 | WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE | |
| Legislative Digest No. 21 | ||
| SIXTIETH LEGISLATURE | ||
| Wednesday, February 7, 2007 | 31st 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 1001-S
by House Committee on Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness (originally sponsored by Representatives Lovick, Priest, McCoy, Pearson, Kirby, Ross, Hunt, Skinner, Simpson, Newhouse, O'Brien, Armstrong, Ericks, Moeller, Miloscia, Grant, Sells, Green, Eickmeyer, Takko, Kelley, B. Sullivan, Hudgins, Cody, Haigh, Morrell, Chase, Ormsby, Kessler, Blake, Conway, Chandler, P. Sullivan, McDonald, Rodne, Haler, Jarrett, Roach, Walsh, Kristiansen, Wallace, McDermott, Condotta, VanDeWege, Dunshee, McCune, Kenney, Schual-Berke, Hinkle, Bailey, Lantz, Warnick, Upthegrove, Alexander, Campbell, and Rolfes)
Combating auto theft.
Declares an intent to deter motor vehicle theft through a statewide cooperative effort by combating motor vehicle theft through tough laws, supporting law enforcement activities, improving enforcement and administration, effective prosecution, public awareness, and meaningful treatment for first time offenders where appropriate. It is also the intent of the legislature to ensure that adequate funding is provided to implement this act in order for real, observable reductions in the number of auto thefts in Washington state.
| Jan 10 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 1 | Executive session in committee. | |
| PSEP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 6 | Referred to Human Services. | |
HB 1030-S
by House Committee on Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness (originally sponsored by Representatives Takko, Lovick, Simpson, Haler, Blake, Campbell, Ross, Skinner, Newhouse, Conway, Morrell, Chandler, McDonald, Rodne, Kristiansen, Wallace, Moeller, VanDeWege, McCune, Williams, Bailey, Warnick, Upthegrove, Alexander, and Pearson)
Enhancing the penalty for eluding a police vehicle.
Provides that the prosecuting attorney may file a special allegation of endangerment by eluding in every criminal case involving a charge of attempting to elude a police vehicle under RCW 46.61.024, when sufficient admissible evidence exists, to show that another person was threatened with physical injury or harm by the actions of the person committing the crime of attempting to elude a police vehicle.Provides that, in a criminal case in which there has been a special allegation the state shall prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the crime while endangering another person. The court shall make a finding of fact of whether or not another person was endangered at the time of the commission of the crime, or if a jury trial is had, the jury shall, if it finds the defendant guilty, also find a special verdict as to whether or not another person was endangered during the commission of the crime.Provides that an additional twelve months shall be added to the standard sentence range for a conviction of attempting to elude a police vehicle as defined by RCW 46.61.024, if the conviction included a finding by special allegation of endangering another person under this act.
| Jan 10 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 25 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 1 | Executive session in committee. | |
| PSEP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 5 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1055-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Hudgins, B. Sullivan, Morris, Dunshee, and Chase)
Defining alternative motor fuels.
Declares that "alcohol fuel" means any alcohol made from a product other than petroleum or natural gas that is used alone or in combination with gasoline or other petroleum products for use as a fuel in self-propelled motor vehicles.Declares that "alternative fuel" means all products or energy sources used to propel motor vehicles, other than conventional gasoline, diesel, or reformulated gasoline. Alternative fuel includes, but is not limited to, liquefied petroleum gas, liquefied natural gas, compressed natural gas, biodiesel fuel, E85 motor fuel, fuels containing seventy percent or more by volume of alcohol fuel, fuels that are derived from biomass, hydrogen fuel, nonhazardous motor fuel, or electricity, excluding onboard electric generation.Declares that "E85 motor fuel" means an alternative fuel that is a blend of ethanol and hydrocarbon of which the ethanol portion is nominally seventy-five to eighty-five percent denatured fuel ethanol by volume that complies with the most recent version of American society of testing and materials specification D 5798. Declares that "nonhazardous motor fuel" means any fuel of a type distributed for use in self-propelled motor vehicles that does not contain a hazardous liquid as defined in RCW 19.122.020.
| Jan 17 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 2 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 6 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1061-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Hudgins, Linville, and Morris)
Changing provisions concerning the siting of energy facilities.
Changing provisions concerning the siting of energy facilities.
| Jan 10 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 2 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 6 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1097-S
by House Committee on Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness (originally sponsored by Representatives Miloscia, Priest, Chase, Green, Ormsby, B. Sullivan, O'Brien, Morrell, Kenney, Moeller, Wallace, McCune, and Simpson)
Protecting frail elders and vulnerable adults and persons with developmental disabilities from perpetrators who commit their crimes while providing transportation, within the course of their employment, to frail elders and vulnerable adults and persons with developmental disabilities.
Protects frail elders and vulnerable adults and persons with developmental disabilities from perpetrators who commit their crimes while providing transportation, within the course of their employment, to frail elders and vulnerable adults and persons with developmental disabilities.
| Jan 25 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 1 | Executive session in committee. | |
| PSEP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 5 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1146-S
by House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives B. Sullivan, Kretz, Pettigrew, Hinkle, Linville, Kristiansen, Blake, Takko, Newhouse, Warnick, Hailey, Grant, Armstrong, Kessler, Kenney, Haigh, Moeller, and McCune)
Increasing the amount of money available to pay wildlife damage claims.
Increases the amount of money available to the department of fish and wildlife to pay claims under RCW 77.36.040 without requiring the legislature to declare an emergency.
| Jan 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 31 | Executive session in committee. | |
| AGNR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 2 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1147-S
by House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Kretz, B. Sullivan, Hinkle, Pettigrew, Linville, Kristiansen, Blake, Takko, Newhouse, Warnick, Hailey, Grant, Armstrong, Kessler, Wallace, Haigh, Moeller, Haler, and Condotta)
Concerning damage to livestock.
Creates the commercial livestock valuation committee to determine the market value of killed or injured commercial livestock for the purposes of reimbursing the owner under RCW 77.36.040.
| Jan 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 31 | Executive session in committee. | |
| AGNR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 2 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1182-S
by House Committee on Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness (originally sponsored by Representatives Ericks, O'Brien, Lovick, Armstrong, Ormsby, McDonald, Haler, Simpson, and Wallace)
Modifying missing persons provisions.
Declares that it is the intent of this act to build upon the research and findings of the Washington state missing persons task force, assembled by the state attorney general in 2003, the United States department of justice, and the initiative taken in chapter 102, Laws of 2006, by the legislature to aid in recovery of missing persons and the identification of human remains.
| Jan 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 1 | Executive session in committee. | |
| PSEP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 5 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1215-S
by House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representative McDonald)
Prohibiting the sale, purchase, or use of alcohol vaporizing devices.
Declares that a person may not sell, offer for sale, purchase, use, or offer for use an alcohol vaporizing device.Provides that, in addition to any other penalties that may apply by rule, a violation of this act is punishable under RCW 66.44.180.Does not apply to vaporizing devices used for medical or scientific research purposes.Declares that an "alcohol vaporizing device" means any mechanical or electrical apparatus that mixes liquor or other alcohol product with oxygen or other gas to produce a vapor or mist for the purpose of inhaling.
| Jan 26 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 1 | Executive session in committee. | |
| CL - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 5 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1248-S
by House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Linville, B. Sullivan, Blake, VanDeWege, and Ericksen)
Redirecting certain moneys for the benefit of department of fish and wildlife programs.
Directs the department to deposit the following into the regional fisheries enhancement group account: (1) All revenue from a surcharge of one hundred dollars, which shall be collected on each commercial salmon fishery license, salmon delivery license, and salmon charter license sold in the state;(2) All revenue from the department's sale of salmon carcasses and eggs that return to group facilities; and(3)(a) Two dollars for each recreational fishing license sold to an individual intending to fish for salmon, steelhead, marine fish, or sturgeon. (b) To determine the number of individuals intending to fish for salmon, steelhead, marine fish, or sturgeon, the department shall conduct an annual survey of a portion of the individuals who purchased a recreational fishing license in that year. The survey must be designed to determine the percentage of licensees surveyed who intended to, or actually did, fish for salmon, steelhead, marine fish, or sturgeon.Requires: (1) The commission to retain a buffer between the allotments from the wildlife account and the anticipated revenues;(2) All new personnel positions to be approved by the office of financial management; and(3) The submission and update of a six-year financial plan for the wildlife account.Repeals RCW 77.32.510.
| Jan 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 31 | Executive session in committee. | |
| AGNR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 2 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1249-S
by House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Blake, Kretz, Orcutt, Takko, and Haigh)
Authorizing a one-year deferral of hunter education training.
Provides that the director may authorize a once in a lifetime, one license year deferral of hunter education training for individuals who are accompanied by a nondeferred Washington-licensed hunter over eighteen years of age. The commission may adopt rules for the administration of this provision.Provides that if either the deferred education licensee or the required nondeferred accompanying person, hunting under the authority of RCW 77.32.155(2), is convicted of a violation of Title 77 RCW, except for a violation of RCW 77.15.400 (1) through (3), the department shall revoke all hunting licenses and tags and order a suspension of both the deferred education licensee and the nondeferred accompanying person's hunting privileges for one year.
| Jan 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 31 | Executive session in committee. | |
| AGNR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 2 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1307-S
by House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Upthegrove, Lantz, Williams, O'Brien, Sells, McCoy, Appleton, Darneille, Lovick, Dunshee, Takko, Pedersen, Simpson, Dickerson, Moeller, McIntire, Schual-Berke, Quall, Springer, and Morrell)
Regarding freedom of speech and press for high school and college students.
Finds that freedom of expression and freedom of the press are fundamental principles in our democratic society granted to every citizen of this state and the nation by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and by Article 1, section 5 of the state Constitution. These freedoms provide all citizens, including students, with the right to engage in robust and uninhibited discussion of issues.Finds that court decisions have not provided adequate protection for the free speech and free press rights of students.Declares an intent to ensure free speech and free press protections for both high school and college students in the state in order to encourage students to become educated, informed, and responsible members of society.
| Jan 26 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 31 | Executive session in committee. | |
| JUDI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 6 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1338-S
by House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives P. Sullivan, Newhouse, B. Sullivan, and Santos)
Authorizing the Washington beer commission to receive gifts, grants, and endowments.
Authorizes the Washington beer commission to receive gifts, grants, and endowments until July 1, 2009.
| Jan 30 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 2 | Executive session in committee. | |
| SGTA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 6 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1346-S
by House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Wood, Conway, and Moeller; by request of Gambling Commission)
Allowing the exclusion of certain people from licensed gambling premises.
Declares that the exclusion of certain persons from gambling premises that conduct licensed gambling activities is necessary to carry out the policies of chapter 9.46 RCW and to effectively maintain the strict regulation of gambling.Authorizes the commission to, by rule, provide for the establishment of a list of persons who are to be excluded from licensed gambling premises.Requires the commission's rules to define the standards for exclusion and must include standards relating to persons: (1) Who are career or professional offenders or involved in organized crime;(2) Who have been convicted of a criminal violation of a gambling law of any state or of the United States, or who have been convicted of any felony including, but not limited to, theft, extortion, conspiracy to defraud, or any similar offense involving, or in connection with, any gambling activity; or(3) Who have been excluded under similar involuntary exclusion laws or rules of any other state or nation that regulates gambling.Provides that, race, color, creed, national origin or ancestry, gender, or other discriminatory reasons shall not be used to place any person upon the list of exclusion.Provides that a person on the list of excluded persons who enters a gambling premises is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
| Jan 25 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 1 | Executive session in committee. | |
| CL - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 2 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2031
by Representatives Eddy and Simpson
Addressing the timing of accrual of property tax revenues.
Revises provisions addressing the timing of accrual of property tax revenues.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 2032
by Representatives Takko and Hinkle
Concerning the tax deferral application process for fruit and vegetable processing and storage.
Allows applications for the fruit and vegetable processing and storage tax deferral before July 1, 2007.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 2033
by Representatives Ormsby, Campbell, Fromhold, Haigh, Armstrong, P. Sullivan, Conway, Green, Kagi, Hunt, McIntire, McDermott, McCoy, Buri, Williams, Miloscia, Linville, Moeller, DeBolt, McDonald, Priest, Condotta, Roberts, and Simpson
Authorizing payroll deductions for retiree organization dues.
Authorizes payroll deductions for retiree organization dues.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 2034
by Representatives Jarrett, Clibborn, Roberts, and Hurst
Providing a civil cause of action for victims of motor vehicle theft.
Allows a person who is deprived of his or her motor vehicle because of a violation of RCW 9A.56.030, 9A.56.040, 9A.56.070, or 9A.56.075 to file an action in superior court against the perpetrator for the recovery of actual damages.Requires the department of licensing to suspend the driver's license or driving privilege of a defendant until any monetary obligation imposed is paid in full, unless the defendant has entered into a payment plan.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 2035
by Representatives P. Sullivan, Jarrett, Roach, and Anderson
Providing an alternative method for withdrawal from public hospital districts for smaller cities.
Provides that, as an alternative procedure to RCW 70.44.400, territory within an incorporated city of less than twenty thousand in population may be withdrawn from a public hospital district in the following manner and upon the following conditions: The petition for withdrawal shall be in writing and shall designate the boundaries of the territory proposed to be withdrawn from the district and shall be signed by at least fifteen percent of the qualified voters residing within the territory so designated who are qualified voters on the date of filing such petition. The proposed area to be withdrawn must comprise all residents within an incorporated city.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 2036
by Representatives VanDeWege, Hailey, Campbell, Blake, Condotta, Kessler, Warnick, Williams, Kretz, Sump, Takko, Linville, Moeller, Grant, Ormsby, Dunshee, O'Brien, Upthegrove, Pearson, Simpson, Conway, and Hurst
Protecting sport shooting ranges.
Protects a person who operates or uses a sport shooting range in this state.Makes rules adopted by any state department or agency for limiting levels of noise in terms of decibel level that may occur in the outdoor atmosphere not applicable to a sport shooting range exempted under this act.Declares that a person who participates in sport shooting at a sport shooting range accepts the risks associated with the sport to the extent the risks are obvious and inherent.Takes effect immediately.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 2037
by Representative Williams
Regulating polygraph examiners.
Regulates all persons who purport to be able to detect deception or to verify truth of statements through the use of instrumentation or mechanical devices, including but not limited to lie detectors, polygraphs, or similar or related devices and instruments, without regard to the nomenclature.Makes it a violation, and gross misdemeanor, for: (1) A person, including a city, county, or state employee, to perform the functions and duties of a polygraph examiner in this state without being licensed in accordance with this act;(2) A person to present or attempt to use the license of another as his or her own license;(3) A person to give false or forged evidence of any kind to the director in obtaining a license;(4) A person to falsely impersonate any other licensee; or(5) A person to attempt to use an expired or revoked license.Creates the polygraph examiner's advisory committee.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 2038
by Representatives B. Sullivan, Armstrong, Lantz, and Appleton; by request of Department of Ecology
Modifying water power license fees.
Increases water power license fees in accordance with the fiscal growth factor as provided by the office of financial management.Provides an additional fee schedule.Requires the department of ecology to submit a progress report to the appropriate committees of the legislature prior to December 31, 2009, and biennially thereafter.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources. | |
HB 2039
by Representatives Kelley, Morrell, Green, Jarrett, Linville, Warnick, Bailey, Grant, Roach, McDonald, Walsh, Rodne, Wallace, Buri, Priest, Williams, Dunn, Upthegrove, Darneille, Appleton, Campbell, Ericks, Ormsby, Simpson, Conway, and Hurst
Increasing the disposable income requirements for property tax deferral eligibility for senior citizens and persons retired because of disability.
Increases the disposable income requirements for property tax deferral eligibility for senior citizens and persons retired because of disability.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 2040
by Representatives Hinkle, B. Sullivan, Sump, Pettigrew, Ross, Kretz, Warnick, Hailey, Ahern, and Upthegrove
Providing sales and use tax exemptions for the processing of meat products for human consumption.
Provides sales and use tax exemptions for the processing of meat products for human consumption.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 2041
by Representatives Jarrett, Simpson, Curtis, Clibborn, Campbell, Armstrong, Ormsby, Schindler, Wallace, P. Sullivan, Ericksen, and Linville
Clarifying goals, objectives, and responsibilities of certain transportation agencies.
Serves to clarify existing goals, objectives, and responsibilities related to the operation of the statewide transportation system.Requires the commission to consider the input gathered at regional forums as it establishes the statewide transportation plan.Requires the office of financial management to propose a comprehensive ten-year investment program for preservation and improvement programs.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2042
by Representatives Chandler, Condotta, Hailey, and Kretz
Regarding public access to negotiations and records concerning public employee representatives.
Provides that collective bargaining sessions with employee organizations specified in RCW 41.56.026 and 41.56.028 shall be conducted as open public meetings as provided for in chapter 42.30 RCW.Provides that collective bargaining sessions with employee organizations under chapter 41.80 RCW shall be conducted as open public meetings as provided for in chapter 42.30 RCW.Provides that records before and during the course of any collective bargaining, labor negotiations, or grievance or mediation proceedings that would reveal the strategy or position being taken by an agency are exempt from disclosure.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 2043
by Representatives Santos, Upthegrove, Ericks, and Hasegawa
Establishing the recruiting diverse Washington teachers program.
Establishes the recruiting diverse Washington teachers program to recruit and provide training and support for diverse high school students to enter the teaching profession, especially in teacher shortage areas. The program shall be administered by the Washington professional educator standards board.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
HB 2044
by Representatives Pettigrew, Dunshee, Jarrett, Lantz, McIntire, Dickerson, Moeller, Kagi, Appleton, Darneille, Ericks, Ormsby, Linville, and Simpson
Creating the Washington voluntary retirement accounts program.
Creates the Washington voluntary retirement accounts program.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2045
by Representatives Springer and Simpson
Requiring cooperation regarding the designation and modification of urban growth areas.
Requires a county to reach agreement with each city on the location of an urban growth area within which the city is located, including adoption of development standards that are consistent with those of the city or cities within each urban growth area within the county.Requires a county or counties to reach agreement with each city on the location of an urban growth area that contains no city, but is located within one mile of the city boundary, including adoption of development standards that are consistent with those of the city or cities within one mile of such an urban growth area.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 2046
by Representatives Schindler and Springer
Requiring the use of the scientific method when regulating for the protection of environmentally critical areas.
Requires that in designating and protecting critical areas under this act, counties and cities use the scientific method as set forth in RCW 90.58.100(1) to develop policies and development regulations that assure no net loss of the functions and values of critical areas that existed at the time of their designation pursuant to RCW 36.70A.170.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 2047
by Representative McDermott
Regarding reporting requirements for statewide ballot measure committees.
Requires that political committees report contributions and expenditures in an accelerated manner close to elections in which they participate. Provides that in addition to the other reporting provisions, the treasurer of a statewide ballot measure committee shall file with the commission a report containing the information required by RCW 42.17.090 on the twenty-first day and the seventh day immediately preceding the final date on which a signature petition for an initiative to the people or a referendum measure is due to the secretary of state.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 2048
by Representatives O'Brien, Chandler, Wood, Williams, Moeller, Conway, and Condotta
Modifying the requirements for executing assignment and warranty of title when the purchaser or transferee is a dealer.
Provides that if the purchaser or transferee is a dealer he or she shall, on selling, leasing, or otherwise disposing of the vehicle, promptly execute the assignment and warranty of title, in such form as the director shall prescribe, unless the dealer has rejected a contract subject to future acceptance under RCW 46.70.180(4). If the dealer has rejected a contract subject to future acceptance under RCW 46.70.180(4), the dealer is not required to execute an assignment and warranty of title.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2049
by Representatives Rolfes, Strow, Appleton, Hunt, Springer, McDermott, VanDeWege, Seaquist, McCoy, Eickmeyer, and Lantz
Authorizing the creation of marine resource committees.
Provides that a marine resource committee may be created by the legislative authority of any city or county bordering the marine waters of Puget Sound, in cooperation with all appropriate special districts within their boundaries.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Select Committee on Puget Sound. | |
HB 2050
by Representative Anderson
Excluding from employment services performed by language translators and interpreters for others through agents and brokers.
Excludes from employment services performed by language translators and interpreters for others through agents and brokers.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 2051
by Representatives Anderson and Jarrett
Enhancing higher education accountability.
Declares that the higher education data center shall be established in the office of financial management and act in collaboration with legislative committee staff. The higher education data center shall conduct analyses of higher education issues, and issues that pertain to student transition into higher education. The higher education data center shall be considered an education research agency under applicable federal and state statutes for purposes of receiving and processing student record data for research purposes.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Higher Education. | |
HB 2052
by Representatives McCoy, Rodne, Appleton, and O'Brien
Modifying disposition orders.
Provides that the court, on its own motion or upon the motion of any party, whether or not the respondent has violated any terms of the order of disposition, may modify the order of disposition for good cause shown, so long as the modification does not result in any increased sanction or penalty. In determining whether good cause exists, the court shall consider the best interests of the respondent and the community.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Human Services. | |
HB 2053
by Representatives Goodman, Springer, O'Brien, Dunshee, Eddy, Blake, Lovick, Upthegrove, Green, Simpson, and Hurst
Providing for improved availability of motor vehicle fuel during power outages or interruptions in electrical service.
Requires that each motor fuel retail outlet purchase and install equipment that provides an alternative means of generating electric power for purposes of operating all fuel pumps and payment acceptance equipment in the event of an electric power outage or interruption in electric service.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness. | |
HB 2054
by Representatives Goodman, O'Brien, Williams, Springer, Dunshee, Simpson, Lovick, Roach, Kelley, Green, Roberts, and Hurst
Reporting identity theft cases.
Provides that the Washington state patrol shall create and maintain a call center and a statewide web site that shall be available for the filing of incident reports relating to identity crimes under chapter 9.35 RCW.Declares that a person who has learned or reasonably suspects that his or her financial information or means of identification has been unlawfully obtained, used by, or disclosed to another, as described in this chapter, may file an incident report with the Washington state patrol via the call center or web site established by this act. The Washington state patrol shall create a police incident report of the matter, provide the complainant with a copy of that report with a corresponding case number within forty-eight hours, and may refer the incident report to another appropriate law enforcement agency.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness. | |
HB 2055
by Representatives Flannigan, Ahern, McCoy, Ormsby, and Santos
Concerning traumatic brain injuries.
Provides a comprehensive plan to help individuals with traumatic brain injuries meet their needs.Creates the Washington traumatic brain injury strategic partnership advisory council.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Human Services. | |
HB 2056
by Representatives Lantz, Goodman, Sells, McCoy, Hunt, and Simpson
Requiring recycling receptacles at official gatherings and sports facilities.
Requires recycling receptacles at official gatherings and sports facilities.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources. | |
HB 2057
by Representatives Lovick, O'Brien, Kelley, Green, Simpson, Conway, and Hurst
Addressing identity theft.
Establishes a work group on identity theft check processes.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness. | |
HB 2058
by Representatives Kenney, McDermott, McIntire, Ormsby, Lantz, and Santos; by request of Secretary of State
Administering the Washington talking book and Braille library.
Transfers all real and personal assets used in the operation of the Washington talking book and Braille library from the city of Seattle to the state of Washington in a manner consistent with Moses Lake school district No. 161, et al., respondents, v. Big Bend community college and the state board of community colleges, 81 Wn.2d 551, 503 P.2d 86 (1972).
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 2059
by Representatives Miloscia, Schindler, Kelley, Eddy, Quall, McCune, Simpson, and Hurst
Providing for the property valuation of affordable multifamily rental housing.
Provides that sales of affordable multifamily housing involving nonprofits or housing authorities shall not be used as sales of similar property, nor may any other transaction involving an affordable multifamily rental housing project be used, when the price paid does not reflect government restrictions on use, actual net operating income, and typical investor motivations or financing. Sales of conventional multifamily projects that have no affordable rent restrictions shall not be used as sales of similar housing without applying a cash equivalency and a net operating income adjustment. The sales comparison approach shall be deemed secondary to the direct capitalization of income approach.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Housing. | |
HB 2060
by Representatives Hankins, Conway, Armstrong, Lantz, Condotta, Goodman, Hinkle, Chase, Jarrett, Hunt, Williams, Anderson, Haler, Pedersen, Clibborn, Moeller, Flannigan, Rodne, Buri, Appleton, Ormsby, and Santos; by request of Secretary of State
Funding the Washington state heritage center.
Establishes fees to be used for financing the Washington state heritage center.Creates the Washington state heritage center account.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2061
by Representatives P. Sullivan, Appleton, Ormsby, Simpson, and Santos
Requiring an examination and recommendations regarding staffing and funding levels of classified staff in schools.
Provides that the superintendent of public instruction shall examine current classified school staffing patterns and trends in school districts and identify the levels of staffing, by type of staff, necessary to support an effective learning environment. The superintendent shall examine the extent to which classified staff are serving local and federally funded supplemental programs and the extent to which classified staff support state-funded programs. Based on this examination, the superintendent shall recommend a staffing and funding level and methodology for state-supported classified school employees. The superintendent shall also recommend a strategic plan for increasing state support for classified school employees.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
HJM 4017
by Representatives Kessler and VanDeWege
Naming portions of Highways 112 and 113 the Korean War Veteran's Blue Star Memorial Highway.
Requests that the Washington State Transportation Commission commence proceedings to name Highway 113 in Clallam County between the junction of Highway 101 (Sappho) and the junction of Highway 112, and Highway 112 from the junction of Highway 113 to the Makah Indian Reservation in Neah Bay the "Korean War Veteran's Blue Star Memorial Highway(s)," and to install appropriate signs on the portion of the highway(s) containing the words "Korean War Veteran's Blue Star Memorial Highway" to honor the service and sacrifices of all who served in that war.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
SB 5015-S
by Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Jacobsen, Poulsen, and Shin)
Designating the state ornithologist.
Requires the director to appoint a person with avian expertise as the Washington state ornithologist.Declares that the state ornithologist serves primarily as a source of expertise to the department and other state agencies regarding bird research and conservation. He or she also serves to assist the public in bird conservation efforts, including bird feeding, bird nesting, and designing bird friendly yards. The state ornithologist will also assist the governor, state agencies, and the legislature in the design of bird conservation programs and policies, these conservation efforts shall be pursued as one part of the ecosystem-based management approach by the department and other wildlife management agencies and organizations.
| Jan 25 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 1 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 2 | NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5039-S
by Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance (originally sponsored by Senators Eide, Murray, Marr, Shin, Rockefeller, Weinstein, Rasmussen, Kauffman, Keiser, Jacobsen, Haugen, and Kohl-Welles)
Providing for the state investment board to manage scholarship endowment funds.
Provides that the investment of funds from all scholarship endowment programs administered by the higher education coordinating board shall be managed by the state investment board.Declares that the state investment board has the full power to invest, reinvest, manage, contract, sell, or exchange investment money in scholarship endowment funds. All investment and operating costs associated with the investment of a scholarship endowment fund shall be paid pursuant to RCW 43.33A.160 and 43.84.160. With the exception of these expenses, the earnings from the investments of the fund belong to the fund.
| Jan 16 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 31 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 2 | FI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5054-S
by Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Kastama, Haugen, Fairley, Roach, Kline, and Kilmer; by request of Military Department)
Concerning limited emergency worker volunteer immunity.
Provides that no act or omission by a covered volunteer emergency worker while engaged in a covered activity shall impose any liability for civil damages resulting from such an act or omission upon: (1) The covered volunteer emergency worker;(2) The supervisor or supervisors of the covered volunteer emergency worker;(3) Any facility or their officers or employees;(4) The employer of the covered volunteer emergency worker;(5) The owner of the property or vehicle where the act or omission may have occurred during the covered activity;(6) Any local organization that registered the covered volunteer emergency worker; and(7) The state or any state or local governmental entity.Applies only when the covered volunteer emergency worker was engaged in a covered activity: (1) Within the scope of his or her assigned duties;(2) Under the direction of a local emergency management organization or the department, or a local law enforcement agency for search and rescue; and(3) The act or omission does not constitute gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.Repeals RCW 38.52.570.
| Jan 23 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 29 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Jan 30 | GO - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5087-S
by Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Swecker, and Murray)
Addressing Washington state compliance with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005.
Provides that a state agency or program may not expend funds to implement or comply with the REAL ID Act of 2005, P.L. 109-13, unless: (1) The requirements of this act are met; and(2) Federal funds are received by the state of Washington and are: (a) allocated to fund the implementation of the REAL ID Act of 2005 in the state; and (b) in amounts sufficient to cover the costs of the state implementing or complying with the REAL ID Act of 2005, as those costs are estimated by the office of financial management.Requires that, before issuing a driver's license or identicard that complies with the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005, P.L. 109-13, and before storing or including data about Washington state residents in any database, records facility, or computer system for purposes of meeting the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005, the department of licensing shall certify that the driver's license, identicard, database, records facility, computer system, and the department's personnel screening and training procedures: (1) Include all reasonable security measures to protect the privacy of Washington state residents;(2) Include all reasonable safeguards to protect against unauthorized disclosure of data; and(3) Do not place unreasonable costs or recordkeeping burdens on a driver's license or identicard applicant.Authorizes the department of licensing and the office of financial management to analyze the costs and burdens to the state of Washington, and to applicants of drivers' licenses or identicards, of complying with the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005, P.L. 109-13, and any related federal regulations.Authorizes the attorney general to, with approval of the governor, challenge the legality or constitutionality of the REAL ID Act of 2005.
| Jan 23 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 29 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Jan 31 | TRAN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5093-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Marr, Keiser, Franklin, Shin, Fairley, Hobbs, Weinstein, Kauffman, Pridemore, Oemig, Eide, Brown, Tom, Kohl-Welles, Regala, McAuliffe, Spanel, Rockefeller, and Rasmussen; by request of Governor Gregoire)
Concerning access to health care services for children.
Finds that healthy children are ready to learn. In order to provide students with the opportunity to become responsible citizens, to contribute to their own economic well-being and to that of their families and communities, and to enjoy productive and satisfying lives, the state recognizes the importance that access to appropriate health services and improved health brings to the children of Washington state. In addition, fully immunized children are themselves protected, and in turn protect others, from contracting communicable diseases.Provides that, consistent with the goals established in RCW 74.09.402, through the program authorized in this act, the department shall provide affordable health care coverage to children under the age of nineteen who reside in Washington state and whose family income at the time of enrollment is not greater than two hundred fifty percent of the federal poverty level as adjusted for family size and determined annually by the federal department of health and human services, and effective January 1, 2009, to children whose family income is not greater than three hundred percent of the federal poverty level. In administering the program, the department shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure the receipt of federal financial participation under the medical assistance program, as codified at Title XIX of the federal social security act, the state children's health insurance program, as codified at Title XXI of the federal social security act, and any other federal funding sources that are now available or may become available in the future.Requires the department, in collaboration with the department of health, health carriers, local public health jurisdictions, children's health care providers including pediatricians, family practitioners, and pediatric subspecialists, parents, and other purchasers, to identify explicit performance measures that indicate that a child has an established and effective medical home, such as: (1) Childhood immunization rates;(2) Well child care utilization rates, including the use of validated, structured developmental assessment tools that include behavioral and oral health screening;(3) Care management for children with chronic illnesses;(4) Emergency room utilization; and(5) Preventive oral health service utilization.Requires performance measures and targets for each performance measure to be completed by September 1, 2007.Declares that it is the goal of Washington state to ensure that: (1) By 2010, all K-12 districts have school health advisory committees that advise school administration and school board members on policies, environmental changes, and programs needed to support healthy food choice and physical activity and childhood fitness; and(2) By 2010, only healthy food and beverages shall be available on school campuses.Repeals RCW 74.09.405, 74.09.415, 74.09.425, 74.09.435, and 74.09.450.
| Jan 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 29 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Jan 30 | HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Feb 6 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 5098-S
by Senate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Rockefeller, Keiser, Weinstein, Fairley, Marr, Murray, Kastama, Kohl-Welles, Rasmussen, McAuliffe, Kauffman, Kilmer, Tom, and Shin)
Creating the Washington guaranteed scholarship program.
Declares an intent to inspire and encourage all Washington students to dream big by creating a guaranteed four-year tuition scholarship program for students from low-income families and those students that may be the first in their family to attend college.Finds that, too often, financial barriers prevent many of the brightest students from considering college as a future possibility. Often the cost of tuition coupled with the complexity of finding and applying for financial aid is enough to prevent a student from even applying to college. Many students become disconnected from the education system early on and may give up or drop out before graduation.Declares an intent to alert students early in their educational career to the options and opportunities available beyond high school.
| Jan 24 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 31 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 1 | HIE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5101-S
by Senate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Hobbs, McAuliffe, Fairley, Weinstein, Marr, Shin, Oemig, Fraser, Kline, Regala, Rasmussen, Tom, Kohl-Welles, and Haugen)
Expanding higher education tuition waivers to include certain certificated instructional staff.
Expands higher education tuition waivers to include certain certificated instructional staff.
| Jan 24 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 31 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 1 | HIE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5118-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Brandland, Keiser, Murray, Prentice, McAuliffe, Marr, and Shin)
Developing sexual harassment policies, procedures, and mandatory training for all state employees.
Requires the director to adopt rules establishing guidelines for policies, procedures, and mandatory training programs on sexual harassment for state employees to be adopted by state agencies and establishing reporting requirements for state agencies on compliance with this act.Requires agencies to: (1) Update or develop and disseminate among all agency employees and contractors a policy that: (a) defines and prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace; (b) includes procedures that describe how the agency will address concerns of employees who are affected by sexual harassment in the workplace; (c) identifies appropriate sanctions and disciplinary actions; and (d) complies with guidelines adopted by the director of personnel under this act;(2) Respond promptly and effectively to sexual harassment concerns;(3) Conduct training and education for all employees in order to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment in the organization;(4) Inform employees of their right to file a complaint with the Washington state human rights commission under chapter 49.60 RCW, or with the federal equal employment opportunity commission under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; and(5) Report to the department of personnel on compliance with this act.Declares that the cost of the training programs shall be borne by state agencies within existing resources.
| Jan 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 25 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Jan 29 | LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5122-S
by Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Rockefeller and Swecker; by request of Office of Financial Management)
Preserving regulatory assistance provisions.
Preserves the current regulatory assistance program with cost reimbursement changes.Requires that, by July 1, 2008, the joint legislative audit and review committee shall report to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature on the compliance of the office of regulatory assistance with the sunset review proposed final report, January 4, 2007, findings and recommendations.
| Jan 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 29 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Jan 30 | GO - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| On motion, referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Feb 6 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 5135-S
by Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators Eide, Hobbs, Keiser, Weinstein, Tom, and Rasmussen)
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 25 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 1 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 2 | EDU - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5174-S
by Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Pridemore and Schoesler; by request of Select Committee on Pension Policy)
Making corrections in the public retirement systems.
Makes technical corrections in the public retirement systems.
| Jan 18 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 30 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 1 | WM - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5183-S
by Senate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Hatfield, Roach, Pridemore, Poulsen, Holmquist, Sheldon, Fairley, Keiser, Kline, Kilmer, Hobbs, Kauffman, Rasmussen, and Kohl-Welles)
Regarding cost savings on course materials for students at community and technical colleges.
Amends RCW 28B.10.950 regarding cost savings on course materials for students at community and technical colleges.
| Jan 24 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 31 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 1 | HIE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5213-S
by Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senator Jacobsen)
Promoting coordinated ocean management policies.
Requires the ocean policy advisory council to adopt the final report of the Washington state ocean policy work group entitled "Washington's Ocean Action Plan: Enhancing Management of Washington State's Ocean and Outer Coasts" and shall work with state and local governments to implement the priority recommendations appropriate for immediate action. For those priority recommendations that are not ready for immediate action, the ocean policy advisory council shall develop an implementation plan that includes the council's strategy for implementation by July 1, 2008. The ocean policy advisory council shall identify, where necessary, additional resources or legislation necessary for implementation.Declares an intent to direct a review of the state's existing program and the submission of additional state and local government policies to the national oceanic and atmospheric administration for inclusion in such a program, and to direct that maximum state efforts be directed toward implementing the state's role in federal consistency determinations to ensure that state and local policies influence federal agency actions affecting the state's coastal zone.Designates the department of ecology as the principal state agency for administering the provisions of the federal coastal zone management act (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1451 et seq.), as it exists on January 1, 2007, and is authorized to receive and administer federal grants to implement the act. The department of ecology, in the implementation of the network of state and local policies and programs comprising the state coastal zone management program, shall enter into agreements of administration with other state agencies and local governments as appropriate to fully and effectively implement all elements of the state's federally approved coastal zone management program.
| Jan 15 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 25 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Jan 29 | NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| On motion, referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5223-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Keiser, Parlette, Franklin, Kastama, Kohl-Welles, Pflug, Regala, Rasmussen, and Kline)
Providing insurance coverage to dependent children.
Revises provisions relating to providing insurance coverage to dependent children.
| Jan 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 29 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Jan 30 | HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5225-S
by Senate Committee on Water, Energy & Telecommunications (originally sponsored by Senators Oemig, Poulsen, Honeyford, and Spanel; by request of Utilities & Transportation Commission)
Modifying gas and hazardous liquid pipeline provisions.
Repeals RCW 80.28.205, 80.28.207, 80.28.210, 80.28.212, 80.28.215, and 81.88.150.
| Jan 26 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 30 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 1 | WET - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5235-S
by Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance (originally sponsored by Senators Prentice, Zarelli, Berkey, Hobbs, Kilmer, Benton, Brandland, Fairley, Schoesler, Hewitt, Rockefeller, Rasmussen, Franklin, Shin, Holmquist, and Roach)
Modifying provisions relating to the business and occupation taxation of mortgage brokers.
Provides that upon every person engaging within this state as a mortgage broker licensed under chapter 19.146 RCW; as to such persons, the amount of the tax with respect to such licensed activities shall be equal to the gross income of the business multiplied by the rate of 0.484 percent.
| Jan 17 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 31 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 2 | FI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| On motion, referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5888
by Senators Poulsen and Morton
Modifying the competitive classification of telecommunications services.
Declares that in determining whether a service is competitive, the commission may consider the number and size of alternative providers of services, including those not subject to commission jurisdiction.Provides that the commission may also classify as competitive: (1) Any telecommunications service or class of service that it finds not to be an essential service; or(2) Any package or bundle of services where each essential service in the package or bundle is readily and separately available to customers at fair, just, and reasonable prices, and the price of the bundle or package is equal to or greater than the cost for tariffed services plus the cost of any competitive service.Recognizes that the term "essential service" includes but is not limited to: (1) Voice grade access to the public switched network;(2) Local usage;(3) Dual tone multifrequency signaling or its functional equivalent;(4) Single-party service or its functional equivalent;(5) Access to: (a) emergency services; (b) operator services; (c) local directory assistance; (d) telephone relay services; (e) interexchange service; and(6) Toll limitation and lifeline service for qualifying low-income consumers.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Telecommunications. | |
SB 5889
by Senators Tom, Holmquist, Hewitt, Clements, Zarelli, McAuliffe, Pridemore, Oemig, Shin, Rasmussen, and Kilmer
Funding assessment fees for certificated instructional staff applying for national board for professional teaching standards certification.
Finds that the national board for professional teaching standards has established high and rigorous standards for what highly accomplished teachers should know and be able to do in order to increase students' learning results.Provides that certificated instructional staff who have met the eligibility requirements and have applied for certification from the national board for professional teaching standards shall receive funding for the assessment fee.Declares that the superintendent of public instruction shall identify criteria for selecting recipients if more than one thousand certified instructional staff seek funding assistance for national board certification.Provides an appropriation of two million five hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the superintendent of public instruction for the purposes of this act.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education. | |
| Feb 8 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 5890
by Senators Tom, Honeyford, Kilmer, McCaslin, Keiser, and Delvin
Creating a committee on residential construction.
Finds that homeowners have experienced problems in residential construction, resulting in great economic loss, and that there are limited remedies available at law, if any.Creates a committee on residential construction, which consists of members who have experience and expertise in residential construction law or residential construction.Provides that the committee shall deliver to the consumer protection and housing committee of the senate and the judiciary committee of the house of representatives a report of the findings and conclusions of the committee and any proposed legislation by December 31, 2007.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Consumer Protection & Housing. | |
SB 5891
by Senators Tom, Kline, Regala, and Spanel
Creating an income tax upon professional athletes.
Creates a tax equal to ten percent on the adjusted gross income of a professional athlete derived from Washington sources in compensation for professional athletic labor or services.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 5892
by Senators Honeyford, McCaslin, Tom, Delvin, and Stevens
Regarding the state building code.
Allows a cause of action for damages based on the negligent failure of a county or city to enforce the provisions of the state building code.Provides for standards and specifications for making buildings and facilities accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.Declares that a county or city is liable for damages caused by their negligent failure to enforce the provisions of the state building code, and that liability of a county or city is limited to fifty percent of the actual damages proved.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 5893
by Senators Honeyford, Sheldon, McCaslin, Morton, Clements, Stevens, Holmquist, Benton, Carrell, Parlette, Roach, and Delvin
Reducing the state property tax levy.
Reduces the state property tax levy for collection in: (1) 2008, by 14.17 percent of the levy amount; and(2) 2009, by 13.85 percent of the levy amount.Declares that the tax reduction is in addition to any other tax reduction legislation that may be enacted by the legislature.Provides that state levies for collection in 2010 and thereafter shall be set.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 5894
by Senators Rockefeller, Poulsen, Fraser, Oemig, Shin, and Carrell; by request of Department of Health
Clarifying the regulatory authority for on-site sewage systems.
Declares that the purpose of this act is to establish, in a single state agency, comprehensive regulation of the design, operation, and maintenance of large on-site sewage systems, and their operators, that provides both public health and environmental protection.Declares the permitting and continuing oversight of large on-site sewage systems.Directs the state department of health to establish standards and rules for the siting, design, construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of large on-site sewage systems, and to enforce the standards and rules established.Amends chapters 70.118 and 70.05 RCW to enhance local health officer enforcement authority regarding on-site systems.Exempts operators certified by the department of health.Amends RCW 36.94.010 to clarify its applicability to large on-site sewage systems.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Telecommunications. | |
SB 5895
by Senators Fraser, Swecker, Tom, Shin, Kline, McCaslin, Kilmer, Jacobsen, Delvin, and Honeyford
Regarding sellers' disclosures for residential real property sales.
Finds that: (1) Some purchasers of residential property have been financially ruined, and their health threatened, by the discovery of toxic materials buried or otherwise hidden on the property;(2) Current law exempts some sellers from legal responsibility to disclose what they know about the presence of toxic materials on unimproved property they are selling for residential purposes; and(3) Seller disclosure statements provide information of fundamental importance to a buyer to help the buyer determine whether the property has health and safety characteristics suitable for residential use and whether the buyer can financially afford the cleanup costs and related legal costs.Defines "improved residential real property," "real property transfer disclosure statement" and "seller disclosure statement," "residential real property," and "unimproved residential real property."Provides a completed seller disclosure statement in a specified format for transactions for the sale of improved and unimproved residential real property.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Consumer Protection & Housing. | |
SB 5896
by Senators Clements, McCaslin, Carrell, Honeyford, and Holmquist
Creating the extraordinary criminal justice revolving fund.
Creates the extraordinary criminal justice revolving fund in the custody of the state treasurer for the purpose of reimbursing counties the extraordinary criminal justice costs associated with aggravated murder cases.Declares that the attorney general is authorized to expend from the extraordinary criminal justice revolving fund.Provides that counties may submit a petition for relief to the attorney general for reimbursement of extraordinary criminal justice costs, and that the attorney general is responsible for the distribution of funds from the extraordinary criminal justice revolving fund.Provides an appropriation of five million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the extraordinary criminal justice revolving fund for the purposes of this act.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 5897
by Senators Clements, McCaslin, Carrell, and Honeyford
Creating the crime of theft of public benefits.
Creates the crimes of theft of public benefits in the first and second degree.Provides penalties for theft of public benefits in the first and second degree.Declares that "criminal profiteering" includes theft of public benefits.Includes theft of public benefits in the juvenile offender sentencing standards.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 5898
by Senators Kohl-Welles, Clements, Keiser, Murray, McAuliffe, and Honeyford
Authorizing the use of a common carrier for the shipment of wine.
Declares that a United States winery holding certificate of approval with a direct shipment endorsement may act as a distributor of its own production and may use a common carrier to deliver up to one hundred cases of its own production per month to licensed Washington retailers.Provides that any domestic winery licensed under this act may act as a distributor of its own production and may use a common carrier to deliver up to one hundred cases of its own production per month to licensed Washington retailers.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5899
by Senators McAuliffe, Kohl-Welles, Parlette, Rasmussen, Clements, Holmquist, Murray, and Honeyford
Defining society or organization for alcoholic beverage control purposes.
Provides that "society or organization" as used in RCW 66.24.380 means a not-for-profit group organized and operated under section 501(c)(1) through (10) of the internal revenue code.Requires that a society or organization which is registered with the secretary of state or the federal internal revenue service as a nonprofit organization submit such registration, upon request, as proof that it is a not-for-profit group.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5900
by Senators Regala, Haugen, Shin, Kline, Keiser, Spanel, and Delvin
Increasing the safety of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking by ensuring leave from employment.
Finds that it is in the public interest to reduce domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking by enabling victims to maintain the financial independence necessary to leave abusive situations, achieve safety, and minimize physical and emotional injuries, and to reduce the devastating economic consequences of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking to employers and employees.Provides circumstances in which an employee may take reasonable leave from work or a reduced leave schedule, with or without pay.Declares that an employee shall give an employer reasonable advance notice of the employee's intention to take time off, unless advance notice is not feasible.Recognizes that taking leave under this act shall not result in the loss of any pay or benefits to the employee that accrued before the date on which the leave commenced.Requires that upon complaint by an employee, the director shall investigate to determine if there has been compliance.Declares that an employer found to have committed an infraction of this act may be subject to a fine, and any employee denied leave by an employer in willful violation of this act may file a civil action against the employer.Encourages district attorney and victim/witness offices to make information regarding this act available for distribution.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5901
by Senators Kastama, Kilmer, Kauffman, and Shin
Requiring the Washington quality award council to provide certain training and services.
Declares that the Washington quality award council shall: (1) Provide training to technical assistance providers from the department of community, trade, and economic development, Washington manufacturing service, associate development organizations, and other organizations in continuous quality improvement, performance measurement, strategic planning, and other approaches designed to reduce operating costs, improve effectiveness, and increase productivity in businesses receiving assistance; and(2) Offer the services of a public sector and a private sector manager to conduct conferences, perform outreach, provide training, and deliver technical assistance to organizations, agencies, and businesses to allow them to develop and implement quality management, accountability, and performance systems.Provides an appropriation of two 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 Washington quality award council for the operation of its quality award program and the purposes of this act.Provides an appropriation of two hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, from the state general fund to the Washington quality award council for the operation of its quality award program and the purposes of this act.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Economic Development, Trade & Management. | |
SB 5902
by Senators Prentice, Kohl-Welles, Delvin, and Kline
Requiring additional state liquor stores to engage in Sunday sales.
Declares that the liquor control board shall expand operations in at least twenty-nine additional retail stores to include Sundays by September 1, 2007.Provides that at the start of each fiscal year and prior to disbursing the distribution to the state general fund under this act, the treasurer shall deduct from the general fund distribution one million nine hundred fifty thousand dollars to be deposited into the public benefit and research services account created in this act.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5903
by Senators Hargrove, Hatfield, and Sheldon
Creating a cooperative agreement relating to the timber harvest excise taxation of timber harvests within the Quinault Indian Reservation.
Creates a cooperative agreement relating to the timber harvest excise taxation of timber harvests within the Quinault Indian Reservation.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation. | |
SB 5904
by Senators Keiser, Pflug, Zarelli, Marr, Carrell, Franklin, and Rasmussen
Establishing payments for medicaid contracted services in boarding homes.
Provides that, beginning on July 1, 2007, the rates of payment for boarding home medicaid contracted services under chapter 74.39A RCW shall be established by the department using the "home and community rates model," developed by the department and published on November 22, 2006. The "home and community rates model" shall be updated using the 2005 nursing home cost report data to estimate the cost of care for assisted living services, enhanced adult residential care services, and adult residential care services.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 5905
by Senators Franklin, Pflug, Keiser, Tom, Zarelli, Marr, and Carrell
Concerning certificate of capital authorization.
Declares that, in processing and approving certificates of capital authorization, priority shall be given to construction or major renovation of existing facilities or replacement facilities.Provides that certificates of capital authorization for new facilities shall receive last priority and be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.Requires that certificate of capital authorization applications be filed with the department by the end of the previous state fiscal year to be considered for priority assignment in the following state fiscal year beginning July 1st.Authorizes the department to give first priority for a project that is necessitated by an emergency situation even if the project is not submitted in a timely fashion.Provides that a project that is not completed and ready for occupancy by the last day of the fiscal year for which the certificate of capital authorization was issued shall be given an extended completion deadline if it can be established that substantial and continuing progress toward commencement of the project has been made.Declares that the annual capital authorization level shall be at least one-fortieth of the current replacement value of all licensed skilled nursing facilities in the state of Washington using the most current cost criteria contained in the Marshall and Swift valuation service.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 5906
by Senators Haugen, Clements, Kohl-Welles, and Prentice
Regarding the practice of esthetics.
Amends RCW 18.16.020 to define the "practice of esthetics," "practice of master esthetics," and "master estheticians."Declares that the curriculum for master estheticians consist of seven hundred hours.Requires that the department waive the curriculum requirements for licensure as a master esthetician for an individual who files a license application before December 31, 2007, and has a least three years of documented work experience as a master esthetician, completed a training program, or holds a certificate of registration, certification, or license as a master esthetician issued to him or her by another state that has comparable requirements to those requirements established by rule by the department.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5907
by Senator Keiser
Requiring health professionals to report unprofessional conduct by other health professionals.
Declares that any member of a health profession listed under RCW 18.130.040 who has reasonable cause to believe that any other member of a health profession listed under RCW 18.130.040 has engaged in unprofessional conduct pursuant to RCW 18.130.180 is required to report such unprofessional conduct to the agency, board, or commission responsible for disciplinary activities for the person's profession under this act. Failure to report such unprofessional conduct constitutes unprofessional conduct under RCW 18.130.180. Any member of a health profession listed under RCW 18.130.040 who makes such a report of unprofessional conduct shall be immune from civil action for damages as provided in RCW 4.24.260.Provides that failure to report unprofessional conduct as required by RCW 18.130.070(4) constitutes unprofessional conduct.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 5908
by Senators Kohl-Welles, Keiser, and Kline
Requiring a study of the outcomes of injured workers.
Provides that the department of labor and industries shall conduct a study of the outcomes of injured workers found employable and not eligible for vocational rehabilitation benefits.Declares that the department shall contract with an independent researcher, approved by the labor and business members of the workers' compensation advisory committee, to conduct the study.Directs the department to report to the workers' compensation advisory committee on the results of the study on or before July 1, 2008.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 5909
by Senators Rasmussen, Roach, Regala, Eide, McAuliffe, Kilmer, Hargrove, Kastama, Tom, Shin, Kohl-Welles, Stevens, Carrell, Franklin, and Kline
Supporting the needs of children who have been in foster care.
Creates a pilot program to establish a foster youth community coordinator in three regional office locations within the state.Requires that the department establish an individual development account for each child who has been in an out-of-home placement under chapter 13.34 RCW for a period of six or more months.Declares that the department deposit not less than three hundred dollars to the individual development account of each child who was in an out-of-home placement for six or more months during the previous fiscal year by July 1, 2007.Directs the department to continue making annual contributions of not less than one hundred dollars to be deposited at the beginning of each fiscal year to the individual development accounts of children for whom an account was established in this act.Provides that youth under the age of twenty-one years may enter into a voluntary placement agreement with the department to return to foster care for a period of up to six months following the youth's eighteenth birthday.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections. | |
SB 5910
by Senators Brandland, Kline, Weinstein, and Parlette
Modifying the notice requirement of intent to file a medical malpractice claim.
Declares that the notice of intent to commence a medical malpractice action shall be given by regular mail, registered mail, or certified mail with return receipt requested, by depositing the notice, with postage prepaid, in the post office addressed to the defendant.Provides that if the defendant is a health care provider entity or, at the time of the alleged professional negligence, was acting as an actual agent or employee of such a health care provider entity, the notice may be addressed to the chief executive officer, administrator, office of risk management, if any, or registered agent for service of process, if any, of such health care provider entity.Allows the claimant to have an additional five court days to commence the action when the ninety-day extension expires.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 5911
by Senators Jacobsen, Fairley, Murray, and Kline; by request of Secretary of State
Administering the Washington talking book and Braille library.
Finds that the Washington talking book and Braille library is a statewide public library for Washington residents who cannot read conventional books due to blindness, learning disabilities, or physical disabilities, and that the Washington state library has the statutory authority and responsibility for providing these services.Creates the Washington talking book and Braille library account.Provides that the legislature transfer from the city of Seattle to the state of Washington title to or all interest in real estate, choses in action, and all other assets including, but not limited to, buildings, facilities, equipment, and appurtenances thereto obtained with state or federal funds appropriated, budgeted, or granted for Washington talking book and Braille library purposes.Directs the attorney general to prepare a deed in the name of the state conveying to the state of Washington all of the rights, title, and interest in the real estate described in this act.Declares that the secretary of state shall not sell, lease, rent, or otherwise dispose of the property transferred from the city of Seattle to the state of Washington pursuant to this act for a minimum of five years after the effective date of this act.Creates the Washington talking book and Braille library account in the custody of the state treasurer.Recognizes that the Washington talking book and Braille library account receive its proportionate share of earnings based upon the account's average daily balance for the period.Finds that the memorandum of understanding between the city of Seattle and the state of Washington, executed June 21, 1993, is null and void.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SJM 8013
by Senators Tom, Kline, Kohl-Welles, and Regala
Requesting that certain federal income tax deductions for the losses of professional sports teams be restricted.
Requests that the United States Congress restrict the federal income tax deduction for the losses of professional sports teams in order to provide that no losses incurred by professional sports team owners shall be used to offset gains or income from other business operations, or other sources of personal income.
| Feb 6 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |