 | WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE | |
| Legislative Digest No. 11 | ||
| SIXTIETH LEGISLATURE | ||
| Tuesday, January 23, 2007 | 16th Day - 2007 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://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/digests.aspx?year=2007.
HB 1037-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Morris, Hudgins, Moeller, and B. Sullivan)
Regarding electrical transmission.
Amends RCW 80.50.060 and 80.50.020 relating to siting electrical transmission under the energy facility site evaluation council.Requires that, on or after July 1, 2009, for applications to site electrical transmission facilities under RCW 80.50.060(4), the council must approve applications for siting of electrical transmission facilities in corridors designated for this purpose by a county or city under chapter 36.70A RCW where the county or city has: (1) Identified electrical transmission facility corridors as part of its comprehensive plan under chapter 36.70A RCW and has adopted policies and maps that guide the siting of electrical transmission facilities;(2) Adopted development regulations under chapter 36.70A RCW that implement the siting of electrical transmission facilities; and(3) Coordinated its applicable plan and regulations with those jurisdictions that have common borders or related regional electrical transmission facility siting issues.Declares that the provisions of this act are intended to limit the council's authority to certify the location of electrical transmission facilities but not the regulation, construction, and operational conditions of the electrical transmission facilities.
| Jan 10 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 17 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Jan 22 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1052-S
by House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Upthegrove, Hudgins, Pedersen, P. Sullivan, Wallace, and Morris)
Modifying the legislative youth advisory council.
Finds that the legislative youth advisory council provides a unique opportunity for middle and high school students to be actively involved in government. Council members not only learn about, but exercise, the core values and democratic principles of our state and nation, along with the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and democratic civic involvement. As such, they are engaged in authentic practice of the essential academic learning requirements in civics. In the short time since its creation, the legislative youth advisory council has studied, debated, and begun to formulate positions and recommendations on such important topics as education reform, school finance, public school learning environments, health and fitness education, and standardized testing. The legislature continues to stress the importance of civics education and support the type of civic involvement by students exemplified by the legislative youth advisory council.
| Jan 16 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| SGTA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Jan 22 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1478
by Representatives Morris, Crouse, Takko, McCoy, McCune, Kenney, and Linville
Regarding the authorities of the Washington utilities and transportation commission relative to the requirement imposed upon gas and hazardous liquid pipelines under RCW 81.88.080.
Requires the commission to provide to first responders, state agencies, and local governments data that the commission develops or gathers for the maps that are consolidated into the geographic information system as described in this act. The commission shall provide or make available for inspection by any other entity maps or map images that illustrate line pipe location as long as the map or map images are of no greater detail than a scale of one to twenty-four thousand.Declares that, for purposes of this act, "first responders" means firefighters and law enforcement personnel.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Technology, Energy & Communications. | |
HB 1479
by Representatives Appleton, Lantz, Green, Williams, Linville, Kagi, Ormsby, Santos, and Seaquist
Exempting transfer students from military families from certain prerequisites for earning a certificate of academic achievement.
Exempts transfer students from military families from certain prerequisites for earning a certificate of academic achievement.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
HB 1480
by Representatives Roach, Hunter, McIntire, Condotta, and Ericks; by request of Department of Revenue
Regarding the administration of tax programs administered by the department of revenue.
Revises provisions regarding the administration of tax programs administered by the department of revenue.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 1481
by Representative Alexander
Exempting students who pass the WASL from intermediate license restrictions.
Provides that an intermediate licensee who meets the state standards on the reading, writing, and mathematics content areas of the high school Washington assessment of student learning the first time he or she takes the assessment may drive at any hour without restrictions on the number of passengers in the vehicle.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 1482
by Representatives Takko, Flannigan, Springer, and Hailey; by request of Transportation Improvement Board
Retaining the distribution of city hardship assistance program funds to cities and towns for street maintenance.
Retains the distribution of city hardship assistance program funds to cities and towns for street maintenance.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 1483
by Representatives Green, Miloscia, Hunt, Appleton, McDermott, Ormsby, Hurst, Hasegawa, Dunshee, Springer, Hudgins, and Rolfes
Requiring prepaid postage for primary and general election ballots.
Requires the state to reimburse counties for the cost of return postage on mail and absentee ballots for primary and general elections.Provides that return envelopes for primary and general election ballots shall include prepaid postage.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 1484
by Representatives Green, Buri, Kelley, Haler, Ormsby, Chase, Hailey, Conway, Darneille, and Hudgins
Restricting correctional facilities on the grounds of a state hospital.
Provides that a program, facility, or institution operated by the department of corrections, or pursuant to a contract with the department of corrections, that serves violent offenders, including but not limited to facilities sited under RCW 72.65.220, may not be located or operated on the grounds of a state hospital as designated under chapter 72.23 RCW.Does not apply to a program, facility, or institution located or operated on the grounds of a state hospital on the effective date of this act.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Human Services. | |
HB 1485
by Representatives Green, Conway, and Williams
Providing for payment of attorneys' fees for industrial insurance appeals.
Provides for payment of attorneys' fees for industrial insurance appeals.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 1486
by Representatives Blake, Orcutt, VanDeWege, Takko, B. Sullivan, Kretz, Grant, Sells, Kessler, Newhouse, and Kristiansen
Providing sales and use tax exemptions for log truck safety equipment.
Provides sales and use tax exemptions for log truck safety equipment.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources. | |
HB 1487
by Representatives Campbell, Ericks, Green, P. Sullivan, McCune, Ormsby, and Morrell
Creating the crime of fraudulent pseudoephedrine procurement.
Provides that a person is guilty of fraudulent pseudoephedrine procurement if he or she knowingly procures or purchases pseudoephedrine or any of its salts, isomers, or salts of isomers, with an identification card of another person or a false identification.Declares that fraudulent pseudoephedrine procurement is a class C felony,
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness. | |
HB 1488
by Representatives B. Sullivan, Upthegrove, Appleton, Dunshee, Hunt, Dickerson, VanDeWege, Campbell, Kessler, Eickmeyer, McCoy, Chase, Green, Sells, Kenney, Ericks, Roberts, Lantz, Goodman, Wood, Kagi, Moeller, and Rolfes
Enhancing the state's oil spill response program.
Declares that the intent of this act is to enact those recommendations of the oil spill advisory council that require legislative action so that Washington is in the best possible position to prevent and respond to oil spills in all of Washington's waters, including the Columbia river, the Pacific Ocean, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Puget Sound.Declares that fully enacting the recommendations of the oil spill advisory council requires the identification of revenue to support the state's oil spill programs, which includes consistent and continued funding for a contingency tug program, a permanent rescue tug at Neah Bay, the activities of the permanent oil spill advisory council, and contributions to the ongoing efforts to remove leaking derelict vessels from Washington's treasured and valued waterways.Repeals RCW 82.23B.040.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources. | |
HB 1489
by Representatives VanDeWege, Kessler, Warnick, Blake, Morrell, and Lantz
Exempting volunteer hospice care centers from licensing requirements under chapter 18.20 or 70.128 RCW.
Exempts volunteer hospice care centers from licensing requirements under chapter 18.20 or 70.128 RCW.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. | |
HB 1490
by Representatives Hinkle, Cody, Moeller, Linville, and Wood
Requiring the department of social and health services to submit a consumer-directed medicaid coverage plan.
Declares that the federal deficit reduction act of 2005 allows states to redesign their medicaid programs, creating more flexibility in benefit and cost-sharing designs and giving enrollees more opportunity to decide how they use their health care benefits. Specifically, the deficit reduction act allows for ten states to operate medicaid demonstration programs to test alternative systems to deliver medicaid benefits through a health opportunity account in combination with a high deductible health plan. Washington state should continue to be a leader in health care policy and submit a state plan amendment to the center for medicaid and medicare to be one of the ten states to implement a health opportunity account demonstration program.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. | |
HB 1491
by Representatives Kirby, Campbell, Simpson, Hurst, Appleton, Williams, Wood, Santos, Chase, Ormsby, and Morrell
Creating the insurance fair conduct act.
