 | WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE | |
| Legislative Digest No. 16 | ||
| SIXTIETH LEGISLATURE | ||
| Tuesday, January 30, 2007 | 23rd Day - 2007 Regular Session | |
| HOUSE |
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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 1016-S
by House Committee on Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Haler, Green, Takko, Appleton, Conway, Morrell, P. Sullivan, McDonald, Haigh, Simpson, Dunn, Dickerson, Walsh, Roberts, Wallace, Moeller, Linville, B. Sullivan, Springer, Wood, Kenney, Williams, Hinkle, Warnick, and Campbell)
Providing a business and occupation tax credit for the employment of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Provides a business and occupation tax credit for the employment of individuals with developmental disabilities.
| Jan 16 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 25 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Jan 29 | Referred to Finance. | |
HB 1067-S
by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Haigh, Priest, Conway, Fromhold, Green, Ericks, Simpson, Kenney, and B. Sullivan)
Authorizing certain members of the teachers' retirement system plan 1 to join the public employees' retirement system plan 1.
Authorizes certain members of the teachers' retirement system plan 1 to join the public employees' retirement system plan 1.
| Jan 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 25 | Executive session in committee. | |
| APP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
HB 1072-S
by House Committee on Finance (originally sponsored by Representatives McIntire, Condotta, Kagi, Hunter, Upthegrove, McCoy, Sells, Ericks, Kenney, Moeller, Quall, and Haler; by request of Governor Gregoire)
Conforming Washington's tax structure to the streamlined sales and use tax agreement.
Conforms Washington's tax structure to the streamlined sales and use tax agreement.
| Jan 23 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 26 | Executive session in committee. | |
| FIN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
HB 1122-S
by House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Kretz, VanDeWege, B. Sullivan, Kagi, McCoy, Orcutt, Eickmeyer, Lantz, Warnick, Wallace, Hailey, and Dickerson)
Improving forest health on state trust lands by continuing the use of contract harvesting for silvicultural treatments.
Finds that chapter 218, Laws of 2004 authorized the department of natural resources to utilize contract harvesting for silvicultural treatments to improve forest health on state trust lands, in accordance with RCW 76.06.140 and 79.15.540.Finds that the use of contract harvesting for silvicultural treatments has proven effective and that continued utilization is important to improve and maintain forest health.Finds that it is necessary to remove the expiration date for this authority, set for December 31, 2007, and to continue the use of contract harvesting for silvicultural treatments to improve forest health on state trust lands.Provides that, if such plans are not in place, the department shall prioritize silvicultural treatments for forest health with higher priority given to the protection of public health and safety, public resources as defined in RCW 76.09.020, and the long-term asset value of the trust.
| Jan 18 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 25 | Executive session in committee. | |
| AGNR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
HB 1124-S
by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives VanDeWege, B. Sullivan, O'Brien, Eickmeyer, Lovick, McCoy, Lantz, Simpson, Williams, and Dickerson)
Adding the department of natural resources to the definition of "employer" under RCW 41.37.010.
Adds the department of natural resources to the definition of "employer" under RCW 41.37.010.
| Jan 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 25 | Executive session in committee. | |
| APP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
HB 1200-S
by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Conway, Darneille, Haler, Simpson, Hasegawa, and Haigh)
Purchasing service credit in plan 2 and plan 3 of the teachers' retirement system for public education experience performed as a teacher in a public school in another state or with the federal government.
Provides for purchasing service credit in plan 2 and plan 3 of the teachers' retirement system for public education experience performed as a teacher in a public school in another state or with the federal government.
| Jan 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 25 | Executive session in committee. | |
| APP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
HB 1279-S
by House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Skinner, Kessler, Lantz, Hasegawa, Dickerson, Haler, McIntire, Conway, Newhouse, and Kenney)
Establishing the poet laureate program.
Requires the Washington state arts commission to establish and administer the poet laureate program. The poet laureate shall engage in activities to promote and encourage poetry within the state, including but not limited to readings, workshops, lectures, or presentations for Washington educational institutions and communities in geographically diverse areas over a two-year term.Creates the poet laureate account in the custody of the state treasurer with an allocation of thirty thousand dollars.
| Jan 24 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 26 | Executive session in committee. | |
| SGTA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
HB 1328-S
by House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Santos, Anderson, Green, Hunt, Miloscia, McDermott, Hasegawa, Hudgins, Chandler, Darneille, Haigh, Hankins, Wallace, Kristiansen, Kagi, Pettigrew, Kenney, and Conway)
Concerning small works roster contracting procedures.
Provides that a state agency or authorized local government may adopt procedures to award small works roster contracts to small businesses with gross revenues under one million dollars annually as reported on their federal tax return. Additional procedures may be developed to award small works roster contracts to small businesses with gross revenues under two hundred fifty thousand dollars annually as reported on their federal tax return.
| Jan 23 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 26 | Executive session in committee. | |
| SGTA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
HB 1781
by Representatives Eddy, Schindler, and Springer
Addressing the best available science requirement for critical areas.
Declares that the requirement to include best available science under RCW 36.70A.172 is satisfied if buffers in a critical area ordinance are within the range of buffers previously adopted and established by any local government based on best available science for the same category or type of critical area.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 1782
by Representatives Hinkle and Clibborn
Modifying public works contract completion reporting threshold requirements.
Revises public works contract completion reporting threshold requirements.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 1783
by Representatives McCoy, Warnick, Buri, Wood, Crouse, Kenney, Rolfes, and Moeller
Addressing the value of a tenant's abandoned property.
Amends RCW 59.18.310 relating to the value of a tenant's abandoned property.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 1784
by Representatives Kenney, Sells, Buri, and Wood; by request of Washington State University
Eliminating limitations on the investment of certain state moneys.
Deletes limitations on the investment of certain state moneys.Declares that this act takes effect if the proposed amendment to Article XVI of the state Constitution regarding investment of certain state moneys is validly submitted to and is approved and ratified by the voters at the next general election. If the proposed amendment is not approved and ratified, this act is void in its entirety.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Capital Budget. | |
HB 1785
by Representatives Green, Curtis, and Morrell
Establishing requirements for provider payment in state subsidized health care.
Provides that, for services rendered to basic health plan enrollees, the administrator shall issue contracts that require managed health care systems to reimburse health care providers in an amount equal to eighty percent of the payment rates for the same medical services provided to state employees through self-insured programs implemented by the authority under RCW 41.05.140. For services rendered to subsidized enrollees who are children or women receiving maternity services through the basic health plan, the administrator shall issue contracts that require managed health care systems to reimburse health care providers in an amount equal to the payment rates paid for the same medical services provided to state employees through self-insured programs implemented by the authority under RCW 41.05.140.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. | |
HB 1786
by Representatives Hunter, Orcutt, Quall, Cody, Santos, Dickerson, Hinkle, Grant, Kessler, Chase, Appleton, Kenney, Linville, O'Brien, Campbell, Ericks, Simpson, Hankins, and Skinner
Providing a business and occupation tax deduction for the sale of certain drugs used to treat cancer.
