasegawa, and Kenney)


Requiring an inventory of kindergarten readiness assessments.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Finds that the first-ever state survey of student readiness for kindergarten in Washington state in 2004 revealed a significant gap in children's readiness for school. Teachers reported that only forty-four percent of incoming kindergarten students were adequately prepared. Student preparedness tended to be much lower in classes with high rates of poverty.

Declares that, as the legislature adopts policies and increases investments to support early learning, it is critical to be able to measure over time whether kindergarten readiness increases in response to these efforts. The legislature needs to be accurately apprised of whether children are ready to succeed in school when they first enter kindergarten.

Requires the office of the superintendent of public instruction, working with the governor's early learning efforts, to: (1) Conduct an inventory of the kindergarten readiness assessments used by school districts with incoming kindergarten students;

(2) Conduct an inventory of kindergarten readiness assessments used in other states or recommended by research; and

(3) Recommend to the legislature, for statewide adoption, a single culturally appropriate and inclusive kindergarten readiness assessment and a method for statewide data collection that will allow for data analysis and measurement of trends over time in kindergarten readiness. The assessment must measure prereading and premathematics skills.

Directs the office to report its findings and recommendations to the education committees of the legislature by December 1, 2006.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 1ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Feb 3Referred to Appropriations.

HB 3021-S

by House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Lantz, Serben, Campbell, Williams, Dickerson, Rodne, and Hudgins; by request of Board For Judicial Administration)


Changing the election and appointment provisions for municipal court judges.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Revises the election and appointment provisions for municipal court judges.

Repeals RCW 3.50.055 and 3.50.070.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 2JUDI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Feb 3Referred to Appropriations.

HB 3033-S

by House Committee on Economic Development, Agriculture & Trade (originally sponsored by Representatives Pettigrew, Kristiansen, Grant, Kretz, Holmquist, Cox, B. Sullivan, Clements, Campbell, Haigh, Newhouse, and Linville)


Creating an advisory committee to evaluate animal identification programs.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Creates an advisory committee to evaluate animal identification programs.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 1EDAT - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Feb 3Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 8Placed on second reading.
Feb 111st substitute bill substituted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 91; nays, 3; absent, 0; excused, 4.
-- IN THE SENATE --
Feb 13First reading, referred to Agriculture & Rural Economic Development.

HB 3059-S

by House Committee on Finance (originally sponsored by Representatives Grant, Condotta, Cody, and Kessler)


Clarifying the application of taxes to the financial activities of professional employer organizations.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Clarifies the application of taxes to the financial activities of professional employer organizations.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 6FIN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Feb 7Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 8Placed on second reading.
Feb 111st substitute bill substituted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 91; nays, 3; absent, 0; excused, 4.
-- IN THE SENATE --
Feb 13First reading, referred to Ways & Means.

HB 3067-S

by House Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance (originally sponsored by Representatives Roach, Kirby, Newhouse, Ericks, Sells, P. Sullivan, Green, Rodne, Woods, Strow, Morrell, and B. Sullivan)


Addressing identity theft.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Declares an intent to enable financial institutions and merchants, to the extent permitted by federal law, to exchange information to prevent, detect, deter, and assist in the prosecution of financial fraud, bank robbery, money laundering, identity theft, and other financial crimes.

Provides immunity from liability for financial institutions and merchants who participate in a fraud alert network and who comply with the provisions of this act and the standards of use set forth in this provision as follows: (1) Access to the fraud alert network is private and limited to financial institutions, merchants, and law enforcement agencies;

(2) The sole purpose of the fraud alert network is to share information among financial institutions, merchants, and law enforcement agencies to prevent, detect, deter, and assist in the prosecution of financial crimes;

(3) Information furnished to the fraud alert network may not consist of delinquent payment information, nor may it consist of other similar evidence of a person's credit history, except in the exceptional instance where such evidence is an integral part of information provided under this act and is reasonably believed to be related to a financial crime;

(4) Information posted must be accessible only to designated employees, and the distribution of information is limited to those employees, attorneys, and agents of participants who have job-related duties relevant to the use of such information in connection with preventing, detecting, deterring, or assisting in the prosecution of financial crimes;

(5) The fraud alert network has procedures reasonably calculated to ensure the security of the information obtained;

(6) Users of the fraud alert network are informed that the information obtained from the fraud alert network may not be used to evaluate and make decisions about applications for loans, lines of credit, and credit cards;

(7) Information furnished pursuant to the fraud alert network is limited to statements of fact that the person furnishing the information reasonably believes to be true. However, in exigent circumstances, information may be furnished without such reasonable belief if the circumstances creating an emergency are described, and cautionary advice is provided regarding the limited knowledge of the person furnishing the information; and

(8) The fraud alert network has an operator that: (a) Employs procedures to promptly correct and erase information that the operator learns is erroneous or was submitted or posted to the fraud alert network not in compliance with this section; (b) takes reasonable steps to limit access to the fraud alert network to financial institutions, merchants, and law enforcement agencies; and (c) denies access to the fraud alert network to persons who are not financial institutions, merchants, or law enforcement agencies or who do not abide by the provisions of this act.

Appropriates the sum of one million five hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the attorney general for the purposes of this act.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 2FII - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; without recommendation.
Feb 3Referred to Appropriations.

HB 3069-S

by House Committee on Housing (originally sponsored by Representatives Morrell, Pettigrew, Miloscia, Springer, Williams, Hunt, O'Brien, Hasegawa, and Hudgins)


Addressing disputes regarding manufactured/mobile homes.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Finds that there are factors unique to the relationship between a manufactured/mobile homeowner and a manufactured/mobile home park owner. Once occupancy has commenced, the difficulty and expense in moving and relocating a manufactured/mobile home can affect the operation of market forces, and lead to an inequality of the bargaining position of the parties. Once occupancy has commenced, a homeowner may be subject to violations of the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act or unfair practices without an adequate remedy at law. This act is created for the purpose of protecting the public, fostering fair and honest competition, and regulating the factors unique to the relationship between the manufactured/mobile homeowner and park owner.

Finds that taking legal action against a park owner for violations of the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act can be a costly and lengthy process, and that many people cannot afford to pursue a court process to vindicate statutory rights. Park owners similarly are benefited by having access to a process that resolves disputes quickly and efficiently.

Declares an intent to provide a less costly and more efficient way for manufactured/mobile homeowners and park owners to resolve disputes, and to provide a mechanism for state authorities to quickly locate owners of manufactured housing communities. The legislature further intends to authorize the department of community, trade, and economic development to: (1) Register mobile home parks or manufactured housing communities, take complaints, conduct investigations, and administratively resolve disputes, when there are violations of the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act;

(2) Maintain, update, and expand its current complaint program by retaining the necessary staffing level of hired or contracted persons used to operate and implement the program under chapter 429, Laws of 2005;

(3) Collect data related to conflicts and violations; and

(4) Take complaints, conduct investigations, and resolve disputes through the ombudsman complaint resolution program.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 2HOUS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Feb 3Referred to Appropriations.

HB 3081-S

by House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Cody, Hinkle, and Sommers; by request of Department of Social and Health Services)


Clarifying the financial responsibility of the state and regional support networks for the costs associated with the care of individuals in need of involuntary treatment under chapter 71.05 RCW.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Clarifies the financial responsibility of the state and regional support networks for the costs associated with the care of individuals in need of involuntary treatment under chapter 71.05 RCW.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 2HC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Feb 3Referred to Appropriations.

HB 3087-S

by House Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Ormsby, Sells, Kenney, Cox, Buri, Fromhold, Hasegawa, Morrell, McCoy, Upthegrove, Ericks, Darneille, Rodne, Chase, Conway, Kessler, Dunn, Green, and Lantz)


Concerning cost savings on course materials for students at state universities, regional universities, and The Evergreen State College.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Declares an intent to give students more choices for purchasing educational materials and to encourage faculty and staff to work closely with bookstores and publishers to implement the least costly option without sacrificing educational content and to provide maximum cost savings to students.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 2HEWE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Feb 3Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 7Placed on second reading.
Feb 91st substitute bill substituted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 98; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.
-- IN THE SENATE --
Feb 11First reading, referred to Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education.

HB 3102-S

by House Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives B. Sullivan, Buck, Appleton, Eickmeyer, Pearson, Campbell, and Hasegawa)


Concerning geoduck harvesting.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Provides guidelines for the issuance and renewal of a geoduck diver license and requiring harvesters to help reseed state commercial beds.

Provides that, after July 1, 2006, the director may not issue new geoduck diver licenses. A person may renew an existing license only if the person held a geoduck diver license in 2004 and held a geoduck diver license for a minimum of five of the ten years from 1994 through 2003.

Provides that geoduck diver licenses are not transferable. The license holder must perform the actual harvesting.

Requires the director to revoke geoduck diver licenses that are not renewed by December 31st of each year.

Provides that a license may be reissued by the director if another license is surrendered for any reason at any time.

Requires the department of fish and wildlife and the department of natural resources to jointly evaluate the effects of the limited license provisions in RCW 77.65.410.

Requires the department of fish and wildlife and the department of natural resources to report their findings and recommendations to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 15, 2007.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 2NREP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Feb 3Referred to Capital Budget.
Feb 6CB - Executive action taken by committee.
CB - Majority; do pass 1st substitute bill proposed by Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks.
Minority; do not pass.
Feb 7Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 11Placed on second reading.

HB 3120-S

by House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Lantz, Priest, Kirby, and Williams)


Concerning notice requirements for tort claims against state and local governments and their officers, employees, or volunteers.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Revises notice requirements for tort claims against state and local governments and their officers, employees, or volunteers.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 2JUDI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Feb 3Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

HB 3153-S

by House Committee on Children & Family Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Haler, Pettigrew, Roberts, Kagi, and Kenney)


Concerning retention of records regarding child abuse and neglect.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Requires the department to retain records indefinitely regarding child abuse and neglect referrals that, after investigation, result in: (1) A founded complaint or for which the evidence indicates that more likely than not the abuse or neglect occurred; or

(2) A termination of parental rights under chapter 13.34 RCW.

Requires records to be maintained, electronically or otherwise, in such a manner that the department can identify persons by name and date of birth or by another means permitted by law. The department shall use the information contained in the records when making decisions related to child day care, adoptions, and out-of-home placements.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 2CFS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Feb 3Referred to Appropriations.

HB 3234-S

by House Committee on Housing (originally sponsored by Representatives Miloscia, Hunt, Darneille, Chase, Holmquist, Santos, and Hasegawa)


Authorizing faith communities to host temporary homeless encampments subject to restrictions.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Declares that, due to concerns about maintaining freedom of religious expression, faith communities shall not be restricted from hosting temporary encampments for the homeless. A temporary encampment may be subject to reasonable compliance requirements related to public health and safety. However, no local government shall set less than ninety days as the maximum duration for homeless encampments.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 2HOUS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; without recommendation.
Feb 3Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

HB 3260-S

by House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representative Moeller)


Disbanding boundary review boards.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Provides that a boundary review board subject to disbandment under this act: (1) Must complete all pending actions before the board prior to disbanding; and

(2) May not accept additional requests for new reviews of proposed actions after the county legislative authority authorizes the disbanding.

Provides that counties required to establish boundary review boards pursuant to RCW 36.93.030(1) may, at the discretion of the county legislative authority, propose to disband the boundary review board in that county if the county and the cities and towns within the county have adopted comprehensive plans and development regulations under chapter 36.70A RCW.

Requires that, prior to disbanding a boundary review board, the county must hold a public hearing under RCW 36.70A.035. Following the hearing, the legislative authority of the county may disband the boundary review board if it receives a written agreement calling for disbanding from at least sixty percent of the cities and towns of the county representing at least seventy-five percent of the incorporated population within the county.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 2LG - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Feb 3Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

HB 3311

by Representatives Kretz, Kristiansen, Buri, Holmquist, Serben, Newhouse, Orcutt, Condotta, Sump, Ormsby, Schindler, Hinkle, Campbell, Chandler, Crouse, McDonald, Armstrong, Rodne, Buck, Haler, Ericksen, Linville, Kessler, Grant, McCune, and Morrell


Providing fairness in government regulation of private property.


Declares that this act is intended to protect the use and value of private property while providing for a healthy environment and ensuring that government agencies do not damage the use or value of private property except if necessary to prevent threats to human health and safety.

Declares an intent to recognize and promote unique interests, knowledge, and abilities private property owners have to protect the environment and land. To this end, government agencies must consider whether voluntary cooperation of property owners will meet the legitimate interests of the government instead of inflexible regulation of private property.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 11First reading, referred to Judiciary.

HB 3312

by Representatives Chase, Hasegawa, Williams, Ormsby, and Appleton


Creating provisions relating to fair employment practices.


Declares an intent to set forth certain rights and remedies with respect to wrongful discharge. These rights and remedies are intended to aid the enforcement of the state's antidiscrimination laws and related policies by replacing the common law at-will employment doctrine with a just cause standard.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 11First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor.


House Joint Memorials

HJM 4042

by Representatives B. Sullivan, Pearson, Hinkle, Roach, Haigh, Kristiansen, McCune, Newhouse, Campbell, Shabro, Eickmeyer, Chandler, McDonald, Kretz, Sump, Schindler, Crouse, Orcutt, Holmquist, Buck, and Blake


Requesting that Congress pass the Right-to-Ride Livestock on Federal Land Act of 2005.


Requests that Congress pass the Right-to-Ride Livestock on Federal Land Act of 2005.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 11First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks.


Senate Bills

SB 6480-S2

by Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Haugen, Brown, and Keiser; by request of Department of Transportation)


Modifying public works apprenticeship utilization requirements.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 2ND SUBSTITUTE)


Revises public works apprenticeship utilization requirements.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 7TRAN - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 8Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Feb 112nd substitute bill substituted.
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 30; nays, 11; absent, 0; excused, 8.

SB 6500-S

by Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, McCaslin, Doumit, Benson, Shin, Esser, and Jacobsen)


Modifying the sales and use taxation of vessels.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Revises the sales and use taxation of vessels.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 7WM - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 9Made eligible to be placed on second reading.
Feb 13Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

SB 6676-S

by Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Roach, Kline, Mulliken, Fairley, and Rasmussen)


Prohibiting fraudulent filings of vehicle reports of sale.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Provides that every person who files a vehicle report of sale without the knowledge of the transferee shall be guilty of fraudulent filing of vehicle report of sale and shall be punished as follows: (1) Where the victim incurred damages in an amount less than two hundred fifty dollars, the defendant is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

(2) Where the victim incurred damages in an amount exceeding two hundred fifty dollars, the defendant is guilty of a class C felony.

(3) Where the victim incurred damages in an amount exceeding one thousand five hundred dollars, the defendant is guilty of a class B felony.

Provides that when a transferee had no knowledge of the filing of the vehicle report of sale, he or she is relieved of civil or criminal liability for the operation of the vehicle, and liability is transferred to the seller shown on the report of sale.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3JUD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 7Made eligible to be placed on second reading.
Feb 9Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

SB 6708-S

by Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senator Jacobsen)


Providing guidelines for the issuance and renewal of a geoduck diver license and requiring harvesters to help reseed state commercial beds.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Provides that, after July 1, 2006, the director may not issue new geoduck diver licenses. A person may renew an existing license only if the person held a geoduck diver license in 2004 and held a geoduck diver license for a minimum of five of the ten years from 1994 through 2003.

Requires the director to revoke a geoduck diver license issued after January 1, 2006, that does not meet the criteria of this act.

Provides that geoduck diver licenses are not transferable. The license holder must perform the actual harvesting.

Requires the director to revoke geoduck diver licenses that are not renewed by December 31st of each year.

Provides that a license may be reissued by the director if another license is surrendered for any reason at any time.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 10Made eligible to be placed on second reading.
Feb 11Moved to Rules White Sheet.
Made eligible to be placed on second reading.

SB 6718-S

by Senate Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Brandland, McAuliffe, Rasmussen, Rockefeller, Schmidt, Shin, Hargrove, Stevens, Delvin, and Roach)


Expanding record check requirements for school employees.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Provides that the record check shall include a fingerprint check through the Washington state patrol.

Provides that, for those employees the district determines do not have regular unsupervised access to children, the record checks covered under RCW 28A.400.303 shall be funded subject to appropriation in the omnibus appropriations act.
SB 6730-S

by Senate Committee on Water, Energy & Environment (originally sponsored by Senators Fraser, Swecker, Fairley, Prentice, Kline, Thibaudeau, and Franklin)


Changing provisions relating to reclaimed water.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Directs the department of ecology, in coordination with the department of health, to adopt rules as necessary to carry out the provisions of chapter 90.46 RCW in accordance with the public policy for reclaimed water use as declared in RCW 90.46.005.

Requires rules to be adopted by December 31, 2008.

Directs the department of ecology to consult with the advisory committee created in RCW 90.46.050 in all aspects of rule development and adoption under this act.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3WEE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
And refer to Ways & Means.
Referred to Ways & Means.

SB 6740-S

by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Fraser, Kohl-Welles, Fairley, Keiser, and Franklin)


Protecting homeowners who hire contractors to remodel or build their homes.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Finds that the vast majority of contractors engaged in the business of constructing or remodeling owner-occupied single-family homes are both technically proficient in their trade and able to manage their business dealings in accordance with the highest standards.

Finds, however, that in those relatively few, but all-too-frequent, instances where prime contractors on such construction or remodeling projects intentionally, negligently, or unintentionally mismanage payments received from homeowners that are intended for subcontractors, suppliers, and others, existing provisions are inadequate to protect homeowners. Additionally, the toll on an individual homeowner's personal economic and emotional condition that such financial mismanagement by this small fraction of prime contractors is not adequately balanced against the responsibilities, obligations, and possible penalties that contractors bear for such mismanagement. Consequently, the legislature finds that it is necessary to: (1) Clearly establish when prime contractors are personally responsible for mismanagement of funds received from or on behalf of homeowners that are intended for suppliers, subcontractors, and others;

(2) Increase awareness by homeowners to the potential for liens against their residence if contractors fail to pay suppliers and subcontractors as promised; and

(3) Increase opportunities for homeowners to become better educated about ways to protect themselves from financial mismanagement by those few contractors who are unable or unwilling to meet the financial management standards set by the vast majority of residential contractors in this state.

Recognizes the independence of the federal bankruptcy courts, but nonetheless encourages such courts, when addressing whether or not to discharge liabilities of contractors arising under this act due to the mismanagement of funds received from or for the benefit of homeowners, to adopt a policy disfavoring the discharge of such liabilities in bankruptcy. If the mismanagement rises to the level of criminal conduct, nothing in this act is intended to interfere with criminal prosecution.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Minority; without recommendation.
And refer to Ways & Means.
On motion, referred to Rules.
Feb 7Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

SB 6747-S

by Senate Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Rockefeller, Roach, Pridemore, Pflug, Thibaudeau, Regala, Doumit, Fraser, McAuliffe, and Rasmussen)


Regarding comprehensive safe school plans.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Provides that if funding is provided specifically for this purpose, all schools must have comprehensive safe school plans, except for the school mapping component, in place by the beginning of the 2007-08 school year. If specific funding is not provided to enable this deadline to be met, the superintendent of public instruction shall adopt rules regarding timelines for the development and review of comprehensive safe school plans consistent with the availability of resources including but not limited to technical assistance.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3EKHE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
And refer to Ways & Means.
Referred to Ways & Means.

SB 6754-S

by Senate Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Schoesler, Pridemore, and Rasmussen)


Changing public works provisions for institutions of higher education.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Revises public works provisions for institutions of higher education.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3EKHE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Minority; without recommendation.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

SB 6775-S

by Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Hargrove, Stevens, Rasmussen, and McAuliffe; by request of Attorney General)


Creating the crime of criminal trespass against children.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Declares an intent to give public and private entities that provide services to children the tools necessary to prevent convicted child sex offenders from contacting children when those children are within the legal boundaries of the covered public and private entities.

Provides that an owner, employee, or agent of a covered entity may order a sex offender from the legal premises of a covered entity as provided under this act. To do this, the owner, employee, or agent of a covered entity must first personally serve on the sex offender a written notice that informs the sex offender that: (1) The sex offender must leave the legal premises of the covered entity and may not return without the written permission of the covered entity; and

(2) If the sex offender refuses to leave the legal boundaries of the covered entity, or thereafter returns and enters within the legal boundaries of the covered entity, the offender may be charged and prosecuted for a felony offense as provided in this act.

Declares that a person is guilty of the crime of criminal trespass against children if he or she: (1) Is a sex offender as defined in this act;

(2) Receives written notice that complies with the requirements of this act that he or she is not permitted to remain upon or reenter the legal boundaries of the covered entity; and

(3) Remains upon or reenters the legal boundaries of the covered entity without the written permission of the covered entity.

Declares that criminal trespass against children is a class C felony.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3HSC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 8Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Feb 91st substitute bill substituted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 44; nays, 4; absent, 0; excused, 1.
-- IN THE HOUSE --
Feb 11First reading, referred to Criminal Justice & Corrections.

SB 6778-S

by Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senator Morton)


Requiring the department of fish and wildlife to draft a grey wolf management plan.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Requires the department of fish and wildlife to develop a draft grey wolf management plan and present the plan to the legislature by December 31, 2007. At a minimum the department of fish and wildlife shall hold a public hearing on the draft plan in each of the department's regions prior to transmitting the report to the legislature.

Appropriates the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the department of fish and wildlife for the purposes of this act.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
And refer to Ways & Means.
Referred to Ways & Means.

SB 6791-S

by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Poulsen, Kohl-Welles, and Rockefeller)


Concerning liquor licenses issued to entities providing concession services on ferries.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Allows the sale of alcoholic beverages on state ferries.

Provides that if the license is issued to a person who contracts with the Washington state ferry system to provide food and alcohol service on a designated ferry route, the license shall cover any vessel assigned to the designated route. A separate license is required for each designated ferry route.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 9Made eligible to be placed on second reading.
Feb 10Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

SB 6806-S

by Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Esser, Hargrove, Brandland, Johnson, and Rasmussen)


Establishing the domestic violence hope card study committee.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Declares an intent to study the advisability of providing to all recipients of protection orders, who are victims of domestic violence, wallet-size cards that would provide to law enforcement all information necessary to enforce the protection order.

Requires a committee report, containing findings and proposed legislation, if any, to be delivered to the full legislature, not later than December 31, 2006.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3JUD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 7Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Feb 101st substitute bill substituted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 45; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 4.
-- IN THE HOUSE --
Feb 11First reading, referred to Juvenile Justice & Family Law.

SB 6820-S

by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Keiser, Deccio, Thibaudeau, Parlette, Franklin, Benson, and Kline)


Concerning application requirements for licensing physicians.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Revises application requirements for licensing physicians.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 11Made eligible to be placed on second reading.

SB 6838-S

by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Jacobsen and Honeyford)


Promoting the craft beer industry through beer festivals.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Provides that, until July 1, 2007, nothing in this act prohibits a nonprofit statewide organization of microbreweries formed for the purpose of promoting Washington's craft beer industry as a trade association registered as a 501(c) with the internal revenue service from holding a special occasion license to conduct up to six beer festivals before June 30, 2007.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 9Made eligible to be placed on second reading.
Feb 10Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

SB 6840-S

by Senate Committee on Water, Energy & Environment (originally sponsored by Senators Morton and Poulsen)


Modifying energy efficiency provisions.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Revises energy efficiency provisions.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3WEE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 7Made eligible to be placed on second reading.
Feb 8Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

SB 6846-S

by Senate Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Pridemore, Weinstein, Thibaudeau, Kohl-Welles, Berkey, and Rasmussen)


Creating the college in the high school program.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Finds that an effective means of increasing the number of students earning college credit in high school is to bring the college courses to the students. The legislature believes the ability to earn college credit during the regular high school day and on the high school campus may greatly expand students' willingness and ability to attempt college-credit-bearing courses.

Directs the superintendent of public instruction, the state board for community and technical colleges, and the public baccalaureate institutions to jointly develop and adopt rules governing the college in the high school program. The rules shall be written to encourage the maximum use of the program and shall not narrow or limit the enrollment options.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3EKHE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
And refer to Ways & Means.
Referred to Ways & Means.

SB 6852-S

by Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Kline, Hargrove, Brandland, and Rasmussen)


Addressing tort liability for local and state government employees, agents, officers, and representatives involved in the delivery of social, health, correctional, or supervision services.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Finds that it is in the public interest to limit the liability of state and local governments for injuries caused by released offenders and other persons who are being supervised in the community or who are on a community-based treatment monitoring program. The legislature intends this act to limit both the class of supervised persons for whom state and local government can be held liable and the circumstances under which liability can be imposed.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3JUD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; without recommendation.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

SB 6864-S

by Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Kline and Johnson)


Changing provisions relating to persons receiving the drug offender sentencing alternative.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Provides that in no case shall an offender sentenced to the drug offender sentencing alternative, RCW 9.94A.660, aggregate earned early release time exceeding one-third of the period of total confinement.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3JUD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
On motion, referred to Ways & Means.

SB 6867-S

by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Pflug, Shin, Eide, Weinstein, McAuliffe, Schmidt, Carrell, Rasmussen, Kohl-Welles, and Franklin)


Establishing a joint legislative task force on life sciences.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Finds that Washington has long been one of the nations' premier centers for the medical device and biotechnology industries, but that the growth in life sciences jobs in the state has stagnated since 2002.

Finds that the state lags in investments in medical device and biotechnology manufacturing and has a relatively low supply of advanced degrees in the life sciences.

Declares an intent to identify weaknesses in the state's support for the life sciences and to craft a comprehensive strategy and implementation plan for growth in the life sciences sector of the state's economy.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 9Made eligible to be placed on second reading.
Feb 13Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

SB 6885-S

by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, Thibaudeau, Keiser, and Fairley)


Modifying unemployment insurance provisions.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Revises unemployment insurance provisions.

Repeals 2005 c 133 s 10 (uncodified).
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 13Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

SB 6894

by Senators Jacobsen, Honeyford, Sheldon, Weinstein, and Berkey


Clarifying legislative intent for gambling commission background information checks.


Declares an intent that the gambling commission, in exercising its oversight pursuant to RCW 9.46.070(7), shall not require review of individual shareholders of corporations publicly traded on a major exchange, including the New York stock exchange, American stock exchange, or NASDAQ national market, that are regulated by the United States securities and exchange commission and in full compliance therewith when said corporations are included in the ownership structure of applications for licenses to operate amusement games.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 11First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.

SB 6895

by Senator Benton


Concerning unemployment exemptions for religious organizations.


Provides that before an entity can claim an exemption provided in RCW 50.44.040(1), it must first indicate to the department in a manner established by rule that it has informed all of its employees before they were hired that the entity is exempt from paying unemployment insurance taxes.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 11First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.


Senate Joint Memorials

SJM 8041

by Senators Roach, Rasmussen, McCaslin, Kastama, Honeyford, Zarelli, Stevens, Jacobsen, Sheldon, Hargrove, Morton, Mulliken, Benson, Finkbeiner, Parlette, Pflug, Benton, Schoesler, Schmidt, and Hewitt


Requesting that Congress pass the Right-to-Ride Livestock on Federal Land Act of 2005.


Requests that Congress pass the Right-to-Ride Livestock on Federal Land Act of 2005.
-- 2006 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 11First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.