Provides that an insurer engaged in the business of insurance may not unreasonably or negligently deny a claim for coverage or payment of benefits to any insured.Provides that any insured or beneficiary to a policy of insurance who is unreasonably or negligently denied a claim for coverage or payment of benefits by an insurer may bring an action in the superior court of this state to recover the actual damages sustained, together with the costs of the action, including reasonable attorneys' fees and litigation costs.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Service & Consumer Protection. | |
HB 1492
by Representatives Simpson, Campbell, Kirby, VanDeWege, Williams, Chase, Wood, and Santos
Using arbitration to resolve disputes regarding certain insurance policies.
Provides that all automobile liability insurance policies sold in this state that contain personal injury protection coverage benefits shall contain binding arbitration clauses to resolve disputes between the insured and the insurer regarding the amount of medical and hospital expenses, funeral expenses, income continuation, and loss of services sustained by an insured because of bodily injury caused by an automobile accident.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Service & Consumer Protection. | |
HB 1493
by Representatives Hudgins, Simpson, Jarrett, B. Sullivan, Rodne, McCoy, Sells, and Kenney
Clarifying the definition of development activity in respect to construction by a regional transit authority.
Declares that "development activity" does not include buildings or structures constructed by a regional transit authority.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 1494
by Representatives Moeller, Hinkle, Seaquist, Green, Morrell, Kenney, and Barlow; by request of Department of Health
Modifying credentialing standards for counselors.
Revises credentialing standards for counselors.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. | |
HB 1495
by Representatives Hunt and Williams
Increasing the penalty for certain assaults against code enforcement officers.
Increases the penalty for certain assaults against code enforcement officers.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness. | |
HB 1496
by Representatives Hunt and Williams
Revising restrictions on the county treasurer regarding receipting current year taxes.
Provides that no treasurer shall accept tax payments or issue receipts for the same until the treasurer has completed the tax roll for the current year's collection and provided notification of the completion of the roll. Notification may be accomplished electronically, by posting a notice in the office, or through other written communication as determined by the treasurer.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 1497
by Representatives Wallace, Anderson, Sells, Hinkle, Roberts, Warnick, Buri, B. Sullivan, Priest, and Hasegawa
Increasing the operating fee waiver authority for Central Washington University.
Increases the operating fee waiver authority for Central Washington University from eight to ten percent.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Higher Education. | |
HB 1498
by Representatives Grant, Walsh, Lovick, Santos, Armstrong, Linville, Hinkle, Kessler, Green, Kenney, Williams, and Ericks
Excluding self-service laundry from the definition of retail sale for excise tax purposes.
Excludes self-service laundry from the definition of retail sale for excise tax purposes.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 1499
by Representatives Green, Conway, Williams, Chase, Kenney, Wood, Moeller, and Ormsby
Increasing minimum industrial insurance benefits.
Increases minimum industrial insurance benefits.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 1500
by Representatives Conway, Williams, Chase, Kenney, Wood, and Moeller
Modifying provisions on permanent partial disability claims.
Amends RCW 51.32.080 to modify provisions on permanent partial disability claims.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 1501
by Representatives Wood, Conway, Williams, Chase, Kenney, and Moeller
Concerning adjustments to industrial insurance total disability compensation reductions.
Amends RCW 51.32.220 relating to adjustments to industrial insurance total disability compensation reductions.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 1502
by Representatives Williams, Conway, Wood, Chase, Moeller, and Ormsby
Suppressing workers' compensation claims.
Provides that employers shall not engage in the suppression of industrial insurance claims for their employees.Declares that, for the purposes of this act, claim suppression is defined as expressly or repeatedly inducing employees to fail to report injuries, inducing employees to treat injuries in the course of employment as off-the-job injuries, or otherwise acting to suppress legitimate industrial insurance claims.Provides that, in determining whether an employer has engaged in claim suppression, the department shall consider the employer's history of compliance with industrial insurance reporting requirements, and whether there are employment-related incentives to discourage employees from reporting injuries or filing claims. The department will have the burden of proving claims suppression by a preponderance of the evidence.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 1503
by Representatives Conway, McCoy, Wood, Campbell, Williams, Green, Kenney, Moeller, Ormsby, and Chase
Regarding injured worker medical rights.
Provides that, at any time that an examining or attending physician or licensed advanced registered nurse practitioner is contacted by the employer, or a representative of the employer, a written report must be generated by the person or entity initiating contact which fully discloses all subjects discussed and responses given. This report must be completed within five days of the meeting, and a copy must be mailed to the worker no later than the fifth day. Failure to comply with this provision constitutes a violation of RCW 51.48.080 and the penalty shall be paid to the worker.Provides that, in any circumstance in which an attorney, vocational counselor, nurse case manager, or other representative of the employer seeks to meet with an examining or attending physician or licensed advanced registered nurse practitioner to discuss the worker's physical capacities, medical treatment, permanent partial disability, ability to work, or other issues pertaining to the claim, that person shall give at least seven days' prior written notice to the worker or the worker's designated representative. The worker and representative have the right to attend and participate in the conference.Requires that, within five days of the completion of the meeting, the employer or representative shall create a complete report of the meeting, including all questions asked and information provided. A copy of this report must be mailed to the worker or the worker's designated representative, no later than the fifth day following the meeting.Provides that, once an appeal has been filed with the board, the department and the employer, as well as the representatives of each, may not have ex parte contact, to discuss the facts or issues in question in the appeal, with any medical provider who has provided treatment to the claimant unless written authorization for such contact is given by the claimant or the claimant's representative. This also applies to medical providers who examined the claimant for consultative purposes at the request of either the claimant or a treating medical provider unless the examination request was initiated by the department.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 1504
by Representatives Conway and Wood
Establishing penalty for violation of Title 51 RCW.
Establishes a penalty for violation of Title 51 RCW.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 1505
by Representatives Clibborn, Curtis, Seaquist, Hinkle, Morrell, Linville, Armstrong, Rodne, B. Sullivan, Ericksen, Ericks, Roberts, Darneille, Moeller, and McCune
Regarding physician assistants determining disability for special parking privileges.
Authorizes physician assistants to determine disability for special parking privileges.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 1506
by Representatives Haigh, Armstrong, Hunt, and Ormsby
Changing alternative works provisions.
Revises alternative works provisions.Repeals provisions of chapter 39.10 RCW.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 1507
by Representatives Seaquist, Bailey, Schual-Berke, Green, Kenney, Williams, Conway, Ericks, Lantz, Darneille, Linville, Moeller, Kelley, Morrell, and Rolfes; by request of Governor Gregoire
Creating the uniformed service shared leave pool.
Creates the uniformed service shared leave pool to allow employees to donate leave to be used as shared leave for any employee who has been called to service in the uniformed services and who meets the requirements of RCW 41.04.665. Participation in the pool shall, at all times, be voluntary on the part of the employee. The military department, in consultation with the department of personnel and the office of financial management, shall administer the uniformed service shared leave pool.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
| Jan 23 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
| Jan 24 | Scheduled for executive session in committee. (Subject to change) | |
HB 1508
by Representatives Orcutt, Hunter, Blake, Takko, and Condotta; by request of Department of Revenue
Providing an exemption from business and occupation tax for the resale of natural or manufactured gas by consumers.
Provides an exemption from business and occupation tax for the resale of natural or manufactured gas by consumers.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Technology, Energy & Communications. | |
HB 1509
by Representatives Pettigrew, Orcutt, O'Brien, McCune, Ericks, Warnick, Alexander, Simpson, Fromhold, P. Sullivan, Morris, Ahern, Kirby, Wood, Buri, Crouse, Kenney, Kristiansen, and Ormsby
Clarifying that the gross wages and benefits of on-site property managers are exempt from the business and occupation taxation of property management companies.
Clarifies that the gross wages and benefits of on-site property managers are exempt from the business and occupation taxation of property management companies.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 1510
by Representatives Hasegawa, Chase, Conway, Williams, Roberts, Hudgins, Wood, Moeller, Ormsby, Santos, and Morrell
Providing for the community reinvestment of oil windfall profits.
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.Declares an intent 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. 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.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Technology, Energy & Communications. | |
HB 1511
by Representatives Hasegawa, Chase, Williams, and Roberts
Modifying the business and occupation taxation of investment income received by corporations.
Revises the business and occupation taxation of investment income received by corporations.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 1512
by Representatives Hasegawa, Haler, Pettigrew, Skinner, Santos, Hankins, Kenney, Walsh, McCoy, Kirby, Schual-Berke, Chase, Williams, Roberts, P. Sullivan, Hudgins, Ericks, Darneille, Kagi, and Ormsby
Increasing the amount the treasurer may use for the linked deposit program.
Provides that the state treasurer may use up to two hundred million dollars per year of all funds available under this act for the purposes of RCW 43.86A.060. The amounts made available to these public depositaries shall be equal to the amounts of outstanding loans made under RCW 43.86A.060.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Service & Consumer Protection. | |
HB 1513
by Representatives Kessler, Orcutt, Grant, Alexander, Blake, VanDeWege, Kretz, Takko, Linville, and Ericks
Modifying provisions relating to the excise taxation of forest products businesses.
Revises provisions relating to the excise taxation of forest products businesses.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources. | |
HB 1514
by Representatives B. Sullivan, Kretz, and Linville; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission
Modifying provisions governing the sale of unneeded park land.
Authorizes the commission to accept sealed bids, electronic bids, or oral bids at auction.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources. | |
HB 1515
by Representatives P. Sullivan, Rodne, Simpson, Priest, Jarrett, Ericks, and Morrell
Allowing owners of property enrolled in a current use property tax program to transfer the property between one another or to withdraw the property on the death of the owner, without penalty.
Authorizes owners of property enrolled in a current use property tax program to transfer the property between one another or to withdraw the property on the death of the owner, without penalty.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 1516
by Representatives Roach, Hurst, Orcutt, Dunn, McDonald, Warnick, Haler, McCune, Rodne, Ericksen, Chase, Kristiansen, Morrell, and Rolfes
Providing business and occupation tax exemptions for new small businesses.
Provides business and occupation tax exemptions for new small businesses.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Community & Economic Development & Trade. | |
HB 1517
by Representatives Schual-Berke, Priest, McDermott, Anderson, Quall, Kenney, Roberts, Lantz, Kagi, Moeller, Santos, Hunt, and Hudgins
Enhancing public school world language instruction.
Finds that Washington state: (1) Is one of the most trade-dependent states in the United States, where one in three jobs is directly connected to trade;(2) Benefits from a thriving tourist trade;(3) Encourages cultural understanding and tolerance for its citizens; and(4) Seeks a world-class education system.Finds that there is a current lack of leadership and commitment at the state level to improve world language instruction so that our students can secure their part in the global community and remain competitive in the world.Provides that, subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this purpose, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall allocate grants, based on a competitive application process, for pilot projects to enhance instruction in world languages at the elementary and middle school level.Provides that, at the end of the grant period, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall evaluate the outcomes, successes, and limitations of the pilot projects as strategies to enhance world language instruction in public schools and report its findings to the education committees of the legislature at the first legislative session after the end of the grant period.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
HB 1518
by Representatives Williams, Lantz, Moeller, Appleton, Darneille, Goodman, Hunt, Chase, Miloscia, Ormsby, Hudgins, Pedersen, McDermott, and Santos
Creating a death penalty task force.
Finds that historically most death sentences imposed in Washington have been reversed and rarely imposed. The legislature further finds that it is in the state's interest to determine whether the state's capital punishment system is applied fairly and proportionally, and whether the continued allocation of substantial time, resources, and moneys spent on capital trials and appeals is warranted.Provides that, until July 1, 2008, the sentence of death for anyone sentenced under RCW 10.95.030(2) shall be stayed.Creates a death penalty task force for the purpose of conducting a review of the existing death penalty statutes and court rules to determine the following: (1) The uniformity of decision making by prosecuting attorneys in terms of charging defendants with aggravated first degree murder and the criteria used in such decisions;(2) The impact of race, ethnicity, gender, and economic status on the likelihood of a defendant being charged with aggravated first degree murder;(3) The administration of Washington's death penalty law since the enactment of chapter 10.95 RCW to determine whether it is applied randomly or arbitrarily;(4) The costs associated with capital trials and appeals; and(5) Whether there are revisions to existing statutes and court rules that, if implemented, would decrease the likelihood of an inappropriate imposition of the death penalty.Directs the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the governor, Washington supreme court, and appropriate committees of the legislature by January 1, 2008.Appropriates the sum of fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the state general fund to the administrative office of the courts for the purposes of providing staffing and support to the death penalty task force.Appropriates the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the state general fund to the administrative office of the courts for the purposes of providing staffing and support to the death penalty task force.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 1519
by Representatives Williams, O'Brien, Ericks, Rodne, and Hudgins
Authorizing qualified liquor enforcement officers to enforce criminal laws.
Provides that a qualified liquor enforcement officer may, when acting within the scope of his or her duties and when an offense occurs in his or her presence, enforce all criminal laws of the state. For purposes of this provision, a liquor enforcement officer is qualified if he or she has successfully completed the basic law enforcement academy course sponsored by the criminal justice training commission or a course approved by the criminal justice training commission and provided by the board or the criminal justice training commission.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness. | |
HB 1520
by Representatives Williams, Rodne, Simpson, Moeller, O'Brien, Kirby, and Kenney
Concerning polygraph examinations of sexual assault victims.
Provides that a law enforcement officer, prosecuting attorney, or other government official may not ask or require a victim of an alleged sex offense to submit to a polygraph examination or other truth telling device as a condition for proceeding with the investigation of the offense. The refusal of a victim to submit to a polygraph examination or other truth telling device shall not prevent the investigation, charging, or prosecution of the offense. For the purposes of this act, "sex offense" is any offense under chapter 9A.44 RCW.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 1521
by Representatives Williams, Conway, Simpson, Green, O'Brien, Chase, Moeller, Appleton, Hurst, Blake, Ericks, and Hudgins
Concerning enforcement officers employed by the liquor control board.
Requires all liquor and tobacco enforcement officers hired by the liquor control board on or after the effective date of this act to complete basic law enforcement training that complies with standards adopted by the commission pursuant to RCW 43.101.080 no later than twelve months after being hired.Does not apply to a person hired by the liquor control board on or after the effective date of this act who completed, prior to the effective date of this act, basic law enforcement training that complies with standards adopted by the commission pursuant to RCW 43.101.080.Provides that a person who assaults a liquor or tobacco enforcement officer employed by the liquor control board who was performing his or her official duties at the time of the assault is guilty of a class C felony.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness. | |
HB 1522
by Representatives Williams, Darneille, Chase, Moeller, Lantz, Ericks, Goodman, Wood, Ormsby, and Hunt
Removing the mandatory retirement age for judges.
Amends RCW 2.10.100 to eliminate the mandatory retirement age for judges.Repeals RCW 3.74.030.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 1523
by Representatives Chase, Morris, B. Sullivan, Linville, and Kagi
Modifying voluntary green power program provisions.
Revises voluntary green power program provisions.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Technology, Energy & Communications. | |
HB 1524
by Representatives Chase, Morris, and B. Sullivan
Regulating holiday lights.
Finds and declares that meeting the state's future energy needs through conservation efforts, both large and small, is a priority. Small changes on the part of Washington consumers, such as switching from conventional, incandescent holiday lights to light-emitting diode holiday lights, has the potential to save hundreds of kilowatts of electricity each holiday season.Declares an intent to encourage citizens to participate in cost-effective energy conservation by establishing efficiency standards for holiday lights sold in the state.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Technology, Energy & Communications. | |
HB 1525
by Representatives Chase, Kessler, Morris, Sump, B. Sullivan, Hunt, and Hudgins
Reducing the impact of regulatory provisions on small businesses.
Finds that: (1) A vibrant and growing small business sector is critical to creating jobs in a dynamic economy;(2) Small businesses bear a disproportionate share of regulatory costs and burdens;(3) Fundamental changes that are needed in the regulatory and enforcement culture of state agencies to make them more responsive to small business can be made without compromising the statutory missions of the agencies;(4) When adopting rules to protect the health, safety, and economic welfare of Washington, state agencies should seek to achieve statutory goals as effectively and efficiently as possible without imposing unnecessary burdens on small employers;(5) Uniform regulatory and reporting requirements can impose unnecessary and disproportionately burdensome demands including legal, accounting, and consulting costs upon small businesses with limited resources;(6) The failure to recognize differences in the scale and resources of regulated businesses can adversely affect competition in the marketplace, discourage innovation, and restrict improvements in productivity;(7) Unnecessary regulations create entry barriers in many industries and discourage potential entrepreneurs from introducing beneficial products and processes;(8) The practice of treating all regulated businesses the same leads to inefficient use of regulatory agency resources, enforcement problems, and, in some cases, to actions inconsistent with the legislative intent of health, safety, environmental, and economic welfare legislation;(9) Alternative regulatory approaches which do not conflict with the state objective of applicable statutes may be available to minimize the significant economic impact of rules on small businesses; and(10) The process by which state rules are developed and adopted should be reformed to require agencies to solicit the ideas and comments of small businesses, to examine the impact of proposed and existing rules on such businesses, and to review the continued need for existing rules.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 1526
by Representatives Hunt, Chandler, Armstrong, Ormsby, Kenney, Linville, and Moeller; by request of Secretary of State
Modifying the form of the presidential primary ballot.
Amends RCW 29A.56.040 relating to presidential primary ballots.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 1527
by Representatives Appleton, Armstrong, Kenney, Moeller, Ormsby, and Seaquist; by request of Secretary of State
Modifying absentee ballot and related election provisions.
Revises absentee ballot and related election provisions.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 1528
by Representatives Hunt, Chandler, Green, Kretz, Ormsby, Armstrong, Miloscia, Appleton, Kenney, Goodman, and Moeller; by request of Secretary of State
Providing for electronic voter registration.
Establishes provisions providing for electronic voter registration.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 1529
by Representatives Appleton, Chandler, Armstrong, Kenney, Moeller, Ormsby, and Seaquist; by request of Secretary of State
Modifying voter registration provisions.
Revises voter registration provisions.Repeals RCW 29A.04.103, 29A.08.145, 29A.08.660, and 29A.08.785.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 1530
by Representatives Green, Miloscia, Hunt, Ormsby, Kretz, Armstrong, Kenney, Hurst, Goodman, Kagi, Moeller, and Hudgins; by request of Secretary of State
Mandating primary election voters' pamphlets.
Requires primary election voters' pamphlets.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 1531
by Representatives Warnick, McDonald, Ahern, VanDeWege, Hinkle, Haler, McCune, Strow, Rodne, Green, Ericks, Barlow, Bailey, and Rolfes
Exempting required college instructional materials from sales and use taxation.
Exempts required college instructional materials from sales and use taxation.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Higher Education. | |
HB 1532
by Representatives Kirby, Kenney, Moeller, and Morrell; by request of Insurance Commissioner
Establishing a program of market conduct oversight within the office of the insurance commissioner.
Declares that the purpose of this act is to establish a framework for the commissioner's market conduct actions, including: (1) Processes and systems for identifying, assessing, and prioritizing market conduct problems that have a substantial adverse impact on consumers, policyholders, and claimants;(2) Market conduct actions by a commissioner to substantiate such market conduct problems and a means to remedy significant market conduct problems; and(3) Procedures to communicate and coordinate market conduct actions among state insurance regulators to foster the most efficient and effective use of resources.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Service & Consumer Protection. | |
HB 1533
by Representatives Kirby, Simpson, and Kenney; by request of Insurance Commissioner
Concerning persons selling, soliciting, or negotiating insurance.
Revises provisions concerning persons selling, soliciting, or negotiating insurance.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Service & Consumer Protection. | |
HB 1534
by Representatives Hunt, Williams, Armstrong, and Moeller; by request of Secretary of State
Modifying provisions affecting candidates for elective office.
Revises provisions affecting candidates for elective office.Repeals RCW 29A.20.131, 29A.20.141, and 29A.20.161.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 1535
by Representatives Dunn, Haigh, Pettigrew, Bailey, Orcutt, and McCune
Exempting physical fitness equipment from sales and use taxation.
Exempts physical fitness equipment from sales and use taxation.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 1536
by Representatives Dunn, Haigh, Orcutt, Anderson, Pettigrew, McCune, Morrell, and Ahern
Providing excise tax exemptions for hands-free wireless communications devices.
Provides excise tax exemptions for hands-free wireless communications devices.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Technology, Energy & Communications. | |
HB 1537
by Representatives Lovick, Ericks, O'Brien, and Strow
Making a false or misleading material statement that results in an Amber alert.
Provides that a person who knowingly makes a false or misleading material statement to a public servant that a child has been abducted and which statement causes the activation of the voluntary broadcast notification system commonly known as the "Amber alert," or as the same system may otherwise be known, which is used to notify the public of abducted children, is guilty of a class C felony.Declares that "material statement" means a written or oral statement reasonably likely to be relied upon by a public servant in the discharge of his or her official powers or duties.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness. | |
HB 1538
by Representatives Bailey, Linville, Hinkle, Alexander, Haler, Strow, Rodne, Warnick, Morrell, Green, and Ericksen
Requiring an independent study of health benefit requirements.
Directs the office of the insurance commissioner to contract for an independent study of specific health benefit mandates, rating requirements, and other statutes and rules, as identified by in-state and out-of-state insurance carriers as contributing most to the cost of individual and small group health insurance, to determine the impact on premiums and individuals' health if those statutes or rules were amended or repealed.Requires the office of the insurance commissioner to submit an interim report to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2007, and a final report by December 1, 2008.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. | |
HB 1539
by Representatives Bailey, Alexander, Hinkle, Condotta, Haler, Rodne, Newhouse, Ericksen, Kristiansen, and Strow
Providing access to health insurance for small employers and their employees.
Provides access to health insurance for small employers and their employees.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. | |
HB 1540
by Representative Miloscia
Equalizing school district salary allocations.
Provides that, beginning with the 2007-08 school year, the legislature intends to begin a six-year process to equalize the salary allocations to school districts for state-funded staff pursuant to state basic education appropriation sections of the biennial budget. By the 2012-13 school year, the salary allocation amounts received by school districts for certificated instructional staff, classified staff, and certificated administrative staff shall be the same.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
HB 1541
by Representatives Hunter, Anderson, Quall, Priest, P. Sullivan, Fromhold, Kenney, Linville, Moeller, and Santos
Regarding educational data and data systems.
Finds that: (1) Reliable data on student progress, characteristics of students and schools, and teacher qualifications and mobility is critical for accountability to the state and to the public;(2) Educational data should be made available as widely as possible while appropriately protecting the privacy of individuals as provided by law;(3) School districts and the office of the superintendent of public instruction need robust and compatible data systems and programs to reduce inefficiencies caused by the lack of connectivity and to minimize or eliminate multiple data entry; and(4) Schools and districts should be supported in their management of educational data and should have access to user-friendly programs and reports that can be readily used by classroom teachers and building principals to improve instruction.Requires the office of the superintendent of public instruction and educational service districts to provide training to school and school district personnel on: (1) The importance of accurate and timely collection and submission of educational data;(2) Troubleshooting potential data problems and common errors;(3) Maintaining appropriate privacy and confidentiality of data; and(4) Ways to use educational data to inform decision making and classroom instruction.Provides that, by the beginning of the 2008-09 school year, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall develop and disseminate recommended guidelines for training, professional development, certification, and compensation of school data quality specialists.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
HB 1542
by Representatives P. Sullivan, Orcutt, Ericks, Condotta, Roach, Linville, B. Sullivan, and Ormsby
Creating a business and occupation tax credit against state and federal payroll taxes paid on employee tips by restaurant owners.
Establishes a business and occupation tax credit against state and federal payroll taxes paid on employee tips by restaurant owners.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 1543
by Representatives Buri, Grant, Dunshee, Ahern, Hailey, Pettigrew, Kretz, Bailey, Linville, and Moeller
Authorizing the use of local retail taxes to finance economic development officers.
Amends RCW 82.14.370 to authorize the use of local retail taxes to finance economic development officers.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Community & Economic Development & Trade. | |
HB 1544
by Representatives Wallace, Rodne, Kirby, Chase, Schual-Berke, Eddy, Green, Sells, Jarrett, Hurst, P. Sullivan, Kagi, Moeller, Ormsby, Springer, and Morrell; by request of Attorney General
Allowing consumers to place a credit freeze on a credit report.
Authorizes consumers to place a credit freeze on a credit report.Repeals RCW 19.182.170.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Service & Consumer Protection. | |
HB 1545
by Representatives Kirby, Ericks, and Ormsby
Providing industrial insurance benefits for life for the surviving spouses of law enforcement officers.
Provides industrial insurance benefits for life for the surviving spouses of law enforcement officers.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 1546
by Representatives Kirby and Dickerson
Applying the provisions of chapter 19.182 RCW, the fair credit reporting act, to background check reports.
Applies the provisions of chapter 19.182 RCW, the fair credit reporting act, to background check reports.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Service & Consumer Protection. | |
HB 1547
by Representatives Lantz, Rolfes, Chase, Seaquist, Appleton, McCoy, Linville, Dunshee, and Morrell
Examining geoduck aquaculture techniques and practices.
Requires the sea grant program at the University of Washington to, consistent with this act, commission a series of scientific research studies that examines the possible effects, including the cumulative effects, of the current prevalent geoduck aquaculture techniques and practices on the natural environment in and around Puget Sound, including the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The sea grant program shall use funding provided from the geoduck aquaculture research account created in this act to directly perform the research or to enter into and manage contracts with scientific organizations or institutions.Provides that, except for contracts that have had a request for offer issued prior to the effective date of this act, the department is prohibited from entering into any leases that would permit the commercial aquaculture of geoducks on state-owned aquatic lands associated with Puget Sound, including the Strait of Juan de Fuca until one full calendar year after the sea grant program at the University of Washington reports to the legislature the results of the studies required by this act.Declares that all geoduck aquaculture operations located or proposed to be located on lands or waters associated with Puget Sound or the Strait of Juan de Fuca, regardless of whether or not the operation would otherwise require permitting under chapter 90.58 RCW or whether or not the operation is included in an approved local master program, may only exist and operate if the operation receives a permit as a conditional use under RCW 90.58.090(5).Declares that the permit conditions placed on geoduck aquaculture operations by this act are intended to serve as minimal, basic protections necessary to preserve the health and enjoyment of Puget Sound while the sea grant program at the University of Washington commissions a series of scientific studies on the effects of geoduck aquaculture on the natural environment as provided in this act. It is the intent of the legislature to revisit these protections after the sea grant program delivers its final report to the appropriate committees of the legislature.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Select Committee on Puget Sound. | |
HB 1548
by Representatives Pettigrew, Miloscia, Jarrett, O'Brien, Haler, Priest, Ormsby, Roberts, Eddy, Darneille, Appleton, Walsh, Sells, Barlow, Kenney, Conway, Kristiansen, Ericks, P. Sullivan, Goodman, Linville, Wood, Pearson, Moeller, Springer, Lovick, Lantz, Morrell, and Santos
Creating the individual and family services program for people with developmental disabilities.
Finds that: (1) A developmental disability is a natural part of human life, and the presence of a developmental disability in the life of a person does not diminish the person's rights or opportunity to participate fully in the life of the local community;(2) Investing in family members who have children and adults living in the family home preserves a valuable natural support system for the individual with a developmental disability and is also cost-effective for the state of Washington;(3) Providing support services to families can help maintain the well-being of the family and stabilize the family unit.Declares an intent: (1) To partner with families as care providers for children with developmental disabilities and adults who choose to live in the family home;(2) That individual and family services be centered on the needs of the person with a developmental disability and the family;(3) That, to the maximum extent possible, individuals and families must be given choice of services and exercise control over the resources available to them.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Human Services. | |
HB 1549
by Representatives Linville, Kristiansen, Ericksen, and McCune
Exempting wholesale sales of bulk unprocessed milk from the business and occupation tax.
Exempts wholesale sales of bulk unprocessed milk from the business and occupation tax.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources. | |
HB 1550
by Representatives McDermott, Santos, Appleton, Haler, Fromhold, Quall, Kagi, Barlow, Cody, P. Sullivan, Walsh, Schual-Berke, Kenney, Hasegawa, and Ormsby
Creating the Washington community learning center program.
Agrees with the findings of the Washington learns report that research shows that after-school programs that are well designed and connected with students' school studies can improve academic learning for those struggling in school and that after-school programs can play a strong role in supporting increased math and science learning.Finds that good after-school programs and activities provide safe and effective learning environments for children, including children who might otherwise be alone and unsupervised after school. These programs not only support children's academic efforts, they also build community partnerships that support children and their learning.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
HB 1551
by Representatives McDermott, Miloscia, McIntire, Fromhold, Dunshee, Cody, Green, Ormsby, Appleton, Hunt, Chase, Schual-Berke, Sells, Roberts, Hasegawa, Kagi, Moeller, Pedersen, and Rolfes
Allowing public funding of local office campaigns.
Amends RCW 42.17.128 to allow public funding of local office campaigns.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 1552
by Representatives McDermott, Wood, Hunt, Green, Ormsby, Appleton, and Miloscia
Conforming legal notice broadcast requirements to current practice.
Conforms legal notice broadcast requirements to current practice.Repeals RCW 65.16.140.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 1553
by Representatives Hinkle, Morrell, Moeller, Seaquist, Curtis, Linville, Green, and Ormsby
Establishing a controlled substances prescription monitoring program.
Finds that prescription drug abuse has been on the rise and that often dispensers and prescribing providers are unaware of prescriptions provided by others both in and out of state.Declares an intent to establish an electronic database available in real time to dispensers and prescribers of controlled substances. And further, that the department in as much as possible should establish a common dataset with other sets of other states.Provides that a dispenser who knowingly fails to submit prescription monitoring information to the department as required by this act or knowingly submits incorrect prescription information is subject to disciplinary action under chapter 18.130 RCW.Provides that a person authorized to have prescription monitoring information under this act who knowingly discloses such information in violation of this act is subject to civil penalty.Provides that a person authorized to have prescription monitoring information under this act who uses such information in a manner or for a purpose in violation of this act is subject to civil penalty.Provides that, in accordance with HIPPA, any physician or pharmacist authorized to access a patient's prescription monitoring may discuss or release that information to other health care providers involved with the patient in order to provide safe and appropriate care coordination.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. | |
HB 1554
by Representatives B. Sullivan, Ericks, Strow, and Linville
Providing excise tax relief for aerospace product development businesses.
Authorizes excise tax relief for aerospace product development businesses.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 1555
by Representatives Williams, Rodne, Lantz, Chase, and Ericks
Addressing sexual assault protection orders.
Declares an intent that the sexual assault protection order created by chapter 7.90 RCW be a remedy for victims who do not qualify for a domestic violence order of protection.Provides that no fees for filing or service of process may be charged by a public agency to petitioners seeking relief under chapter 7.90 RCW.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 1556
by Representatives Walsh, Grant, Haler, Sells, Springer, O'Brien, Seaquist, Ahern, Takko, Williams, Ericks, Roberts, Strow, Linville, Ormsby, and McDermott
Designating the Walla Walla sweet onion as the official Washington state vegetable.
Designates the Walla Walla sweet onion as the official Washington state vegetable.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 1557
by Representatives Rodne, Lovick, Haler, Springer, Strow, Sells, Jarrett, Hurst, Linville, Ormsby, and Hudgins
Providing a business and occupation tax credit for the purchase of alternative power generation devices to operate gasoline service station pumps.
Authorizes a business and occupation tax credit for the purchase of alternative power generation devices to operate gasoline service station pumps.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 1558
by Representatives Jarrett, Dunshee, Priest, Moeller, Anderson, Linville, and Ormsby
Establishing a growth management needs and priorities task force.
Establishes a growth management needs and priorities task force. Requires, by December 1, 2007, the task force to issue a report with recommendations on legislative and executive actions that address, at a minimum, the following topics: (1) How the best available science is identified and applied when local governments develop regulations to protect critical areas under the growth management act, and the relationship of those regulations to preexisting land uses; and(2) A review of the appeals process for actions taken under the growth management act, including data on the number and outcome of cases, and any recommendations on needed improvements to the appeals process.Requires, by June 30, 2008, the task force to issue a report with recommendations on legislative and executive actions that address, at a minimum, the following topics: (1) How to better meet the infrastructure and basic service needs of growing communities, including schools, local roads, fire and police service, and water, sewer, and other utilities, with recommendations for financing these service and infrastructure needs;(2) How to ensure that state roads provide a level of service consistent with local growth management decisions;(3) The effect of the vested rights doctrine on the achievement of the goals and requirements of the growth management act;(4) The effect of the provisions for fully contained communities and master planned resorts on the achievement of the goals and requirements of the growth management act;(5) Performance measures for the ongoing evaluation of land use programs, based on the assessment conducted under this act; and(6) Any recommendations for additional topics that warrant continued work by the task force or by other groups.Appropriates the sum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development for the purposes of this act.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HJM 4003
by Representatives Chase, Morris, and Hunt
Requesting the abolition of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
Requests that the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, which was enacted December 8, 2004, be abolished, and that no recreational fees be imposed on federal lands within the State of Washington under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources. | |
HJR 4208
by Representatives B. Sullivan, Ericks, and Linville
Amending the Constitution to address use of public funds for economic development.
Amends the state Constitution to address use of public funds for economic development.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Community & Economic Development & Trade. | |
HJR 4209
by Representatives Williams, Darneille, Chase, Moeller, Lantz, Kenney, Ericks, Goodman, Wood, Ormsby, and Hunt
Eliminating the mandatory retirement age for judges.
Proposes an amendment to the state Constitution eliminating the mandatory retirement age for judges.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 5477
by Senators Kastama, Keiser, Franklin, McAuliffe, and Rasmussen
Addressing manufactured/mobile home community registrations and dispute resolution.
Finds that taking legal action against a manufactured/mobile home community landlord 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. Manufactured/mobile home community landlords will also benefit by having access to a process that resolves disputes quickly and efficiently.Declares an intent to provide an equitable as well as a less costly and more efficient way for manufactured/mobile home tenants and manufactured/mobile home community landlords to resolve disputes, and to provide a mechanism for state authorities to quickly locate manufactured/mobile home community landlords.Declares an intent to authorize the department of community, trade, and economic development to register manufactured/mobile home communities, collect a registration fee, and collaborate with the attorney general to disseminate educational materials regarding the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home dispute resolution program created in this act.Declares an intent to authorize the attorney general to: (1) Administer a dispute resolution program by taking complaints, conducting investigations, making determinations, and administratively resolving disputes, when there are alleged violations of the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act or the consumer protection act;(2) Collect and annually report upon data related to disputes and violations, and make recommendations on modifying chapter 59.20 RCW, to the appropriate committees of the legislature; and(3) Produce, and collaborate with the department of community, trade, and economic development to distribute, educational materials regarding the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home dispute resolution program created in section 3 of this act.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Consumer Protection & Housing. | |
SB 5478
by Senators Kastama, Rasmussen, and Shin
Increasing local economic competitiveness.
Finds that global competition requires local areas within the state to develop new tools to enhance their competitiveness and that local and regional economic development is served through the formation of locally controlled port districts.Finds that the state has a history of forming countywide and less than countywide port districts and that both countywide and less than countywide port districts have been successful. Because less than countywide port districts can address specific local economic development goals and increase local prosperity, it is the purpose of this act to give the opportunity to local areas to form less than countywide port districts over the next four years.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Economic Development, Trade & Management. | |
SB 5479
by Senators Clements, Holmquist, Rasmussen, Eide, Oemig, and Benton
Requiring a classified staff to student ratio of one to forty in grades kindergarten through twelve.
Requires a classified staff to student ratio of one to forty in grades kindergarten through twelve.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education. | |
SB 5480
by Senators Keiser, Pflug, Kohl-Welles, Parlette, and Rasmussen
Creating a voluntary adult family home certification program.
Requires the department of social and health services to establish a voluntary adult family home certification program through the University of Washington geriatric education center. In addition to the minimum qualifications required under RCW 70.128.120, individuals participating in the voluntary adult family home certification program shall complete fifty-two hours of class requirements as established by the department.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 5481
by Senators Oemig, Delvin, Rockefeller, Fraser, and Regala
Including water conservation in energy conservation provisions.
Includes water conservation in energy conservation provisions.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Telecommunications. | |
| Jan 24 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 5482
by Senators Brown and McCaslin
Providing for reasonable attorneys' fees for dishonored checks.
Provides for reasonable attorneys' fees for dishonored checks.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 5483
by Senators Kauffman, Holmquist, Haugen, Clements, Rasmussen, and Shin; by request of Transportation Improvement Board
Retaining the distribution of city hardship assistance program funds to cities and towns for street maintenance.
Retains the distribution of city hardship assistance program funds to cities and towns for street maintenance.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
SB 5484
by Senators Jacobsen, Kline, Murray, and Poulsen
Allowing dogs in bars.
Provides that the holder of a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license, a beer and/or wine restaurant license, or a tavern license may allow well-behaved leashed dogs accompanied by their owners on the premises during business hours.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5485
by Senators Sheldon and Rasmussen
Changing veterinary technician credentialing to licensure.
Changes veterinary technician credentialing to licensure.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Rural Economic Development. | |
SB 5486
by Senators Shin, Pflug, Zarelli, Berkey, Morton, Kilmer, Schoesler, Hatfield, Swecker, Delvin, Brandland, Sheldon, Jacobsen, Benton, Parlette, and Rasmussen
Authorizing employer tax incentives for the employment of students in math and science programs.
Authorizes employer tax incentives for the employment of students in math and science programs.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Higher Education. | |
SB 5487
by Senators Schoesler, Rasmussen, Honeyford, Holmquist, Stevens, Pflug, Brandland, Clements, Roach, Sheldon, Morton, Jacobsen, Delvin, Benton, and Parlette
Increasing the applicable exclusion amount for the estate tax.
Increases the amount of the applicable exclusion for the estate tax.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 5488
by Senators Poulsen, Jacobsen, Benton, Kohl-Welles, and Spanel
Helping the recovery of southern resident orca whales.
Finds that, in 2006, after listing the southern resident orcas as endangered, the federal government designated critical orca habitat and released a proposed recovery plan for the southern resident orcas. The legislature intends for the state to participate in the finalization of the federal recovery plan and to take those actions necessary to achieve the continued survival and recovery of southern resident orcas, in cooperation with federal agencies, tribal and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation. | |
SB 5489
by Senators Rockefeller and Fairley
Changing alternative works provisions.
Revises alternative works provisions.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 5490
by Senator Brandland
Adding a law enforcement representative to the adult family home advisory committee.
Adds a law enforcement representative to the adult family home advisory committee.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 5491
by Senators Franklin, Clements, and Kohl-Welles
Changing registration requirements for plumbing contractors.
Directs the department to separately identify each contractor registered under chapter 18.27 RCW that notifies the department that it will do plumbing work and the department shall issue a unique contractor registration to those contractors so they can be identified as authorized to do plumbing work. The department may impose an additional fee on the contractor's registration for a contractor that will do plumbing work that is necessary to cover its costs to issue a unique contractor registration to those contractors and maintain appropriate records to identify those contractors. No contractor, except a registered plumbing contractor, whether registered or not, may advertise, offer to do, or do plumbing work in violation of this act.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5492
by Senators Clements, Holmquist, and Kohl-Welles
Requiring notification to employers of workers' applications for compensation under Title 51 RCW.
Provides that when the application required by RCW 51.28.020 is filed on behalf of the worker by the health services provider who attended the worker, the worker shall provide written notice of the claim to his or her employer within ten days after the date the worker received medical treatment. The department shall develop forms to assist the worker in expediently notifying his or her employer of a claim.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5493
by Senators Hargrove, Zarelli, Hatfield, Morton, Sheldon, Rasmussen, Kilmer, McAuliffe, Poulsen, Murray, Clements, Rockefeller, Swecker, Regala, Jacobsen, and Shin
Modifying provisions relating to the excise taxation of forest products businesses.
Revises provisions relating to the excise taxation of forest products businesses.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 5494
by Senators Franklin, Kohl-Welles, Marr, Fairley, Rockefeller, Pridemore, Hatfield, Murray, Spanel, Rasmussen, and Shin
Requiring insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screening.
Requires insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screening.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 5495
by Senators Kohl-Welles, Shin, Kilmer, Clements, Benton, Franklin, McAuliffe, and Rasmussen; by request of State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
Providing for academic employee salary increments for community and technical colleges.
Declares an intent that state appropriations be adjusted to an amount which, together with academic employee turnover savings, provide for consistent and predictable funding of academic employee salary increases for state-funded academic employees who qualify through experience, professional development, and training pursuant to local collective bargaining.Directs the state board for community and technical colleges to, in consultation with the various bargaining representatives of the academic employees, recommend an allocation model for the distribution of increments for experience, professional development, and training. The state board shall present its recommended allocation model to the legislature no later than December 1, 2008.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Higher Education. | |
SB 5496
by Senators Kilmer, Kastama, Clements, Kauffman, Shin, Delvin, and Rasmussen
Creating a business and occupation tax credit for contributions to the economic development strategic reserve account.
Creates a business and occupation tax credit for contributions to the economic development strategic reserve account.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Economic Development, Trade & Management. | |
SB 5497
by Senators McAuliffe, Holmquist, Rasmussen, Oemig, Pridemore, Zarelli, Weinstein, Eide, Hobbs, Keiser, Fraser, Hewitt, Tom, Kauffman, Clements, Hargrove, Kilmer, Franklin, Kohl-Welles, and Shin; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Authorizing a statewide program for comprehensive dropout prevention, intervention, and retrieval.
Provides that, subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this purpose, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall create a grant program to local partnerships of schools, families, and communities to begin the phase in of a statewide comprehensive dropout prevention, intervention, and retrieval system. This program shall be known as the building bridges program. For purposes of this act, a "building bridges program" means a local partnership of schools, families, and communities that provides all of the following programs or activities: (1) A system that identifies individual students at risk of dropping out from middle through high school based on local predictive data, including state assessment data starting in the fourth grade, and provides timely interventions for such students, including a plan for educational success as already required by the student learning plan as defined under RCW 28A.655.061. Students identified shall include foster care youth and adjudicated youth;(2) Coaches or mentors for students as necessary;(3) Staff responsible for coordination of community partners that provide a seamless continuum of academic and nonacademic support in schools and communities;(4) Retrieval or reentry activities; and(5) Alternative educational programming, including, but not limited to, career and technical education preparatory programs and online learning opportunities.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education. | |
SB 5498
by Senators Regala, Clements, Morton, Brandland, Pridemore, Delvin, Prentice, Hatfield, and Rasmussen
Revising voter-approved funding sources for local taxing districts.
Revises voter-approved funding sources for local taxing districts.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 5499
by Senators Eide, Schoesler, Kauffman, Swecker, Hatfield, Kilmer, Murray, Haugen, McAuliffe, Rasmussen, and Shin
Providing reimbursement for certain Washington state patrol survivor benefits.
Provides that the retirement allowance paid to the spouse and dependent children of a member who is killed in the course of employment, as set forth in RCW 41.05.011(14), shall include reimbursement for any payments of premium rates to the Washington state health care authority under RCW 41.05.080.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 5500
by Senators Prentice, Swecker, and Rasmussen
Removing essential government services as a condition to exempt from taxation property belonging to federally recognized Indian tribes.
Removes essential government services as a condition to exempt from taxation property belonging to federally recognized Indian tribes.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 5501
by Senators McAuliffe, Tom, Marr, Eide, Kohl-Welles, Franklin, Hobbs, Oemig, Weinstein, Kauffman, Rasmussen, Shin, Kilmer, and Poulsen; by request of Governor Gregoire
Implementing Washington learns recommendations.
Implements Washington learns recommendations.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education. | |
SB 5502
by Senators Benton, Eide, Holmquist, Weinstein, Roach, Tom, Rasmussen, Swecker, Franklin, Zarelli, McCaslin, and Hewitt
Addressing most serious offenses.
Revises provisions relating to most serious offenses.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 5503
by Senators Marr, Keiser, Brown, Brandland, Fairley, Schoesler, Berkey, Shin, Delvin, Kohl-Welles, and McAuliffe
Licensing persons who offer athletic training services.
Declares that it is the purpose of this act to provide for the licensure of persons offering athletic training services to the public and to ensure standards of competence and professional conduct on the part of athletic trainers.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5504
by Senators Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Franklin, Marr, and Carrell
Providing for uniform sanctioning of health care professionals.
Requires the secretary, with the advice and consultation of the other disciplining authorities, to adopt a schedule that defines appropriate ranges of sanctions that are applicable to a finding after a hearing that a license holder has committed unprofessional conduct as defined in this chapter or the chapters specified in RCW 18.130.040(2). The schedule must identify aggravating and mitigating circumstances that may enhance or reduce the sanction imposed by the disciplining authority for each act of unprofessional conduct. The schedule must apply to all disciplining authorities.Provides that, in addition, the secretary shall make provisions for instances in which there are multiple findings of unprofessional conduct. When establishing the schedule, the secretary shall consider maintaining consistent sanction determinations that balance the protection of the public's health and the rights of health care providers of the different health professions.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 5505
by Senators Fairley, Kilmer, Prentice, McCaslin, Rockefeller, and Kohl-Welles
Establishing the statewide CBRNE response program.
Finds that the threat of an incident caused by a chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear, or explosive agent occurring in the state poses a severe threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the state of Washington. In order to mitigate any damage that may be caused by CBRNE incidents, it is necessary that the state have a coordinated and comprehensive plan to respond to these dangerous and deadly incidents.Requires the director to establish and maintain a statewide CBRNE response program. This program must include, without limitation: (1) The division of the state into CBRNE response regions;(2) A network of regional teams to respond to CBRNE incidents within their respective regions and to operate outside their respective regions to assist other regional teams;(3) Standards for training, equipment, and procedures for regional teams and other responders concerning responses to CBRNE incidents;(4) Procedures for reimbursing regional teams for costs incurred by approved responses; and(5) Procedures for recovering response costs from parties responsible for causing a CBRNE incident.Declares that the requirement of the program under this act is subject to appropriation by the legislature.Appropriates the sum of twenty-three million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the director of fire protection for the purposes of this act.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 5506
by Senators Stevens and Shin
Creating the department of family and children's services.
Finds it is necessary to realign Washington's child welfare system over time. The legislature finds that although it is the stated mission of the children's administration in the department of social and health services to protect children, help families care for and parent their children, and find safe homes for children, the mission may be compromised by the goals, objectives, size, and complexity of the larger agency of which it is a part.Declares an intent for there to be accountability for the safety and protection of children in the system. The legislature believes that the children's administration is unable to implement its own policies because it is distracted from its goals by its location in the department of social and health services, a large umbrella agency. The legislature believes that an independent agency will be more efficient and more effective than under the current umbrella agency and that a small operational and administrative structure will improve employee morale.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections. | |
SB 5507
by Senators Kline, Kohl-Welles, Fairley, Pridemore, and Jacobsen
Changing Washington's vesting laws.
Revises Washington's vesting laws.Repeals RCW 36.70B.170, 36.70B.180, 36.70B.190, 36.70B.200, and 36.70B.210.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 5508
by Senators Kilmer, Zarelli, Hatfield, Schoesler, Holmquist, Kastama, Tom, Sheldon, Shin, and Rasmussen
Providing for economic development project permitting.
Finds that uncertainty in government processes to permit an activity by a citizen of Washington state is undesirable and erodes confidence in government.Finds that in the case of projects that would further economic development in the state, information about the permitting process is critical for an applicant's planning and financial assessment of the proposed project. The legislature also finds that applicants have a responsibility to provide complete and accurate information.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Economic Development, Trade & Management. | |
SB 5509
by Senators Kastama, Pflug, Kohl-Welles, Keiser, Parlette, Carrell, Regala, and Franklin
Concerning disciplinary actions for health care providers regulated under chapter 18.130 RCW.
Recognizes that Washington citizens desire and receive health care and treatment from a variety of professional providers.Recognizes that some health care providers have used the professional disciplinary process as a means of attacking other health care providers. In order to prevent unwarranted attacks on other health care providers where the health of the patient is not at risk, the legislature is making changes in the uniform disciplinary act to ensure that all complaints against health care providers are grounded in real harm to the patient rather than mere disagreement about the type of treatment provided.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 5510
by Senators Kastama, Oemig, and Kline
Regarding public financing of campaigns.
Declares that the purpose of this act is to create a system of clean elections for state office campaigns through public financing, thereby focusing campaigns on issues and away from the sources of campaign contributions. Public financing of campaigns will limit the influence of large contributors and special interests in political campaigns.Provides that a candidate who wishes to receive public campaign funds must: (1) File an application with the commission declaring his or her intent to participate in the program as candidate for political office. The application must be filed before or during the qualifying period. The application must identify the candidate, the office that the candidate plans to seek, and the candidate's party, if any. In the application, the candidate shall affirm that only one political committee, identified with its treasurer, shall handle all contributions, expenditures, and obligations for the publicly financed candidate and that the candidate will comply with the requirements of this act and rules adopted by the commission; and(2) Obtain the minimum number of qualifying contributions by the end of the qualifying period. Candidates for the legislature must obtain at least two hundred qualifying contributions, candidates for governor must obtain at least four thousand qualifying contributions, and candidates for other state executive offices must obtain at least one thousand five hundred qualifying contributions. No payment, gift, or anything of value may be given for a qualifying contribution. A qualifying contribution must be: (a) made by a resident who at the time of the contribution resides in the electoral district of the office the candidate is seeking; (b) made by a person who is not given anything of value in exchange for the qualifying contribution; (c) in the sum of five dollars, exactly; (d) received during the qualifying period by the candidate or on behalf of the candidate; and (e) made by check, money order, or credit card.Provides that, within five business days after a publicly financed candidate's name is approved to appear on the primary election ballot in a contested election, the commission shall distribute to the account of the authorized committee of each candidate who qualifies for public campaign funding revenue from the citizens public campaign fund as follows: (1) For state legislative offices, twenty-five thousand dollars;(2) For the office of governor, five hundred thousand dollars; and(3) For other state executive offices, fifty thousand dollars.Requires that publicly financed candidates in contested races must participate in two public debates during a primary election period and two public debates during a general election period. The debates shall be conducted at times decided by the commission and in accordance with rules prescribed by the commission. Nonparticipating candidates shall be invited to participate in the debates.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 5511
by Senators Sheldon, Kastama, Clements, Rasmussen, and Shin
Requiring state agencies to allow volunteer fire fighters to respond when called to duty.
Provides that an agency must allow an employee who is a volunteer firefighter to respond, without pay, to a fire or natural disaster when called to duty. The agency may choose to grant leave with pay.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 5512
by Senators Kilmer, Regala, Hobbs, Eide, Pridemore, and Rasmussen
Modifying financing provisions for hospital benefit zones.
Finds that local governments need flexible financing for public improvements that do not increase the combined state and local sales tax rate.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 5513
by Senators Kilmer, Holmquist, Hobbs, Marr, Oemig, Hatfield, McAuliffe, and Rasmussen
Establishing a state government efficiency hotline.
Provides that, within existing funds, the state auditor must establish a toll-free telephone line that is available to public employees and members of the public to recommend measures to improve efficiency in state and local government and to report waste, inefficiency, or abuse by state and local agencies, public employees, or persons under contract with state and local agencies.Requires the state auditor to provide an annual overview and update of hotline investigations, including the results and efficiencies achieved, to the legislature and to the appropriate legislative committees.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Economic Development, Trade & Management. | |
SJM 8003
by Senators Kohl-Welles, Kline, Pridemore, Shin, Oemig, Prentice, Poulsen, Regala, Spanel, and Jacobsen
Calling for no escalation in Iraq.
Requests that, in a period when the Iraq Study Group, leading military and diplomatic officials, and allies around the world are calling for a reduction in troops and withdrawal of the United States from Iraq, the United States government should not escalate its involvement in Iraq or increase troop levels.Resolves that, at a minimum, the President should obtain explicit approval from Congress if he wants to send more American troops to Iraq; andResolves that Congress should pass legislation prohibiting the President from spending taxpayer dollars on an escalation in Iraq, unless the President first seeks Congressional approval.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SJR 8216
by Senators Benton, Holmquist, Stevens, and Roach
Providing a constitutional amendment to limit growth of assessed valuation of real property.
Proposes a state constitutional amendment to limit growth of assessed valuation of real property.
| Jan 22 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |