SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5194
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As of January 15, 2007
Title: An act relating to establishing the joint task force on siting of essential public facilities.
Brief Description: Establishing the joint task force on siting of essential public facilities.
Sponsors: Senators Kohl-Welles, Swecker, Fairley, Sheldon and Rasmussen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections:
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS
Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)
Background: Cities and counties that plan under the Growth Management Act (GMA) must
include in their comprehensive plans a process for identifying and siting essential public facilities.
The law does not expressly define essential public facilities, but states that they include those
facilities that are typically difficult to site, and lists, as examples, airports, state education
facilities, state and local correctional facilities, state or regional transportation facilities, solid
waste handling facilities, and in-patient facilities including substance abuse facilities, mental
health facilities, group homes, and secure community transition facilities.
The Washington Administrative Code states that comprehensive plans should describe the
components of a siting process for essential public facilities which are difficult to site on a case-by-case basis through development regulations.
Summary of Bill: A twelve member Joint Task Force on Essential Public Facilities (Task Force)
is created.
The Task Force must define essential public facilities, develop strategies for determining which
communities are adversely impacted, determine ways to quantify the adverse impacts on
communities and identify any regional or state responsibilities for mitigation.
Additionally, the Task Force must evaluate and develop funding options for state and regional
jurisdictions to pay for mitigation costs.
The Task Force must convene no later than September 1, 2007 and present a final report,
including any legislative recommendations, no later than December 1, 2008.
This act expires June 1, 2009.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: Yes.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.