Provides a business and occupation tax deduction for the sale of certain drugs used to treat cancer.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 1787
by Representatives B. Sullivan, Hankins, Eickmeyer, Walsh, Williams, Hinkle, Grant, and Kessler
Minimizing the safety risks posed by wildlife at airports.
Declares that, except as otherwise provided, the director shall authorize operators of public airports, as the term "airport" is defined in RCW 47.68.020, to remove or kill wildlife that is posing a threat to human health or safety either on the grounds of a public airport or in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Wildlife removed or killed in the immediate vicinity of an airport must be posing a threat to aircraft taking off or landing at the airport before it can be removed or killed.Authorizes the operator of a public airport, when acting under the authority granted by the director under this act, to take or kill wildlife in any manner without the permits or licenses required by the department under RCW 77.32.010 or chapter 77.32 RCW.Provides that the authority granted by the director to an airport operator under this act extends to employees of the federal government invited by the airport operator to control wildlife or otherwise engage in wildlife management at the airport or in the immediate vicinity of the airport.Provides that nothing in this act authorizes airport operators or federal employees invited to manage wildlife at airports to take or kill species listed as threatened or endangered by the commission under RCW 77.12.020.Declares that no part of wildlife taken or killed at public airports under the authority granted by the director under this act may be sold, traded, bartered, or exchanged in any manner and must be disposed of in a timely manner by the operator of the airport.Provides that the director may require airport operators to request the authority to remove or kill wildlife under this act before removal actions are allowed and may require airport operators to submit to the department a summary of the individual animals taken or killed under this act.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources. | |
HB 1788
by Representatives Conway, Kenney, VanDeWege, Green, Rolfes, Morrell, Lantz, and Moeller
Addressing vehicle registrations for deployed military personnel.
Provides that a new registration year is deemed to commence upon the date the expired license is renewed in order that the renewed license be useable for a full twelve months when the registered owner: (1) Is a member of the United States armed forces;(2) Was stationed outside of Washington under military orders during the prior vehicle registration year; and(3) Provides the department a copy of the military orders.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 1789
by Representatives Kagi, Priest, Hunter, Jarrett, Dunshee, Orcutt, Linville, Strow, Dickerson, McCoy, B. Sullivan, Lantz, Hunt, Chase, Rodne, and Schual-Berke
Minimizing threats to the environment caused by leaking home heating oil tanks.
Requires the pollution liability insurance agency to identify design criteria for heating oil tanks that provide superior protection against future leaks as compared to standard steel tank designs. Any tank designs identified under this act must either be constructed with fiberglass or offer at least an equivalent level of protection against leaks as a standard fiberglass design.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Service & Consumer Protection. | |
HB 1790
by Representatives Ericks, Newhouse, Linville, Armstrong, Simpson, Haler, Takko, Hunt, McCoy, Hailey, Grant, Buri, Hinkle, Kessler, Alexander, P. Sullivan, Eddy, Curtis, VanDeWege, Conway, O'Brien, Green, Goodman, Morrell, Lantz, and Moeller
Providing for the distribution of funds used for jobs, economic development, and local capital projects.
Provides for the distribution of funds used for jobs, economic development, and local capital projects.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Community & Economic Development & Trade. | |
HB 1791
by Representatives Schual-Berke, Walsh, Kagi, Haler, Roberts, Hunter, Appleton, Pettigrew, Kenney, Santos, Ericks, Dickerson, and Moeller
Concerning members of the Washington council for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Increases the number of members of the Washington council for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Early Learning & Children's Services. | |
HB 1792
by Representatives Conway, Condotta, Morris, Chandler, Kenney, Priest, P. Sullivan, Chase, Wood, and Moeller
Requiring a study of the incidence of total permanent disability pensions in the state's workers' compensation system.
Requires the department of labor and industries to conduct a study of the incidence of total permanent disability pensions in the state's workers' compensation system. The department shall contract with an independent researcher with demonstrated expertise in workers' compensation systems. The department shall consult with the workers' compensation advisory committee in determining the criteria to use in selecting a researcher and in selecting the researcher with which to contract.Requires that, in conducting the study, the researcher selected shall consider the following: (1) Causes of the recent increase in total permanent disability cases, including changes in injured worker demographics, policy, and other areas that may be identified;(2) Future anticipated total permanent disability trends; and(3) A comparison of Washington's permanent disability claims experience and injured workers with other states and jurisdictions.Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 1793
by Representatives Lantz, Hinkle, Springer, Rodne, O'Brien, Kenney, Schual-Berke, Clibborn, Newhouse, Lovick, Williams, Dickerson, McIntire, Appleton, Hasegawa, Ericks, Roberts, Wood, and Moeller
Removing the limit on the number of cities eligible for indigent defense grants through the office of public defense.
Amends RCW 10.101.080 to remove the limit on the number of cities eligible for indigent defense grants through the office of public defense.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 1794
by Representatives Conway, Simpson, McCoy, Chase, Wood, and Moeller
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 29 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 1795
by Representatives Williams, DeBolt, and Alexander
Providing voting proportional to population on boards of certain intercounty library districts.
Provides voting proportional to population on boards of certain intercounty library districts.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 1796
by Representatives Conway, Orcutt, Pettigrew, Ericks, Chase, Green, Haler, Dunn, Hankins, Hasegawa, Appleton, Kenney, Santos, VanDeWege, Simpson, Goodman, Morrell, and Lantz
Providing a property tax exemption for nonprofit small business incubators.
Finds that nonprofit organizations and associations engaged in the education and training of people, located in economically disadvantaged areas, who are involved in the creation and expansion of businesses with marketable products and services in a physical location provide many public benefits to the people of the state of Washington. Therefore, the legislature finds that it is in the best interest of the state to provide a limited property tax exemption for the use of these facilities by certain organizations in order to be self-sustaining for their exempt purposes.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Community & Economic Development & Trade. | |
HB 1797
by Representatives O'Brien, Campbell, and Morrell
Automating the reporting requirements for ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine sales by establishing a state repository.
Directs the state board of pharmacy to: (1) Require the collection and maintenance of electronic logs to record retail transactions involving ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine; and(2) Establish and maintain a repository of the electronic logs furnished to the board under this act. This repository shall: (a) keep each log furnished to the board for a period of two years; (b) be capable of checking compliance against all local, state, and federal laws, including interfacing with other states to assure comprehensive compliance; and (c) be accessible to all city, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness. | |
HB 1798
by Representatives Eddy, Lantz, Dickerson, and B. Sullivan
Revising the conditions for awarding fees and costs on appeals of land use decisions.
Revises the conditions for awarding fees and costs on appeals of land use decisions.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 1799
by Representatives Grant, Warnick, Buri, Lovick, Kessler, Rolfes, and Moeller
Concerning the unauthorized occupation of rental units.
Amends RCW 59.12.030 relating to the unauthorized occupation of rental units.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 1800
by Representatives Lovick, Warnick, Grant, Crouse, Kessler, Rolfes, and Moeller
Revising provisions affecting tenants of real property.
Revises provisions affecting tenants of real property.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 1801
by Representatives Ericksen and Schindler
Regarding the administration of fuel taxes.
Revises provisions regarding the administration of fuel taxes.Repeals RCW 82.36.407 and 82.38.285.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 1802
by Representatives Darneille, Kenney, Dickerson, Hankins, Linville, Cody, Roberts, Appleton, Schual-Berke, Walsh, Santos, Wallace, Haigh, Simpson, Green, Clibborn, Warnick, Rolfes, Morrell, Pettigrew, Bailey, Lantz, Eddy, Sommers, Kessler, Kagi, Skinner, McDonald, Chase, Hudgins, Hasegawa, Pedersen, Ericks, Goodman, and Moeller
Providing information about the human papillomavirus disease and vaccine.
Provides that, beginning with sixth grade entry, every public and private school in the state shall provide parents and guardians with information about human papillomavirus disease and its vaccine at the beginning of every school year. The information about human papillomavirus disease shall include: (1) Its causes and symptoms, how human papillomavirus disease is spread, and the places where parents and guardians may obtain additional information and vaccinations for their children; and(2) Current recommendations from the United States centers for disease control and prevention regarding the receipt of vaccines for human papillomavirus disease and where the vaccination can be received.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. | |
HB 1803
by Representatives Dickerson, Darneille, Roberts, McCoy, Appleton, Kenney, and Santos
Addressing specific juvenile reentry programs.
Directs the department of social and health services to conduct a pilot program to develop best practices for the successful reintegration of juvenile sex offenders into the family and community, particularly when the victim and the offender are members of the same family. Requires pilot sites to be selected by September 1, 2008, and shall be established in three locations, with at least one location in eastern Washington. The pilot program sites shall be selected through a request for proposal process.Requires the department to report to the legislature by December 1, 2010, on the results of the pilot program based on the findings of the Washington state institute for public policy evaluation of the pilot sites and the recommendations of the work group created under this act. The department shall include recommendations for expansion of the program statewide if appropriate based upon the evaluation and recommendations of the work group.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Human Services. | |
HB 1804
by Representatives O'Brien, Warnick, Sells, Buri, Kessler, Crouse, Haigh, and Moeller
Authorizing the directing of disposition of personal property.
Amends RCW 59.18.310 relating to an authorization directing the disposition of personal property.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 1805
by Representatives Morrell, Lantz, Linville, Wallace, Rodne, Conway, Kessler, Hudgins, Hunt, Chase, Hasegawa, VanDeWege, Campbell, Ericks, Green, Simpson, and Schual-Berke
Increasing the homestead exemption amount.
Increases the homestead exemption amount to one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 1806
by Representatives Pedersen, Upthegrove, Campbell, Kenney, McDermott, Morrell, Chase, Appleton, Dunshee, McIntire, Santos, Moeller, Darneille, Roberts, Hudgins, Hunt, Hasegawa, Conway, O'Brien, Green, Rolfes, Simpson, Schual-Berke, Goodman, Wood, and Lantz
Limiting the use of high hazard pesticides on school facilities.
Requires the state board of health to adopt by rule a list of products that the board considers to pose a high hazard to the health of children or staff if applied in or on school facilities. In developing the list, the board shall include at least products that fall in each of the following categories. Products that: (1) Meet the criteria of toxicity category I or toxicity category II for pesticides as defined by the United States environmental protection agency in 40 C.F.R. Sec. 156.62 as it exists on the effective date of this act;(2) Are classified as known, likely, probable, or possible carcinogens by the United States environmental protection agency on the effective date of this act; listed as causing cancer under the state of California's Proposition 65 on the effective date of this act; or classified by the international agency for research on cancer as a known, probable, or possible carcinogen on the effective date of this act;(3) Are determined to be known, probable, or suspected endocrine disruptors by the state of Illinois's environmental protection agency on the effective date of this act;(4) Are identified by the United States toxics release inventory on the effective date of this section as having chronic neurologic effects or contain N-methyl-carbamate, neuro-toxic organophosphorus compounds, or pyrethroids;(5) Are identified on the effective date of this act by the United States toxics release inventory or listed on the effective date of this act under the state of California's Proposition 65 as causing birth defects, reproductive harm, or developmental harm;(6) Are labeled as part of its state or federal registration as being toxic to fish, birds, bees, wildlife, or domestic animals; and(7) Are persistent in soil, as defined by a half-life in soil of more than sixty days, except for minerals, i.e., nonorganic chemicals.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Select Committee on Environmental Health. | |
HB 1807
by Representatives B. Sullivan, Springer, Kretz, Blake, Warnick, Chase, Linville, and O'Brien
Requiring the department of ecology to prepare an economic impact analysis on all draft general permits that are intended to directly cover small businesses.
Requires the department of ecology to prepare an economic impact analysis on all draft general permits that are intended to directly cover small businesses.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources. | |
HB 1808
by Representatives Curtis, Morrell, Haler, Green, Hinkle, Ross, Warnick, Chandler, Sump, Moeller, O'Brien, and Simpson
Including medical costs in the reimbursement of extraordinary criminal justice costs.
Authorizes cities and counties to submit a petition for relief to the office of public defense for reimbursement of extraordinary criminal justice medical costs. Extraordinary criminal justice medical costs are defined as those associated with providing medically necessary care to respond to the medical, dental, and mental health needs of adult misdemeanor or felony suspects in custody or incarcerated adult misdemeanor or felony offenders held in city or county facilities that exceed fifteen thousand dollars per individual suspect or offender per year.Requires that, before January 1st of each year, the office of public defense, in consultation with the Washington association of counties, the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, and the association of Washington cities, shall develop and submit to the appropriate fiscal committees of the senate and house of representatives a prioritized list of submitted petitions that are recommended for funding by the legislature.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1809
by Representatives Morrell, Campbell, Green, Kenney, Cody, Darneille, Hunt, Conway, Williams, Simpson, Moeller, Santos, and Wood
Creating the Washington state patient safety act.
Finds that research demonstrates the critical role that registered nurses play in improving patient safety and quality of care. Greater numbers of registered nurses available to care for hospitalized patients are key to reducing errors, complications, and adverse patient care events. Moreover, higher nurse staffing levels result in improved staff safety and satisfaction and reduced incidences of workplace injuries. In addition, health care professional, technical, and support staff comprise vital components of the patient care team, bringing their particular skills and services to ensuring quality patient care.Provides therefore, in order to protect patients and to support greater retention of registered nurses, to promote evidence-based nurse staffing, and to increase transparency of health care data and decision making, the legislature finds that ensuring sufficient nurse staffing to meet patient care needs is an urgent public policy priority.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. | |
HB 1810
by Representatives Hudgins, Hunt, Chase, Kenney, Santos, Campbell, Schual-Berke, Dickerson, B. Sullivan, McIntire, Roberts, Wood, and Moeller
Creating a project to monitor pesticide drift and its impact.
Directs that a pilot air monitoring project be initiated that supports the collection of pesticide drift data for use in evaluating the human health implications to workers and the public from pesticide drift.Requires the department to submit a report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by April 1, 2009, including a summary of the air monitoring project findings and recommendations for public policies and program activities to protect human health from pesticide drift.Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Select Committee on Environmental Health. | |
HB 1811
by Representatives Pedersen, Simpson, Wood, Moeller, and Quall
Regarding automatic sprinkler systems in nightclubs.
Requires that the automatic sprinkler systems be installed by December 1, 2009.Provides that, if a lessee of the real property has paid for all expenses associated with the installation and purchase of the automatic sprinkler system, then the benefit of the exemption must inure to the lessee.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 1812
by Representatives Ericks and Jarrett
Creating the transportation project contingency account.
Finds that there may be unanticipated cost increases to major state-funded transportation construction and repair projects due to inflation. In order to provide funding to offset these unanticipated cost increases for these projects, it is important to provide a mechanism to share the cost of these shortfalls with affected local governments.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 1813
by Representatives Kelley, Priest, Hunt, Dunshee, Hinkle, Condotta, Fromhold, and Linville; by request of Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation
Changing the name of the interagency committee for outdoor recreation to the recreation and conservation funding board.
Changes the name of the interagency committee for outdoor recreation to the recreation and conservation funding board.Makes technical, nonsubstantive changes in order to facilitate the name change.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources. | |
HB 1814
by Representatives McCune, Dunn, Campbell, Schindler, VanDeWege, Green, Rolfes, Kristiansen, and Lantz
Revising methamphetamine provisions.
Revises methamphetamine provisions.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness. | |
HB 1815
by Representatives Wallace, Curtis, Jarrett, Chandler, Lovick, Newhouse, Sells, Fromhold, Eddy, Kenney, Haigh, Linville, and Moeller
Preserving rail facilities and railroads by retaining and reusing rail and crossing material.
Finds that there are insufficient resources for public or privately owned rail systems to adequately address rail infrastructure needs. Rail material that can be used for priority rail projects either sits idle, is sold for scrap, or is shipped out of state.Finds that where rail-related operations or facilities benefit or have benefited from public investment through grants, loans, tax relief, or partnerships with local, state, or federal governments or port districts, there is a public interest in ensuring that available rail and crossing materials be retained and reused to modify or improve existing rail facilities.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 1816
by Representatives Kirby, Chase, and Simpson
Eliminating the industrial insurance offset for social security retirement benefits.
Repeals RCW 51.32.225.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 1817
by Representatives Kirby, Roach, Simpson, Strow, Santos, Rodne, Hurst, Kelley, Chase, Ericks, B. Sullivan, Hunt, Wallace, Haigh, Sells, Linville, Campbell, Green, and Wood
Adding an additional payment plan option for small loans.
Provides that a borrower may convert the unpaid principal and fee authorized by RCW 31.45.082 into a no additional cost payment plan. Except as authorized by this act, the licensee may not assess any additional charge to convert a loan into a no additional cost payment plan under this subsection. A licensee is only obligated to extend to each borrower one no additional cost payment plan during any twelve-month period of time. A new twelve-month period begins on the date that any prior no additional cost payment plan is paid in full.Provides that, to convert a small loan into a payment plan under this act, a borrower must return to the licensee's point of sale location and request a payment plan no later than the close of business on the business day prior to the due date of the loan.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Service & Consumer Protection. | |
HB 1818
by Representatives Cody, Hinkle, Kenney, and Morrell; by request of Insurance Commissioner
Regulating retainer health care practices.
Provides that a retainer practice may charge a retainer fee as consideration for being available to provide and providing all primary care services that are within the scope of the provider's license to a retainer subscriber during a specified service period if the retainer health care practice deposits the fee in one or more identifiable trust accounts and distributes the fee to the retainer practice at the end of the specified service period.Requires every retainer health care practice to maintain the following records for a period of five years, and upon request must make the following records available to the commissioner for review: (1) Forms of contracts between the retainer practice and retainer subscribers;(2) Documents relating to the creation and maintenance of any retainer fee trust accounts. However, any patient's personal identifying information may be withheld, unless otherwise authorized by the patient;(3) All advertising relating to the retainer practice and its services; and(4) All records relating to retainer fees received by the retainer health care practice. However, any patient's personal identifying information may be withheld, unless otherwise authorized by the patient.Directs the commissioner to adopt rules in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW establishing a standardized disclosure form to be distributed to all retainer subscribers with their enrollment forms. Such form will inform the subscriber patient of their financial rights and responsibilities to the retainer practice as provided for in this act, will encourage that the retainer patient obtain and maintain insurance for services not provided by the retainer practice, and that the provider will not bill a carrier for services covered under the retainer agreement. Such a standardized disclosure form shall be deemed sufficient disclosure of a retainer practice's obligations under this act.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. | |
HB 1819
by Representatives Lovick, Strow, Ericks, Armstrong, Springer, Newhouse, Kenney, O'Brien, Goodman, Morrell, and Moeller
Concerning furnishing liquor to minors.
Provides that it is unlawful for any person to sell, give, or otherwise supply liquor to any person under the age of twenty-one years or permit any person under that age to consume liquor on his or her premises or on any premises under his or her control.Requires the court to notify the department of licensing within twenty-four hours after entry of a judgment for a violation of this act.Provides that, upon receipt of a notice of a conviction from a court pursuant to RCW 66.44.270(1), the department shall suspend the driver's license or driving privileges of a person as follows: (1) Upon receipt of a first notice, suspension for thirty days;(2) Upon receipt of a second or subsequent notice, suspension for one hundred eighty days.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 1820
by Representatives Dickerson, Hankins, Lovick, B. Sullivan, Simpson, Hasegawa, and Moeller
Reducing air pollution through the licensing and use of medium-speed electric vehicles.
Encourages reducing air pollution through the licensing and use of medium-speed electric vehicles.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 1821
by Representatives Hunt, Kenney, O'Brien, Haigh, Darneille, Lovick, Eickmeyer, McCoy, Chase, Linville, and Wood
Regarding on-site sewage disposal systems biological remediation technologies.
Provides that manufacturers of biological remediation technologies for use in on-site sewage disposal systems, including for use in the repair or recovery of failed drain fields of on-site sewage disposal systems, are exempted from registering their proprietary treatment products with the department, only if the following conditions are met: (1) Product performance is verified through product testing using international association of plumbing and mechanical officials interim guide criteria standard 180-2003, which relates to aerobic bacterial generators for insert into septic tanks, grease interceptors, and grease traps;(2) Product performance is verified through product testing conducted by a testing facility conforming with the American national standards institute approved international association of plumbing and mechanical officials requirements;(3) The product continues its certification under the international association of plumbing and mechanical officials interim guide criteria standard 180-2003; and(4) The biological component of the product must meet the conditions of RCW 70.118.060 relating to additive regulation.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Select Committee on Environmental Health. | |
HJM 4007
by Representatives Hudgins, Campbell, Morrell, Wood, Hunt, Chase, Kenney, Simpson, and Goodman
Requesting Congress and the Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate benzene.
Requests Congress and the Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate benzene.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Select Committee on Environmental Health. | |
HJR 4215
by Representatives Kenney, Sells, Buri, Hunt, and Wood; by request of Washington State University
Eliminating prohibitions on the investment of certain state moneys.
Proposes an amendment to the state Constitution to eliminate prohibitions on the investment of certain state moneys.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Capital Budget. | |
SB 5665
by Senators Keiser, Fairley, Franklin, and Kohl-Welles
Establishing the state employee health program and a state employee health demonstration project.
Establishes the state employee health program and a state employee health demonstration project.Appropriates the sum of one million three hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the biennium ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the health care authority for the purposes of this act.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 5666
by Senators Marr, Kohl-Welles, Brown, Hobbs, Keiser, Franklin, Kastama, Kilmer, and Kline
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 29 | First reading, referred to Financial Institutions & Insurance. | |
| Jan 31 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 5667
by Senators Franklin, Eide, Rasmussen, Kilmer, Regala, Marr, and Shin
Providing excise tax relief for small businesses.
Provides excise tax relief for small businesses.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Economic Development, Trade & Management. | |
SB 5668
by Senators Fraser, Rasmussen, Jacobsen, Kohl-Welles, and Shin
Modifying gain-sharing benefits.
Revises provisions relating to gain-sharing benefits.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 5669
by Senators Holmquist, Poulsen, Rasmussen, Pflug, Oemig, Swecker, Clements, Schoesler, Roach, Rockefeller, and Kilmer
Requiring agencies to expedite decisions regarding the implementation of renewable fuel standards.
Requires lead agencies, and other agencies with jurisdiction, to process all applications and decisions relating to infrastructure improvements or activities necessary to implement renewable fuel standards under chapter 19.112 RCW and RCW 43.19.642 in an expedited and coordinated manner and prior to competing applications and decisions.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Telecommunications. | |
SB 5670
by Senators Holmquist, Rasmussen, and Clements
Changing the basic education funding formula.
Finds that current funding formulas used to determine the state allocation for public schools is confusing and should be more clear.Finds that the funding ratios currently aggregate different classifications of staff so that it is unclear how many teachers the state allocation is funding.Finds that the funding formulas should be changed to separate the different classifications of staff, including classroom teachers, and that the specific funding ratios should be determined in the omnibus appropriations act.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education. | |
SB 5671
by Senators Holmquist, Poulsen, Honeyford, Carrell, Benton, Stevens, Rasmussen, Roach, Oemig, Schoesler, Swecker, Parlette, and Hewitt
Exempting alternative fuel from taxation if manufactured in Washington state.
Exempts alternative fuel from taxation if manufactured in Washington state.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Telecommunications. | |
| Jan 30 | Scheduled for executive session in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 5672
by Senator Fairley
Requiring special purpose districts and municipalities to post certain information on their web sites.
Requires the agenda of all regular and special meetings of the governing body of every special purpose district and any municipality that owns or maintains a web site to be posted within a reasonable time before a meeting. The text of any ordinance, rule, or regulation that is under consideration at the meeting shall be included on the web site at the same time the agenda is posted. The minutes of all regular and special meetings of the governing body of every special purpose district and any municipality that owns or maintains a web site shall be posted within a reasonable time after a meeting.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 5673
by Senators Holmquist, Clements, Morton, Hewitt, Rasmussen, and Stevens
Addressing wildlife property damage complaints.
Declares that, pursuant to this act, the director or the director's designee may distribute money appropriated to pay claims in excess of one thousand dollars for damages to tangible personal property caused by big game in an amount of up to ten thousand dollars per claim. Damages payable under this provision must be based on the fair market value of the tangible personal property, and shall be paid only to the owner of the personal property at the time of damage, without assignment.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation. | |
SB 5674
by Senators Haugen, Fairley, and Kline
Authorizing registered voters who reside outside of, but own land in, a water district to be elected as a water district commissioner.
Authorizes registered voters who reside outside of, but own land in, a water district to be elected as a water district commissioner.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 5675
by Senators Franklin, Kohl-Welles, Keiser, Murray, and Kline
Increasing minimum industrial insurance benefits.
Increases minimum industrial insurance benefits.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5676
by Senators Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Murray, Prentice, Hatfield, and Kline
Revising provision for receipt of temporary total disability.
Amends RCW 51.32.090 relating to temporary total disability.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5677
by Senators Murray, Kohl-Welles, Keiser, Prentice, Hatfield, and Kline
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 29 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5678
by Senators Kohl-Welles, Clements, Keiser, and Holmquist
Requiring a study of the incidence of total permanent disability pensions in the state's workers' compensation system.
Requires the department of labor and industries to conduct a study of the incidence of total permanent disability pensions in the state's workers' compensation system. The department shall contract with an independent researcher with demonstrated expertise in workers' compensation systems. The department shall consult with the workers' compensation advisory committee in determining the criteria to use in selecting a researcher and in selecting the researcher with which to contract.Requires that, in conducting the study, the researcher selected shall consider the following: (1) Causes of the recent increase in total permanent disability cases, including changes in injured worker demographics, policy, and other areas that may be identified;(2) Future anticipated total permanent disability trends; and(3) A comparison of Washington's permanent disability claims experience and injured workers with other states and jurisdictions.Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5679
by Senators Clements and Holmquist
Establishing requirements for industrial insurance final settlement agreements.
Provides that the parties to a claim may enter into a final settlement agreement at any time once the worker has reached maximum medical improvement as provided in this act with respect to one or more claims under Title 51 RCW. All final settlement agreements must be approved by the board of industrial insurance appeals. The final settlement agreement may: (1) Bind the parties with regard to any or all aspects of a claim, including but not limited to allowance or rejection of a claim, monetary payment, vocational services, claim closure, and claim reopening under RCW 51.32.160; and(2) Not subject any employer who is not a signatory to the agreement to any responsibility or burden under any claim.Requires the department to develop and maintain a registry system by which it records final settlement agreements entered into between the parties. This information shall be made available to employers at appropriate times as determined by the department in rule, but an employer may not consider a prior settlement agreement when making hiring decisions or as a condition of employment.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5680
by Senators Kilmer, Rockefeller, Kohl-Welles, Poulsen, and Shin
Providing for reduction of ferry charges.
Provides for reduction of ferry charges.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
SB 5681
by Senators Kilmer and Marr
Reducing toll project costs by transferring sales and use tax collections to the project's tolling account.
Reduces toll project costs by transferring sales and use tax collections to the project's tolling account.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
SB 5682
by Senators Kohl-Welles, Swecker, Fairley, Oemig, and Jacobsen
Clarifying time frames for voter registration challenges.
Amends RCW 29A.08.810 relating to challenges to a voter's registration.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 5683
by Senators Roach, Swecker, Hargrove, Sheldon, and Rasmussen
Addressing transportation concurrency and impact fees under the growth management act.
Revises provisions regarding transportation concurrency and impact fees under the growth management act.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 5684
by Senators Swecker, Roach, Hargrove, and Sheldon
Regarding growth management planning.
Amends RCW 36.70A.367 relating to growth management planning.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 5685
by Senators Tom, Schoesler, Zarelli, Oemig, Regala, Kilmer, Kohl-Welles, Rasmussen, and Roach; by request of Department of Revenue
Restoring the business and occupation tax credit for high technology research and development spending.
Restores the business and occupation tax credit for high technology research and development spending.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 5686
by Senators Zarelli, Benton, Pridemore, Kline, and Rasmussen
Allowing public utility districts to disburse low-income energy assistance contributions.
Authorizes public utility districts to disburse low-income energy assistance contributions.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Telecommunications. | |
SB 5687
by Senators Keiser, Kohl-Welles, and Kline
Modifying provisions on permanent partial disability claims.
Amends RCW 51.32.080 to modify provisions on permanent partial disability claims.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5688
by Senators Kohl-Welles, Keiser, and Kline
Modifying who may receive industrial insurance claimants' notices, orders, or warrants.
Amends RCW 51.04.080 relating to allowing industrial insurance claimants to designate a representative to receive the claimants' notices, orders, or warrants.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5689
by Senator Hobbs
Taxing the sale of food from vending machines in the same manner as other sales of food.
Amends RCW 82.08.0293 relating to the taxation of sales of food and food ingredients sold through vending machines.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 5690
by Senators Weinstein, McCaslin, Roach, Tom, Kline, Jacobsen, and Kohl-Welles
Regarding the dissolution of a special taxing district.
Amends RCW 35.95A.120 relating to the dissolution of a special taxing district.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 5691
by Senators Zarelli, Prentice, and Roach
Defining the near general fund and requiring revenue forecasts thereof.
Defines the near general fund and requiring revenue forecasts thereof.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 5692
by Senators Rasmussen and Morton
Regulating conservation easements.
Finds that it is in the best interest of the state to find innovative and economically sustainable ways to conserve and protect productive agricultural lands, critical wildlife habitat, and other natural resources.Finds that the diminishing stock of productive agricultural lands can be preserved through the creation of conservation easements that limit the amount of land available for intensive development.Finds that working natural resources and wildlife habitat areas can be protected by the same conservation easements that protect existing agricultural lands.Recognizes the unique interests and knowledge that private property owners have about their land and about the most effective means available to protect the wildlife habitat and natural resources on that land.Declares an intent to protect the use and value of productive agricultural property and the wildlife habitat and other natural resources on that property by encouraging voluntary, cooperative farmland preservation and environmental enhancement programs with willing property owners.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Rural Economic Development. | |
SB 5693
by Senators Fraser, Clements, and Kohl-Welles
Allowing raffles by state employees.
Allows raffles by state employees.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5694
by Senator Fraser
Appointing a director of the sentencing guidelines commission.
Provides for the appointment of a director of the sentencing guidelines commission.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 5695
by Senators Fraser, Swecker, Rockefeller, Rasmussen, and Regala
Authorizing a biomonitoring program.
Directs the department to conduct biomonitoring, in consultation with the department of ecology, local health jurisdictions, and other public health agencies, to assist public health agencies and policymakers in allocating resources to maximize improvements in environmental public health by: (1) Determining levels of exposure to environmental chemicals in population groups that may be at increased risk of exposure;(2) Measuring the prevalence of elevated levels of environmental chemicals in specific population groups;(3) Interpreting the public health significance of environmental monitoring data;(4) Assessing effectiveness of public health efforts to reduce exposure to specific populations to environmental chemicals; and(5) Determining the impact of public health efforts to reduce high levels of environmental chemicals.Requires that, by December 1, 2007, the department of health shall, in consultation with the department of ecology and local health jurisdictions, provide recommendations to the governor and the appropriate committees of the senate and house of representatives for funding the biomonitoring program.Appropriates the sum of ninety thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the state toxics control account to the department of health for the purposes of this act.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 5696
by Senators Franklin, Benton, Kohl-Welles, Keiser, Fairley, Kastama, Murray, McAuliffe, Kline, and Rasmussen
Creating the Washington state patient safety act.
Finds that research demonstrates the critical role that registered nurses play in improving patient safety and quality of care. Greater numbers of registered nurses available to care for hospitalized patients are key to reducing errors, complications, and adverse patient care events. Moreover, higher nurse staffing levels result in improved staff safety and satisfaction and reduced incidences of workplace injuries. In addition, health care professional, technical, and support staff comprise vital components of the patient care team, bringing their particular skills and services to ensuring quality patient care.Provides therefore, in order to protect patients and to support greater retention of registered nurses, to promote evidence-based nurse staffing, and to increase transparency of health care data and decision making, the legislature finds that ensuring sufficient nurse staffing to meet patient care needs is an urgent public policy priority.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 5697
by Senators Hargrove, Kline, Weinstein, Regala, Kohl-Welles, Shin, and Rasmussen
Concerning criminal violations of no-contact orders, protection orders, and restraining orders.
Finds this act necessary to restore and make clear the intent that a willful violation of a no-contact provision of a court order is a criminal offense and shall be enforced accordingly to preserve the integrity and intent of the domestic violence act. This act is not intended to broaden the scope of law enforcement power or effectuate any substantive change to any criminal provision in the Revised Code of Washington.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 5698
by Senators Hargrove, Regala, and Shin; by request of Department of Social and Health Services
Concerning case management services for dangerous mentally ill offenders.
Amends RCW 71.24.470 relating to case management services for dangerous mentally ill offenders.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections. | |
SB 5699
by Senators Keiser, Kohl-Welles, and Fairley; by request of Department of Social and Health Services
Modifying provisions affecting medical benefits.
Requires health insurers, including private insurers, group health plans, service benefit plans, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, or other parties that are, by statute, contract, or agreement, legally responsible for payment of a claim for a health care item or service, as a condition of doing business in Washington, to increase their effort to share information with the department and accept the department's timely claims consistent with 42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(25).Requires health insurers, as a condition of doing business in Washington, to: (1) Provide, with respect to individuals who are eligible for, or are provided, medical assistance under chapter 74.09 RCW, upon the request of the medical assistance administration, information to determine during what period the individual or their spouses or their dependants may be, or may have been, covered by a health insurer and the nature of coverage that is or was provided by the health insurer, including the name, address, and identifying number of the plan, in a manner prescribed by the medical assistance administration;(2) Accept the medical assistance administration's right to recovery and the assignment to the medical assistance administration of any right of an individual or other entity to payment from the party for an item or service for which payment has been made under chapter 74.09 RCW;(3) Respond to any inquiry by the medical assistance administration regarding a claim for payment for any health care item or service that is submitted not later than three years after the date of the provision of such health care item or service;(4) Agree not to deny a claim submitted by the medical assistance administration on the basis of the date of submission of the claim, the type or format of the claim form, or a failure to present proper documentation at the point-of-sale that is the basis of the claim, if: (a) the claim is submitted by the medical assistance administration within the three-year period beginning on the date the item or service was furnished; and (b) any action by the medical assistance administration to enforce its rights with respect to such claim is commenced within six years of the medical assistance administration's submission of such claim; and(5) Agree that the prevailing party in any legal action to enforce these provisions receives attorneys' fees as well as related collection fees and costs incurred in the enforcement of these provisions.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 5700
by Senators Prentice, Kohl-Welles, Franklin, Keiser, Murray, Hatfield, Weinstein, Rasmussen, Hargrove, Tom, and Kline
Requiring a state policy of neutrality towards unionization for persons using aerospace-related tax incentives.
Finds that the state's tax policy currently provides for tax exemptions and credits, as well as preferential tax rates, for certain industries. The state's tax policy does not, however, require neutrality towards unionization as a condition of claiming these incentives. As a result, some employers that benefit substantially from these incentives have encouraged or discouraged unionization.Declares that the state's tax policy should recognize the right of employees to freedom of association in the workplace and freedom of choice in who will represent employees in collective bargaining.Provides that, for these reasons, the legislature intends to bar persons from claiming these tax incentives if they choose to encourage or discourage unionization.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5701
by Senators Benton, Pridemore, Roach, Swecker, and Stevens
Establishing a procedure for the election of county commissioners by district.
Provides that the board of commissioners of any noncharter county may cause a ballot proposition to be submitted at a general election to the voters of the county authorizing the board of commissioners to be elected by district.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 5702
by Senators Benton, Keiser, Swecker, Kohl-Welles, and Roach
Requiring notice to certain employees of a claim of exemption from paying unemployment insurance taxes.
Provides that, before an entity may claim an exemption provided in RCW 50.44.040(1), it must first demonstrate to the department in a manner established by rule that it has informed all of its employees that it is claiming the exemption and is exempt from making contributions to the state unemployment compensation fund. All employees hired after the effective date of this act must be notified prior to their dates of hire.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5703
by Senators Benton, Roach, Stevens, Swecker, Holmquist, and Carrell
Requiring senate confirmation of certain commission and department appointments.
Requires senate confirmation of certain commission and department appointments.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 5704
by Senators Benton, Carrell, Stevens, Schoesler, Morton, Swecker, and Roach
Creating a pilot project to examine the impacts of small scale mineral prospecting on coastal areas.
Provides that beginning July 1, 2007, the state parks and recreation commission and the department of fish and wildlife shall establish a pilot program to evaluate the impacts of small scale mineral prospecting on ocean beaches. The pilot program must be conducted from July 1, 2007, through July 1, 2009.Directs the department of fish and wildlife to monitor the impacts of the small scale prospecting activities on the beach ecology including, but not limited to, habitat, birds, shellfish, and other beach marine life.Requires that, by October 1, 2009, the department of fish and wildlife shall report its findings and recommendations regarding the impacts of small scale prospecting on the beach ecology to the state parks and recreation commission. The department shall consider public input prior to finalizing their findings and recommendations.Requires the state parks and recreation commission and the department of fish and wildlife to report their findings and recommendations on the impacts of small scale prospecting on ocean beaches to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2009.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation. | |
SB 5705
by Senators Benton, Roach, Carrell, Hatfield, Swecker, Stevens, Clements, Delvin, and Holmquist
Classifying financial institutions in robbery provisions.
Declares that evidence showing that the establishment robbed was a financial institution is not required when "bank," "savings and loan," "trust," "payday," or "credit union" appears in the name of the establishment.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 5706
by Senators Benton, Roach, Schoesler, Stevens, Swecker, Clements, and Holmquist
Including a child fourteen or younger in the aggravated first degree murder provisions.
Includes a child fourteen or younger in the aggravated first degree murder provisions.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 5707
by Senators Parlette, Haugen, Swecker, Stevens, Holmquist, Benton, and Kilmer
Limiting, for property tax purposes, the assessed value of a residence for persons who are sixty-one and older.
Limits, for property tax purposes, the assessed value of a residence for persons who are sixty-one and older.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 5708
by Senators Parlette, Benton, Swecker, Carrell, Stevens, and Roach
Relating to the qualification requirements for property tax exemptions and deferrals for senior citizens and persons retired for reasons of disability.
Amends RCW 84.38.030 relating to property tax exemptions and deferrals for senior citizens and persons retired for reasons of disability.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 5709
by Senators Parlette, Swecker, and Carrell
Providing for the scheduling of real property revaluations and physical inspections for property tax purposes.
Provides that, not later than January 1, 2010, all taxable real property within a county shall be revalued annually and all taxable real property within a county shall be physically inspected at least once each six years. The department of revenue shall provide the necessary guidance and assistance to those counties that are not on an annual revaluation cycle so that they may convert to an annual revaluation cycle including, but not limited to, appropriate data collection methods and coding, neighborhood and market delineation, statistical analysis, valuation guidelines, and training.Appropriates the sum of five hundred eight thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the biennium ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the department of revenue for the purposes of this act.Appropriates the sum of nine million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the biennium ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the department of revenue to administer a grant program for counties converting to an annual revaluation system for property tax valuation.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 5710
by Senator Parlette
Creating joint withdrawal and annexation procedures for public hospital districts.
Establishes joint withdrawal and annexation procedures for public hospital districts.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 5711
by Senators Parlette, Delvin, and Shin
Expanding the offender score to include offenses concerning the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug.
Expands the offender score to include offenses concerning the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 5712
by Senator Parlette
Revising provisions for the Washington state health insurance pool.
Finds that the Washington state health insurance pool is a critically important insurance option for people in this state and must reflect health care provisions based on the best available evidence and be financially sustainable over time. The laws governing the Washington state health insurance pool have been read to preclude the program from modifying contracts, and yet coverage needs and options change with time. Everyone in this state benefits when the Washington state health insurance pool is more affordable and higher performing. Changes are needed to the Washington state health insurance pool to increase affordability, offer quality and cost-effective benefits, and enhance the governance and operation of the pool.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
| Feb 1 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 5713
by Senators Roach, Rasmussen, Fairley, Swecker, Hobbs, Morton, Shin, Holmquist, Carrell, Clements, Benton, Parlette, Stevens, and Delvin
Creating a new vehicle license plate emblem for veterans and military personnel.
Provides for a distinguished flying cross emblem.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
SB 5714
by Senators Roach, Prentice, Rasmussen, Oemig, Clements, Rockefeller, Tom, Fairley, Hobbs, Shin, Swecker, Holmquist, Benton, Stevens, Parlette, Delvin, and Kline
Creating a pilot program of Spanish and Chinese language instruction.
Establishes a pilot program of Spanish and Chinese language instruction.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education. | |
SB 5715
by Senators Benton, Berkey, Hobbs, Prentice, Hatfield, Franklin, and Shin; by request of Insurance Commissioner
Concerning persons selling, soliciting, or negotiating insurance.
Revises provisions concerning persons selling, soliciting, or negotiating insurance.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Financial Institutions & Insurance. | |
SB 5716
by Senators Keiser, Kastama, Franklin, and Kline; by request of Insurance Commissioner
Regulating retainer health care practices.
Provides that a retainer practice may charge a retainer fee as consideration for being available to provide and providing all primary care services that are within the scope of the provider's license to a retainer subscriber during a specified service period if the retainer health care practice deposits the fee in one or more identifiable trust accounts and distributes the fee to the retainer practice at the end of the specified service period.Requires every retainer health care practice to maintain the following records for a period of five years, and upon request must make the following records available to the commissioner for review: (1) Forms of contracts between the retainer practice and retainer subscribers;(2) Documents relating to the creation and maintenance of any retainer fee trust accounts. However, any patient's personal identifying information may be withheld, unless otherwise authorized by the patient;(3) All advertising relating to the retainer practice and its services; and(4) All records relating to retainer fees received by the retainer health care practice. However, any patient's personal identifying information may be withheld, unless otherwise authorized by the patient.Directs the commissioner to adopt rules in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW establishing a standardized disclosure form to be distributed to all retainer subscribers with their enrollment forms. Such form will inform the subscriber patient of their financial rights and responsibilities to the retainer practice as provided for in this act, will encourage that the retainer patient obtain and maintain insurance for services not provided by the retainer practice, and that the provider will not bill a carrier for services covered under the retainer agreement. Such a standardized disclosure form shall be deemed sufficient disclosure of a retainer practice's obligations under this act.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 5717
by Senators Berkey, Hobbs, Prentice, Hatfield, and Franklin; 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 29 | First reading, referred to Financial Institutions & Insurance. | |
SB 5718
by Senators Kohl-Welles, Hargrove, Regala, Stevens, Keiser, and Rasmussen
Imposing penalties for engaging in the commercial sexual abuse of minors.
Establishes penalties for engaging in the commercial sexual abuse of minors.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections. | |
SB 5719
by Senators Kohl-Welles, Weinstein, Honeyford, Kauffman, Delvin, Kline, and Rasmussen
Restricting unsolicited direct mail marketing.
Requires the attorney general to establish and maintain a do not mail registry. The registry is a list of consumers who do not wish to receive unsolicited direct mail marketing. The attorney general may contract with a private vendor to establish and maintain the registry.Provides that no direct mail marketer shall mail or cause to be mailed any unsolicited direct mail marketing to any consumer more than thirty days after the consumer's name and address appears on the then current quarterly do not mail registry made available by the attorney general.Directs the attorney general to provide notice to consumers of the establishment of the do not mail registry. Any consumer who wishes to be included in the registry must notify the attorney general.Declares that violations of this act are punishable by a fine of two thousand dollars for each violation.Authorizes the attorney general to bring an action to enforce compliance with this act.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Consumer Protection & Housing. | |
SB 5720
by Senator Marr
Conforming legal notice broadcast requirements to current practice.
Conforms legal notice broadcast requirements to current practice.Repeals RCW 65.16.140.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 5721
by Senator Kohl-Welles
Concerning financial arrangements involving sports/entertainment facility license holders.
Declares that nothing in RCW 66.28.010 shall prohibit a manufacturer, importer, or distributor from entering into an arrangement with any holder of a sports/entertainment facility license or an affiliated business for brand advertising at the licensed facility or promoting events held at the sports/entertainment facility. The financial arrangement providing for the brand advertising or promotional events shall not be used as an inducement to purchase the products of the manufacturer, importer, distributor entering into the arrangement nor shall it result in the exclusion of brands or products of other companies.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5722
by Senators Regala, Haugen, Weinstein, and Rasmussen
Excluding common rodent traps from the definition of "body-gripping trap."
Excludes common rodent traps from the definition of "body-gripping trap."
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation. | |
SB 5723
by Senators Rasmussen, Clements, Hatfield, Roach, Shin, Morton, Kline, Schoesler, Haugen, Sheldon, Hargrove, Kohl-Welles, Fairley, Honeyford, Franklin, Keiser, Berkey, Kauffman, Kilmer, Jacobsen, Kastama, Benton, Zarelli, and Parlette
Creating and funding the community agricultural worker safety grant program.
Provides that grant recipients shall provide training for the state's agricultural workers in tractor and farm machinery skills and safety, pesticide training, adult basic skills, civics, English as a second language, commercial drivers' licensing, and other related topics. A grant recipient may receive up to two hundred fifty thousand dollars per year.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 agriculture for the purposes of this act.Appropriates the sum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the department of agriculture for the purposes of this act.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Rural Economic Development. | |
SB 5724
by Senators Prentice, Murray, Berkey, Weinstein, Kohl-Welles, Kauffman, Oemig, Kline, Regala, Eide, Hobbs, Poulsen, Pridemore, Jacobsen, Shin, Franklin, Rockefeller, Fraser, and Rasmussen
Providing for designating a survivor beneficiary in public pension systems.
Establishes provisions for designating a survivor beneficiary in public pension systems.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 5725
by Senators Franklin, Kline, Weinstein, Fairley, and Kohl-Welles
Making health care providers' billing statements admissible.
Provides that, in an arbitration proceeding or a court of law, health care providers' billing statements certified under RCW 70.02.070 for treatment provided to a patient are presumed to be the reasonable value of health care treatment and are admissible in evidence to establish that the charges are reasonable and customary charges in the community. The presumption that the charges are reasonable and customary may be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence. The presumption does not shift the burden of proof that the medical treatment was for medical conditions proximately caused by another's fault.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 5726
by Senators Weinstein, Kline, and Franklin
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 29 | First reading, referred to Consumer Protection & Housing. | |
SB 5727
by Senators Keiser, Zarelli, Kohl-Welles, Roach, Benton, Pridemore, Franklin, Clements, Kilmer, Fairley, Kline, Kastama, Oemig, Kauffman, and Rasmussen
Addressing the nursing facility medicaid payment system.
Revises provisions relating to the nursing facility medicaid payment system.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SJM 8007
by Senators Rasmussen, Roach, Hatfield, Schoesler, Clements, Shin, Morton, Haugen, Sheldon, Honeyford, Hargrove, Kohl-Welles, Kastama, Franklin, Benton, Kilmer, and Jacobsen
Requesting federal legislation to preserve the use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on public lands.
Requests federal legislation to preserve the use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on public lands.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation. | |
SJM 8008
by Senators Prentice, Rockefeller, Berkey, Weinstein, Kauffman, Marr, Oemig, Kline, Hobbs, Murray, Poulsen, Rasmussen, Kastama, Shin, Franklin, Hatfield, Sheldon, Kohl-Welles, Jacobsen, Fraser, Pridemore, and Kilmer
Asking that the federal government provide veterans' benefits owed to Filipino veterans.
Requests that the federal government provide veterans' benefits owed to Filipino veterans.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SJR 8218
by Senators Parlette, Haugen, Swecker, Benton, Stevens, Roach, and Kilmer
Providing property tax relief on the assessed value of real property based on the property owner's age.
Proposes an amendment to the state Constitution providing property tax relief on the assessed value of real property based on the property owner's age.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SJR 8219
by Senators Swecker, Hargrove, Benton, Sheldon, Holmquist, Carrell, Roach, Zarelli, Clements, Delvin, and Rasmussen
Defining marriage as between a male and a female.
Proposes an amendment to the state Constitution defining marriage as between a male and a female.
| Jan 29 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |