 | WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE | |
| Legislative Digest No. 26 | ||
| SIXTIETH LEGISLATURE | ||
| Wednesday, February 14, 2007 | 38th Day - 2007 Regular Session | |
| SENATE |
|
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 1088-S
by House Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Dickerson, Kagi, Haler, Cody, Appleton, Darneille, Simpson, Takko, Kenney, Williams, Green, McDermott, Roberts, Lantz, McCoy, Ormsby, Schual-Berke, B. Sullivan, Hurst, Pettigrew, O'Brien, Lovick, P. Sullivan, Hasegawa, Hunt, Hudgins, Clibborn, Upthegrove, Morrell, Conway, Sells, Haigh, Quall, Moeller, Goodman, Wallace, Wood, and Santos)
Improving delivery of children's mental health services.
Declares an intent to substantially improve the delivery of children's mental health services in Washington state through the development and implementation of a children's mental health system that: (1) Values early identification, intervention, and prevention;(2) Coordinates existing categorical children's mental health programs and funding, through efforts that include elimination of duplicative care plans and case management;(3) Treats each child in the context of his or her family, and provides services and supports needed to maintain a child with his or her family and community;(4) Integrates families into treatment through choice of treatment, participation in treatment, and provision of peer support;(5) Focuses on resiliency and recovery;(6) Relies to a greater extent on evidence-based and promising practices;(7) Is sensitive to the unique cultural circumstances of children of color and children in families whose primary language is not English; and(8) To the greatest extent possible, blends categorical funding to offer more service and support options to each child.Declares that it is the goal of the legislature that, by 2012, the children's mental health system in Washington state include the following elements: (1) A continuum of services from early identification, intervention, and prevention through crisis intervention, including peer support and parent mentoring services;(2) Equity in access to services for similarly situated children, including children with co-occurring disorders;(3) Developmentally appropriate, high quality, and culturally responsive services available statewide;(4) Treatment of each child in the context of his or her family and other persons that are a source of support and stability in his or her life;(5) A sufficient supply of qualified and culturally diverse children's mental health providers;(6) Use of developmentally appropriate evidence-based and promising practices; and(7) Integrated and flexible services to meet the needs of children who, due to mental illness or emotional or behavioral disturbance, are at risk of out-of-home placement or involved with multiple child-serving systems.Provides that educational service district boards may respond to a request for proposal for operation of a wraparound model site under this act and, if selected, may contract for the provision of services to coordinate care and facilitate the delivery of services and other supports under a wraparound model.Appropriates five hundred thousand dollars from the general fund--state for fiscal year 2008 and five million dollars from the general fund--state for fiscal year 2009 to the department of social and health services solely for implementation of a wraparound model of integrated children's services delivery in three counties in Washington state. Two of the counties shall be located in western Washington, and one of the counties shall be located in eastern Washington.Provides that the wraparound model sites shall serve children with serious emotional or behavioral disturbances who are at high risk of residential or correctional placement or psychiatric hospitalization, and who have been referred for services from the department, a county juvenile court, a tribal court, a school, or a licensed mental health provider or agency.Appropriates ten million dollars from the general fund--state for fiscal year 2008 and ten million dollars from the general fund--state for fiscal year 2009 to the department of social and health services solely for mental health services for low-income children who do not meet regional support network access to care standards, regardless of their medical assistance eligibility status.Appropriates seven hundred thousand dollars from the general fund--state for fiscal year 2008 and seven hundred thousand dollars from the general fund--state for fiscal year 2009 to the department of social and health services for the purpose of implementing this act.Appropriates one million forty thousand dollars from the general fund--state for fiscal year 2008 and six hundred thousand dollars from the general fund--state for fiscal year 2009 to the department of social and health services for the purpose of implementing this act.Appropriates five hundred thousand dollars from the general fund--state for fiscal year 2008 and five hundred thousand dollars from the general fund--state for fiscal year 2009 to the economic services program for the purpose of implementing this act.Repeals RCW 71.36.020, 71.36.030, and 71.36.040.
| Jan 23 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 8 | Executive session in committee. | |
| ELCS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 12 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1359-S
by House Committee on Housing (originally sponsored by Representatives Miloscia, Chase, Hasegawa, Pettigrew, Springer, Ormsby, Roberts, Darneille, Goodman, and Santos)
Creating an affordable housing for all program.
Declares that a decent, appropriate, and affordable home in a healthy, safe environment for every household should be a state goal and that, at a minimum, this goal must be accomplished for every very low-income household by 2020. Furthermore, this goal includes increasing the percentage of very low-income households who are able to obtain and retain housing without government subsidies or other public support.Finds that there are many root causes of the affordable housing shortage and declares that it is critical that such causes be analyzed, effective solutions be developed, implemented, monitored, and evaluated, and that these causal factors be eliminated. The legislature also finds that there is a taxpayer and societal cost associated with a lack of jobs that pay self-sufficiency standard wages and a shortage of affordable housing, and that the state must identify and quantify that cost.Finds that the support and commitment of all sectors of the statewide community is critical to accomplishing the state's affordable housing for all goal.Finds that the provision of housing and housing-related services should be administered at the local level. However, the state should play a primary role in: Providing financial resources to achieve the goal at all levels of government; researching, evaluating, benchmarking, and implementing best practices; continually updating and evaluating statewide housing data; developing a state plan that integrates the strategies, goals, objectives, and performance measures of all other state housing plans and programs; coordinating and supporting county government plans and activities; and directing quality management practices by monitoring both state and county government performance towards achieving interim and ultimate goals.Declares that the systematic and comprehensive performance measurement and evaluation of progress toward interim goals and the immediate state affordable housing goal of a decent, appropriate, and affordable home in a healthy, safe environment for every low-income household in the state by 2020 is a necessary component of the statewide effort to end the affordable housing crisis.Requires the joint legislative audit and review committee to conduct a performance audit of the state affordable housing for all program every four years. The audit must include an analysis of the department's expenditures of funds from sources established by RCW 36.22.178 (as recodified by this act) and all other sources directed to the affordable housing for all program. The first audit must be conducted on or before December 31, 2010. Each audit must take no longer than six months or fifty thousand dollars to complete.Directs the department of community, trade, and economic development to conduct a study to evaluate the potential development of a voluntary statewide, low-income household housing waiting list database that would include information on all low-income households requesting housing assistance for the purpose of connecting such households with appropriate housing opportunities.Requires the department to report the results of this study to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 31, 2008.Requires the department to create or purchase, and implement by December 31, 2009, a master affordable housing database that includes specific information about existing affordable rental housing stock in the state of Washington.Requires the joint legislative audit and review committee to conduct an evaluation and comparison of the cost-efficiency of rental housing voucher programs funded with state or local moneys versus other low-income housing projects funded with state or local moneys that are intended to assist low-income households to obtain and retain affordable housing.Requires the joint legislative audit and review committee to present the results of this study to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 31, 2008.Appropriates the sum of seven million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the affordable housing for all account created in this act to be used by the department of community, trade, and economic development to: (1) Meet planning, evaluation, and reporting requirements associated with the affordable housing for all program;(2) Provide technical assistance to counties to help them meet planning, reporting, evaluation, and quality management requirements of the affordable housing for all program; and(3) Distribute remaining funds to the counties participating in the affordable housing for all program, using a formula as determined by the department of community, trade, and economic development, to be used for county planning, data system creation, data collection, program implementation purposes, housing programs eligible under RCW 36.22.178 (as recodified by this act), and other housing projects or housing services described in the county affordable housing for all plan.
| Feb 1 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 7 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HOUS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 13 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1422-S
by House Committee on Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Roberts, Dickerson, Appleton, Walsh, Haler, Darneille, Lovick, Pettigrew, Quall, Hasegawa, Sells, Goodman, Eddy, Green, O'Brien, Chase, Kagi, Ormsby, and Santos)
Addressing children and families of incarcerated parents.
Recognizes the significant impact on the lives and well-being of children and families when a parent is incarcerated. It is the intent of the legislature to support children and families, and maintain familial connections when appropriate, during the period a parent is incarcerated.Finds that there must be a greater emphasis placed on identifying state policies and programs impacting children with incarcerated parents. Additionally, greater effort must be made to ensure that the policies and programs of the state are supportive of the children, and meet their needs during the time the parent is incarcerated.Finds that, according to the final report of the children of incarcerated parents oversight committee, helping offenders build durable family relationships may reduce the likelihood that their children will go to prison later in life. Additionally, the report indicates that offenders who reconnect with their families in sustaining ways are less likely to reoffend.Requires the secretary of corrections and the secretary of social and health services to review current department policies and assess the adequacy and availability of programs targeted at inmates with children. The secretary shall adopt policies and programs that encourage familial contact and engagement between inmates and their children with the goal of facilitating normal child development, while reducing recidivism and intergenerational incarceration. Programs and policies should take into consideration the children's need to maintain contact with his or her parent and the inmate's ability to develop plans to financially support their children, assist in reunification when appropriate, and encourage the improvement of parenting skills where needed.Applies to the director of the department of early learning and the superintendent of public instruction.Appropriates the sum of 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 department of community, trade, and economic development for the purpose of enhancing programs and services for the children and families of inmates incarcerated in department of corrections facilities.Appropriates the sum of seven hundred 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 community, trade, and economic development for the purpose of enhancing programs and services for the children and families of inmates incarcerated in department of corrections facilities.
| Jan 30 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 8 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 12 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1508-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Orcutt, Hunter, Blake, Takko, Condotta, and Dunn; by request of Department of Revenue)
Providing an exemption from business and occupation tax for the resale of natural or manufactured gas by consumers.
Provides an exemption from business and occupation tax for the resale of natural or manufactured gas by consumers.
| Feb 6 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 9 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 12 | Referred to Finance. | |
HB 1524-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Chase, Morris, and B. Sullivan)
Requiring the use of certain light-emitting diode lights.
Finds and declares that meeting the state's future energy needs through conservation efforts, both large and small, is a priority. Small changes on the part of Washington consumers, such as switching from conventional, incandescent holiday lights to light-emitting diode holiday lights, has the potential to save hundreds of kilowatts of electricity each holiday season.Declares an intent to encourage citizens to participate in cost-effective energy conservation by establishing efficiency standards for decorative light strings sold in the state.Provides that no new decorative light strings manufactured after January 1, 2008, may be sold or offered for sale in this state unless the lights are light-emitting diode lights as required under RCW 19.260.040.Authorizes the department to investigate complaints received concerning violations of this act. Any manufacturer or distributor who violates this act may be issued a warning by the director of the department for any first violation. Repeat violations may be subject to a civil penalty of not more than two hundred fifty dollars a day.
| Jan 31 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 9 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Feb 12 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1682-S
by House Committee on Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Dickerson, O'Brien, Roberts, Ormsby, and Green; by request of Department of Social and Health Services)
Increasing the length of confinement for a parole violation committed by certain juvenile sex offenders.
Increases the length of confinement for a parole violation committed by certain juvenile sex offenders.Provides that the secretary may order any of the conditions or may return the offender to confinement for a period of up to twenty-four weeks of the remaining sentence range if the offender is convicted of a sex offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030.Applies prospectively only and not retroactively. It applies only to parole violations that occur on or after the effective date of this act.
| Feb 6 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 8 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 12 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2189
by Representatives Williams and Conway
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.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 2190
by Representatives Ericksen, Rodne, and Schindler
Creating tax incentives to encourage construction of freight rail improvements.
Finds that creating partnerships between private and public sector organizations can most effectively use available resources for the benefit of the citizens of the state.Declares an intent to encourage and promote private sector investment in the freight rail system by creating tax incentives to support construction of critical freight rail connections and improvements.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2191
by Representatives Lantz, Warnick, Pedersen, Williams, Moeller, Seaquist, Morrell, Kelley, Simpson, and Ormsby
Limiting deferred prosecution in domestic violence cases.
Declares that a person charged with a misdemeanor or a gross misdemeanor that would be considered domestic violence under RCW 10.99.020 or with a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor under chapter 9A.42 RCW shall not be eligible for a deferred prosecution program unless the court makes specific findings pursuant to RCW 10.05.020. Such person shall not be eligible for a deferred prosecution program more than once.Requires that, in the case of a petitioner charged with a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor that would be considered domestic violence under RCW 10.99.020, the petitioner shall allege under oath in the petition that the petitioner is the family or household member of the alleged victim; that the petitioner is in need of domestic violence perpetrator treatment under chapter 26.50 RCW; that the petitioner wants to correct his or her conduct to reduce the likelihood of harm to his or her family or household members; and that unless treated, the probability of future recurrence is great. The petition shall contain a statement that the petitioner agrees to pay the cost of diagnosis and treatment if the petitioner is financially able. The petition shall also contain a case history and written assessment prepared by an approved domestic violence perpetrator treatment program provider under chapter 26.50 RCW.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 2192
by Representatives Kenney, Hankins, Morrell, Skinner, Hasegawa, Pettigrew, P. Sullivan, McIntire, Pedersen, Ormsby, Santos, Upthegrove, Hudgins, McDermott, Sells, Lantz, Appleton, Kessler, Moeller, Kagi, Conway, Wood, Roberts, and Simpson
Providing funds to restore public school art programs.
Provides that, beginning with the 2012-13 school year, the Washington state arts commission, in consultation with the office of the superintendent of public instruction, shall establish an annual competitive grant process to restore art programs in public schools.Provides that, to the maximum extent possible, the competitive grant amounts awarded will reflect the distribution of the lottery revenues generated from RCW 67.70.240(6).Authorizes cities, counties, art organizations, and school districts to apply to the Washington state arts commission, but the application process shall encourage collaboration among the various entities in order to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the restored programs.Requires that, to the maximum extent possible, the grants awarded shall be administered using existing local city and county art organizations.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2193
by Representatives Roach, Haler, Newhouse, Hinkle, Bailey, Ahern, and Kristiansen
Establishing a minimum period under which a holder of property presumed abandoned shall hold the property between providing notification to the apparent owner of the property and turning over the property to the department of revenue.
Establishes a minimum period under which a holder of property presumed abandoned shall hold the property between providing notification to the apparent owner of the property and turning over the property to the department of revenue.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 2194
by Representatives Roach, Haler, Ahern, Hinkle, Bailey, Warnick, Newhouse, Kristiansen, Pearson, and Kelley
Requiring certain employees of the department of licensing to submit to a criminal background check if they have access to the personally identifying information of Washington residents.
Provides that a person who is employed by the department of licensing in any position that provides, grants, or allows access to personal identifying information of another person who is a resident of this state must successfully pass a criminal background check before being placed in or continuing placement in such a position.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 2195
by Representatives Roach, Haler, Hinkle, Bailey, Ahern, Newhouse, Kristiansen, Morrell, Williams, Strow, Lovick, O'Brien, Hurst, and Simpson
Providing tax incentives for autism research and development.
Provides tax incentives for autism research and development.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 2196
by Representatives Goodman, Rodne, Morrell, Ross, O'Brien, Priest, Hurst, VanDeWege, Hudgins, Seaquist, Kelley, Simpson, Miloscia, McCoy, Walsh, Haler, Bailey, Strow, Hailey, Kretz, Appleton, Kessler, Campbell, Kenney, Moeller, Conway, Pearson, and Ormsby
Increasing state contracts with businesses owned by veterans with disabilities.
Requires the department to develop a procedure for certifying businesses owned by veterans with disabilities and maintain a list of businesses owned by veterans with disabilities on the department's public web site. To be certified by the department, the business must meet all the following requirements: (1) It is a sole proprietorship at least fifty-one percent owned by one or more veterans with disabilities or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least fifty-one percent of its stock is owned by one or more veterans with disabilities; a subsidiary that is wholly owned by a parent corporation, but only if at least fifty-one percent of the voting stock of the parent corporation is owned by one or more veterans with disabilities; or a joint venture in which at least fifty-one percent of the joint venture's management, control, and earnings are held by one or more veterans with disabilities;(2) The management and control of the daily business operations are by one or more veterans with disabilities. The veterans with disabilities who exercise management and control are not required to be the same veterans with disabilities as the owners of the business;(3) It is a sole proprietorship, corporation, or partnership with its home office located in the United States, which is not a branch or subsidiary of a foreign corporation, foreign firm, or other foreign-based business.Requires the department to report to the legislature by December 1, 2009, and December 1st of each odd-numbered year thereafter outlining the progress made in implementing this act.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 2197
by Representatives Kristiansen, Lovick, Pearson, Ericksen, and Ericks
Prioritizing existing funding for special safety corridor projects.
Creates the special safety corridor account in the motor vehicle fund. All receipts from taxes imposed under RCW 82.08.020 and 82.12.020 on materials, labor, equipment, contracts, and components used for constructing any state transportation project authorized by the legislature must be deposited into the account, except for those amounts that are in excess of seventy million dollars each fiscal year.Requires the following criteria to be used in determining which special safety corridor projects have the highest priority: (1) Fatal accident experience;(2) Historic underfunding of safety improvements;(3) Ability to leverage additional nonstate revenue sources;(4) Contribute to the economic development of the corridor; and(5) Provide additional capacity to move people and goods safely.Declares that the following projects, listed in order of priority, are eligible for special safety corridor account funding: (1) State route number 2 beginning near the junction with state route number 9 at milepost 5 to the King county line at Stevens Pass near milepost 64;(2) State route number 97 beginning at milepost 0 to milepost 63; and(3) State route number 20 beginning near Sedro Woolley at milepost 64 to near Newport at milepost 436.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2198
by Representatives Kristiansen, Pearson, Lovick, Ericksen, and Ericks
Prioritizing existing funding for special safety corridor projects.
Provides that the following criteria shall be used in determining which special safety corridor projects have the highest priority: (1) Fatal accident experience;(2) Historic underfunding of safety improvements;(3) Ability to leverage additional nonstate revenue sources;(4) Contribute to the economic development of the corridor; and(5) Provide additional capacity to move people and goods safely.Declares that the following projects, listed in order of priority, are eligible for special safety corridor account funding: (1) State route number 2 beginning near the junction with state route number 9 at milepost 5 to the King county line at Stevens Pass near milepost 64;(2) State route number 97 beginning at milepost 0 to milepost 63; and(3) State route number 20 beginning near Sedro Woolley at milepost 64 to near Newport at milepost 436.Provides that moneys deposited in the special safety corridor account in the motor vehicle fund may be used for payment of debt service on bonds the proceeds of which are used to finance special safety corridor projects under this act.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2199
by Representatives Hinkle, Bailey, Kretz, Ericksen, Chandler, Haler, Ahern, Roach, Warnick, Hailey, Newhouse, Skinner, Kristiansen, Dunn, and Condotta
Enacting the Washington health opportunity act of 2007.
Directs the authority to issue a request for proposal for a Washington health insurance exchange by September 1, 2007. The exchange shall be designed to serve as a statewide, public-private partnership, offering maximum value for Washington state residents, through which nonlarge group health insurance may be bought and sold. Private entities may respond to the request for proposal. It is the goal of the exchange to: (1) Ensure that employees of small businesses and other individuals can find affordable health insurance;(2) Provide a mechanism for small businesses to contribute to their employees' coverage without the administrative burden of directly shopping or contracting for insurance;(3) Ensure that individuals can access coverage as they change and/or work in multiple jobs; and(4) Coordinate with other state health insurance assistance programs, including the department of social and health services medical assistance programs and the authority's basic health program.Requires that, no later than two years after the exchange established under this act begins operation and every year thereafter, the exchange shall conduct a study of the exchange and the persons enrolled in the exchange and shall submit a written report to the governor and the legislature on the status and activities of the exchange based on data collected in the study. The report shall also be available to the general public.Directs the office of the insurance commissioner to contract for an independent study of specific health benefit mandates, rating requirements, and other statutes and rules, as identified by in-state and out-of-state insurance carriers as contributing most to the cost of individual and small group health insurance, to determine the impact on premiums and individuals' health if those statutes or rules were amended or repealed.Requires the office of the insurance commissioner to submit an interim report to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2007, and a final report by December 1, 2008.Repeals 2006 c 100 s 7 (uncodified).
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. | |
HB 2200
by Representatives Linville, Bailey, Hunter, Fromhold, McDonald, Orcutt, Schual-Berke, and Williams
Creating a joint select task force on public infrastructure.
Requires the task force to review the following issues: (1) The roles of the state, local governments, and private entities in developing and funding large, regional community projects, including sports facilities and multipurpose arenas; and(2) The role of the state in providing capital moneys, tax incentives, and operating funds for the maintenance and improvements of the large, regional community facilities.Requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2007.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Capital Budget. | |
HB 2201
by Representatives Barlow, Morrell, Williams, Upthegrove, Sells, Darneille, Appleton, Conway, Green, Hurst, Seaquist, Simpson, and Ormsby
Allowing a freeze in home values in order to provide property tax relief to seniors, persons retired because of disability, and veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Authorizes a freeze in home values in order to provide property tax relief to seniors, persons retired because of disability, and veterans with service-connected disabilities.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 2202
by Representatives Curtis, Simpson, Seaquist, Moeller, and Lantz
Allowing ranked choice voting by cities and local taxing districts.
Establishes the option to use ranked choice voting by cities and local taxing districts.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 2203
by Representatives Blake, Conway, Kenney, Hunt, Green, and Moeller
Applying RCW 41.56.430 through 41.56.490 to employees working under a site certificate issued under chapter 80.50 RCW.
Provides that, in order to assure the uninterrupted and dedicated service of employees employed by employees of operators of certain commercial nuclear plants, the provisions of RCW 41.56.430 through 41.56.470, 41.56.480, and 41.56.490 shall apply to the operating and maintenance employees of a joint operating agency as defined in RCW 43.52.250 who are employed at a commercial nuclear power plant operating under a site certificate issued under chapter 80.50 RCW.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 2204
by Representatives Morrell and Cody
Modifying the nursing home certificate of bed need ratio.
Provides that, in determining the need for nursing home beds on a statewide basis and a planning area specific basis, the department shall calculate the need for nursing home beds based on the bed-to-population ratio of forty beds per one thousand persons age seventy and older.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. | |
HB 2205
by Representatives Kessler, B. Sullivan, Kenney, and Kagi
Regarding state park fees.
Provides that, in addition to the vehicle license fees required under RCW 46.16.0621, there shall be paid and collected at the time of initial or renewal registration for each motor vehicle an additional fee of five dollars. The fee shall be deposited in the state parks renewal and stewardship account established in RCW 79A.05.215 to be used for the operation and maintenance of state parks.Authorizes a person who registers a vehicle under this act to, at the time of initial or renewal registration, certify that the person does not intend to use the vehicle to visit state parks. If a person certifies that he or she does not intend to use the vehicle to visit state parks, the department shall not collect the additional fee.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources. | |
HB 2206
by Representatives Curtis, Fromhold, Morris, Hankins, Wallace, Armstrong, Moeller, and Orcutt
Reviewing pipeline capacity and distribution in southwest Washington.
Requires the energy facility site evaluation council to review the status of pipeline utility corridor capacity and distribution for natural gas, petroleum, and biofuels in the southwest region of the state. In conducting this study, the council shall, at a minimum, review the following: (1) Whether pipeline utility corridor constraints exist, and if so, to what extent;(2) Whether there is adequate pipeline utility corridor capacity in the state to meet existing demand; and(3) Whether the current pipeline utility corridor system is expected to meet projected demand growth in the southwest region of the state.Authorizes the council to also examine pipeline utility corridor capacity and distribution in other areas of the state to the extent that it has an impact on supply to southwest Washington.Requires the council to submit its findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2007.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Technology, Energy & Communications. | |
HB 2207
by Representatives Wallace, Lovick, and Williams
Requesting preconviction HIV testing in sexual assault cases.
Provides that, when a person is placed under arrest for a sex offense under chapter 9A.44 RCW by which force or threat of force the perpetrator compels the victim to engage in sexual activity, the victim, or parent or guardian of the victim, of the sexual assault may request the defendant to undergo HIV testing prior to conviction not later than forty-eight hours after the date on which the information is presented.Requires the results of testing under this act to be disclosed to the victim, or parent or guardian of the victim, and the defendant, as soon as practicable.Provides that a defendant required to submit to testing under this act shall also undergo follow-up tests for HIV as may be medically appropriate, and the results shall be made available in accordance with this act as soon as practicable after each test.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness. | |
HB 2208
by Representative Wallace
Modifying window tint requirements and penalties.
Declares that it is a misdemeanor for a person or business tinting windows for profit to install film sunscreening or coloring material in violation of this act as of the effective date of this act.Repeals RCW 46.37.435.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2209
by Representatives Seaquist, Morrell, Curtis, Green, Moeller, and Ormsby
Allowing advanced registered nurse practitioners to examine and obtain copies of autopsy reports.
Authorizes advanced registered nurse practitioners to examine and obtain copies of autopsy reports.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. | |
HB 2210
by Representatives Skinner, Campbell, Haler, Ahern, Warnick, Hailey, Bailey, Dunn, and Pearson
Increasing state contracts with veteran-owned businesses.
Recognizes the unique sacrifices made by veterans and the substantial challenges that returning veterans face after a period of military duty away from home.Recognizes that veterans who own private businesses may face particular hardships as a direct result of their military service. The purpose of this act is to mitigate economic damage to veteran-owned businesses as a result of military service, and to provide opportunities to them in recognition of the outstanding service they have given to their country.Directs the department to report to the legislature by December 1, 2009, and December 1st of each odd-numbered year thereafter outlining the progress made in implementing this act.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 2211
by Representatives Wallace, Kenney, and Moeller
Supporting small business through the statewide procurement of technical assistance.
Appropriates the sum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, from the general fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, as a pilot project to contract with a statewide procurement technical assistance program based in Snohomish county to expand procurement technical assistance services.Requires the department of community, trade, and economic development to report to the legislature on the results of the pilot project. The report shall include the number of businesses served, contracts written, monetary value of contracts, and a plan for sustainable and ongoing funding. The department shall report to the appropriate legislative committees by January 1, 2008.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Community & Economic Development & Trade. | |
HB 2212
by Representatives Blake, B. Sullivan, and Newhouse
Addressing the application of the growth management act to certain agricultural activities occurring on agricultural lands.
Finds that there have been and continue to be a considerable number of legal challenges brought before the growth management hearings boards and the courts concerning regulations protecting critical areas and their application to agricultural lands.Finds it necessary to initiate short and longer-term actions to identify, consider, reduce, and resolve issues causing conflicts between agricultural activities occurring on agricultural lands and development regulations that protect critical areas.Provides that development regulations adopted under RCW 36.70A.060(2) on or before January 1, 2007, may not prohibit or otherwise limit agricultural activities occurring on agricultural lands if: (1) The agricultural activities occurring on agricultural land are consistent with a farm plan for the parcels on which the agricultural activities are occurring;(2) The applicable farm plan has been filed with and approved by the county in which the agricultural land is located;(3) The applicable farm plan provides a level of protection to critical areas that is at least equal to the level of protection the jurisdiction otherwise requires through its development regulations under RCW 36.70A.060(2) for critical areas located on agricultural lands; and(4) The landowner or operator waives the exemption from public disclosure provided under RCW 42.56.270(17) for the applicable farm plan.Establishes a joint legislative task force on development regulations and agricultural lands.Directs the task force and the center to involve stakeholders from diverse perspectives in the process, including but not limited to representatives of counties, cities, the agriculture industry, the environmental community, Native American tribes, and state agencies.Requires that, by January 1, 2008, the task force shall submit a progress report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature identifying issues, initial recommendations, and a plan for the work remaining.Requires that, by October 1, 2008, the task force and the center shall report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature its findings and recommendations for resolving or reducing these conflicts, including statutory changes for consideration during the 2009 legislative session.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 2213
by Representatives B. Sullivan, Blake, and Newhouse
Addressing the application of the growth management act to certain agricultural activities occurring on agricultural lands.
Finds that there have been and continue to be a considerable number of legal challenges brought before the growth management hearings boards and the courts concerning regulations protecting critical areas and their application to agricultural lands.Finds it necessary to initiate short and longer-term actions to identify, consider, reduce, and resolve issues causing conflicts between agricultural activities occurring on agricultural lands and development regulations that protect critical areas.Provides that development regulations adopted under RCW 36.70A.060(2) on or before January 1, 2007, may not prohibit or otherwise limit agricultural activities occurring on agricultural lands if: (1) The agricultural activities occurring on agricultural land are consistent with a farm plan for the parcels on which the agricultural activities are occurring;(2) The applicable farm plan has been filed with and approved by the county in which the agricultural land is located;(3) The applicable farm plan provides a level of protection to critical areas that is at least equal to the level of protection the jurisdiction otherwise requires through its development regulations under RCW 36.70A.060(2) for critical areas located on agricultural lands; and(4) The landowner or operator waives the exemption from public disclosure provided under RCW 42.56.270(17) for the applicable farm plan.Requires the department to provide mediation services to resolve disputes between: (1) Counties and cities regarding, among other things, coordination of regional issues and designation of urban growth areas;(2) Counties, cities, and other persons regarding the application of development regulations that protect critical areas to agricultural activities occurring on agricultural lands; and(3) Counties, cities, and other persons regarding alleged noncompliance with requirements of the statutes named in RCW 36.70A.280(1)(a) that relate to agricultural activities occurring on agricultural lands.Establishes a joint legislative task force on development regulations and agricultural lands.Directs the task force and the center to involve stakeholders from diverse perspectives in the process, including but not limited to representatives of counties, cities, the agriculture industry, the environmental community, Native American tribes, and state agencies.Requires that, by January 1, 2008, the task force shall submit a progress report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature identifying issues, initial recommendations, and a plan for the work remaining.Requires that, by October 1, 2008, the task force and the center shall report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature its findings and recommendations for resolving or reducing these conflicts, including statutory changes for consideration during the 2009 legislative session.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 2214
by Representatives O'Brien, Rodne, Williams, Ahern, Santos, Hinkle, McCoy, Armstrong, Appleton, Alexander, Goodman, Sells, Kenney, Lantz, Jarrett, Moeller, Kagi, Roberts, and Ormsby
Studying the sentencing reform act.
Directs the Washington state institute for public policy to study the sentencing reform act. The study shall: (1) Evaluate the sentencing reform act in light of its intended purposes as set forth in RCW 9.94A.010;(2) Compare the sentencing reform act to other systems of sentencing adult offenders in the United States; and(3) Recommend a design for a more ideal and stably maintained criminal justice system.Requires the Washington state institute for public policy to report its findings to the governor and the legislature by December 1, 2008.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness. | |
HB 2215
by Representatives Newhouse, Ross, McCune, Pearson, Chandler, Condotta, Roach, Ahern, Haler, and Hailey
Increasing penalties for gang-related offenses.
Finds that the destruction and fear generated by gangs in many communities have greatly elevated the critical importance of enacting effective measures to combat gang-related crime. Communities overwhelmed by violent gang activity must have relief from the blight of gang crime before revitalization, initiatives to strengthen families, school improvements, and other desired interventions can succeed. Law enforcement and prosecutors require assistance to combat this clear and present danger to the law-abiding residents of Washington. They must have the tools they need to aggressively combat gang-related crime and build strong cases that remove violent gang members from the streets. They need what criminal gang-related definitions clearly stated in state law so they can collect and share critical information with other law enforcement agencies and coordinate enforcement strategies across jurisdictional lines. They also need specific sanctions and sentencing enhancements to ensure that those who commit gang-related crimes are held fully accountable for the harm and suffering they inflict on society.Declares it is the intent of this act to provide the criminal justice community with the effective tools they need to better protect the citizens of Washington from gang-related crime.Provides that a person commits the offense of criminal gang intimidation if the person threatens another person with bodily injury because the other person refuses to join or has attempted to withdraw from a gang, as defined in this act. Criminal gang intimidation is a class B felony.Provides that a person commits the offense of school criminal gang intimidation if the person threatens another person with bodily injury because the other person refuses to join or has attempted to withdraw from a gang, as defined in RCW 28A.600.455, if the person who threatens the victim or the victim attends or is registered in a public or alternative school. School criminal gang intimidation is a class C felony.Provides that a person is guilty of tagging/gang graffiti if, as part of a gang-related offense as defined by this act, he or she knowingly and maliciously causes physical damage to the property of another.Declares that tagging/gang graffiti is a gross misdemeanor.Declares that tagging/gang graffiti is a class C felony if the person has previously been convicted under this act; or has previously been convicted of any other gang-related offense as defined by this act.Provides that additional times shall be added to the standard sentence range for felony crimes, if the offender or an accomplice was found to be either a gang member or associate as defined in this act, and the offense for which the offender is being sentenced is a gang-related offense as defined in this act. If the offender is being sentenced for more than one offense, the gang sentencing enhancement or enhancements must be added to the total period of confinement for all offenses, regardless of which underlying offense is subject to a gang sentencing enhancement.Creates an anticriminal gang task force for the purpose of evaluating the problem of gang-related crime in Washington state.Requires the task force to evaluate and make recommendations regarding the following: (1) Additional legislative measures needed to combat gang-related crime;(2) The creation and operation of a statewide gang information database;(3) Recommended reforms to the juvenile justice system for gang-related juvenile offenses;(4) Recommended best practices for preventing gang membership; and(5) The adoption of a California-style civil antigang injunction.Directs the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the attorney general, governor, and appropriate committees of the legislature by January 1, 2008.Appropriates the sum of fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the state general fund to the attorney general for the purposes of providing staffing and support to the anticriminal gang task force.Appropriates the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the state general fund to the attorney general for the purposes of providing staffing and support to the anticriminal gang task force.Appropriates the sum of . . . . . ., or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the state general fund to the superintendent of public instruction for the purposes of creating and distributing "Gang Indicators" brochures under this act.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness. | |
HB 2216
by Representatives Appleton, Sells, Simpson, Takko, Wallace, Ormsby, Conway, and Strow
Requiring the appointment of nonvoting labor members to public transportation governing bodies.
Provides that any county performing the public transportation function as authorized by RCW 36.57.100 and 36.57.110 or any public transportation system that is not governed: (1) By a metropolitan municipal corporation as authorized by RCW 35.58.270;(2) By a county performing the public transportation function as authorized by RCW 36.57.100 and 36.57.110;(3) By a county transportation authority under chapter 36.57 RCW; or(4) By any public transportation benefit area established under chapter 36.57A RCW, must appoint a nonvoting member to its public transportation governing body, if applicable.Provides that the nonvoting member shall be recommended by the labor organization representing the majority of the public transportation employees within the local public transportation system. The chair of the governing body may exclude the nonvoting member from attending any portion of a meeting of the governing body or of any committee held for the purpose of discussing negotiations with labor organizations.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 2217
by Representatives Orcutt, Wallace, and Curtis
Modifying provisions concerning the use of tax exempt property by noneligible entities for certain organizations.
Amends RCW 84.36.060 relating to the use by noneligible entities of tax exempt property owned by certain organizations.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 2218
by Representatives Orcutt, Haler, Hailey, Ahern, Pearson, Roach, Newhouse, Hinkle, Kristiansen, Warnick, Kretz, Ericksen, Condotta, and Chandler
Protecting the rights of former owners in real property that has been acquired through eminent domain.
Provides that when real property that has been acquired through condemnation or under the threat of condemnation is to be sold by the condemnor within ten years after the condemnation or sale under threat of condemnation, the owner from whom the property was acquired has the rights granted under this act to repurchase the property or to receive proceeds from the sale of the property.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 2219
by Representatives Orcutt, B. Sullivan, Kessler, and Kretz
Regarding forest practices regulations that apply to small forest landowners.
Revises provisions regarding forest practices regulations that apply to small forest landowners.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources. | |
HB 2220
by Representative Lantz
Regarding shellfish.
Finds that shellfish aquaculture is an important and dynamic industry in the state of Washington. Managing and regulating the industry involves a careful balancing act among various goals, including environmental protection, economic development, property rights, aesthetics, and the simple enjoyment of the shoreline. Complicating the state's efforts is a lack of available, credible scientific information on the affects that new industry developments have on the natural environment.Declares that, with this act, the legislature intends to address the challenges inherent in managing and regulating shellfish aquaculture, and begin the process of developing a consistent, predictable regulatory program that respects the role of local governments, protects the interests of the state, and operates within the scope of the federal government.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Select Committee on Puget Sound. | |
HB 2221
by Representatives Pettigrew, Hudgins, Kenney, and Moeller
Providing assistance for disadvantaged contractors.
Requires the director to determine whether a business that is registered as a contractor under chapter 18.27 RCW or licensed as a contractor under chapter 19.28 RCW is a disadvantaged contractor, and shall adopt rules establishing the criteria and procedures for making this determination. The business owner or owners shall be required to show both social and economic disadvantage based on the following: (1) The relative financial resources of the business as well as the personal wealth of the owner or owners of the business;(2) Social disadvantage based on any of the following: (a) color, ethnic origin, gender, or physical disability; (b) location in an area of high unemployment or a qualified census tract; or (c) other factors not common to other small businesses; and(3) Economic disadvantage based on business size thresholds and eligibility criteria developed in rule that are designed to stimulate economic development through contract awards to businesses located in qualified census tracts.Requires the director to contract with nonprofit organizations to provide technical assistance to disadvantaged contractors to become more competitive by developing or improving their business operations skills. During the 2007-2009 biennium, the director shall enter into two contracts to provide technical assistance to disadvantaged contractors, with one contract for contractors located west of the crest of the Cascade mountains, and the other for contractors located east of the crest of the Cascade mountains.Appropriates the sum of two hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the biennium ending June 30, 2009, from the insurance commissioner's regulatory account to the office of minority and women's business enterprises for the purposes set forth in this act.Appropriates the sum of two million dollars for the biennium ending June 30, 2009, from the insurance commissioner's regulatory account to the disadvantaged contractor bonding program fund created in this act for the purposes set forth in this act.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Community & Economic Development & Trade. | |
HB 2222
by Representatives P. Sullivan, Moeller, Roberts, and Simpson
Including nonschool service in the salary calculation for educators with career and technical certificates.
Provides that, beginning in the 2007-08 school year, the calculation of years of service for occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, nurses, social workers, counselors, and psychologists regulated under Title 18 RCW may include service in schools and other nonschool positions as occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, nurses, social workers, counselors, or psychologists. The calculation shall be that one year of service in a nonschool position counts as one year of service for purposes of this act, up to a limit of five years of nonschool service.Provides that, beginning in the 2007-08 school year, the calculation of years of service for instructors with a career and technical education certificate may include service in nonschool positions related to the subject of the certificate for those instructors with a degree from an accredited institution of higher education that was attained before receiving the certificate. The calculation shall be that one year of service in a nonschool position counts as one year of service for purposes of this act, up to a limit of five years of nonschool service.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2223
by Representatives Bailey, Chandler, Hailey, Ross, Kristiansen, Strow, and Pearson
Requiring the state auditor to identify and review new programs.
Requires that, on July 1st of each calendar year, the state auditor shall publish a draft list on its web site of all new programs funded by any appropriation or allotment of state funds during the previous fiscal year. The state auditor shall provide written notice of publication to the appropriate committees of the house of representatives and senate and to the office of financial management.Requires that three years after any new program, as defined in this act, the state auditor shall conduct a fiscal and performance audit of each new program.Requires the audit to: (1) Identify the original objective of the new program;(2) Identify the data collected by the program and the performance measures;(3) Assess how effective the program was at meeting the objective;(4) Determine how efficiently resources were used; and(5) Suggest changes to the program to increase effectiveness and efficiency, including alternative approaches or termination.Directs the state auditor to provide a final copy of the audit to the appropriate committees of the house of representatives and senate and to the office of financial management by December 31st of the calendar year for that audit period.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
SB 5108-S
by Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Rasmussen, Jacobsen, Shin, Spanel, Swecker, Brandland, Hatfield, and Parlette)
Creating the office of farmland preservation.
Finds that there is a finite quantity of high quality agricultural land and that often this agricultural land is mistakenly viewed as an expendable resource.Finds that the retention of agricultural land is desirable, not only to produce food and other products, but also to maintain our state economy and preferable environmental conditions. For these reasons, and because it is essential that agricultural production be sufficient to meet the needs of our growing population, commitment to the retention of agricultural land should be reflected at the state policy level by the creation of an office of farmland preservation to support the retention of farmland and the viability of farming for future generations.
| Jan 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 8 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 12 | ARED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5170-S
by Senate Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Management (originally sponsored by Senators Shin, Kastama, Zarelli, Kilmer, Kauffman, Jacobsen, Clements, Parlette, and Rasmussen)
Concerning the state trade fair fund.
Revises provisions concerning the state trade fair fund.Appropriates the sum of one hundred fifty 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 state trade fair fund for the purposes of this act.Appropriates the sum of one hundred fifty 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 state trade fair fund for the purposes of this act.Repeals RCW 43.31.833 and 43.31.834.
| Jan 26 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 7 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 12 | EDTM - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5184-S
by Senate Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Management (originally sponsored by Senators Hatfield, Clements, and Rasmussen)
Modifying sales and use tax provisions for public facilities districts.
Provides that, in a county with a population under three hundred thousand, the governing body of a public facilities district created before August 1, 2001, under chapter 35.57 RCW or before January 1, 2000, under chapter 36.100 RCW in which the total population in the public facilities district is greater than ninety thousand and less than one hundred thousand that commences improvement or rehabilitation of an existing regional center, to be used for community events, and artistic, musical, theatrical, or other cultural exhibitions, presentations, or performances and having two thousand or fewer permanent seats, before January 1, 2009, may impose a sales and use tax in accordance with the terms of this act.Provides that moneys collected under this act shall only be used for the purposes set forth in RCW 35.57.020 and must be matched with an amount from other public or private sources equal to thirty-three percent of the amount collected under this provision, provided that amounts generated from nonvoter approved taxes authorized under chapter 35.57 RCW may not constitute a public or private source.
| Jan 26 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 7 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 12 | EDTM - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Feb 13 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 5231-S
by Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Berkey, Roach, Fairley, Pridemore, and Shin)
Revising provisions relating to water-sewer districts.
Revises provisions relating to water-sewer districts.
| Jan 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 8 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 12 | GO - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5288-S
by Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Murray, McAuliffe, Weinstein, Shin, and Rasmussen)
Requiring cyberbullying to be included in school district harassment prevention policies.
Provides that, by August 1, 2008, each school district shall amend its harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention policy to include a section addressing acts of bullying, harassment, or intimidation that are conducted via electronic means by a student while on school grounds and during the school day. The policy shall include a requirement that materials meant to educate parents and students about the seriousness of cyberbullying be disseminated to parents or made available on the school district's web site.Provides that the material shall include information on responsible and safe internet use as well as what options are available if a student is being bullied via electronic means, including but not limited to, reporting threats to local police and when to involve school officials, the internet service provider, or phone service provider.
| Jan 24 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 8 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 12 | EDU - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5367-S
by Senate Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Management (originally sponsored by Senators Shin, Kastama, Kilmer, Kauffman, Clements, Berkey, and Rasmussen)
Establishing the Washington trade corps fellowship program.
Establishes the Washington trade corps fellowship program at the University of Washington center for international business education and research to promote international trade and award fellowships to students who have shown significant interest in pursuing a career in international trade.Declares that a fellowship must be available for no more than fifteen persons per year. Fellows shall serve a minimum of six months and may serve a maximum of eighteen months. Fellows shall be compensated with a stipend of no less than ten thousand dollars. Fellows shall be provided living and travel expenses while overseas, but the total cost provided by the center per fellow, per year, must not exceed sixty percent of the state's average yearly wage, or twenty-five thousand dollars, whichever is greater. Institutions are encouraged to and may provide students with college credit for serving as a fellow. The center shall seek matching funds from trading companies.Appropriates the sum of two 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 University of Washington center for international business education and research for the purposes of this act.Appropriates the sum of two hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the University of Washington center for international business education and research for the purposes of this act.Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.
| Jan 31 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 7 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 12 | EDTM - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 6002
by Senator Sheldon
Regarding lake management districts.
Provides that, upon the expiration of an initial term or renewal term of a lake management district, the county legislative authority may renew by resolution the lake management district for the same term of years set forth in the resolution adopted under RCW 36.61.070.Provides that the owners of land within the lake management district may adjust annually, upon approval by a simple majority vote, the rates and charges imposed by the lake management district.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 6003
by Senators Poulsen, Rockefeller, Honeyford, Pridemore, Holmquist, Kilmer, Morton, and Kohl-Welles
Promoting competition for cable television service by providing statewide authorization for private entities to provide cable service or video service in competition with incumbent cable television operators.
Declares an intent to establish a goal of promoting competition and consumer choice for cable television service.Provides that a competitive cable service provider or competitive video service provider seeking to provide cable service or video service in the state of Washington after the effective date of this act shall file an application for authorization with the commission as required by this act.Requires the commission to issue an authorization permitting a competitive cable service provider or a competitive video service provider to provide cable service or video service in the state of Washington within thirty calendar days after receipt of a completed affidavit submitted by the competitive cable service provider or competitive video service provider and signed by an officer or general partner of the applicant affirming the following: (1) That the applicant agrees to comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations;(2) A written description of the city, town, county, or other municipality of this state to be served, in whole or in part, by the applicant, which written description must be amended by the applicant before the provision of cable service within an area not described in a previous application or amendment filed by the applicant. For purposes of this provision, a map or other graphic representation may supplement, but not substitute for, the written description; and(3) The location of the principal place of business and the names of the principal executive officers of the applicant.Provides that, to the extent required by applicable law, any cable or video service authorization granted by this act by the commission constitutes a "franchise" for purposes of 47 U.S.C. Sec. 541(b)(1). To the extent required for purposes of 47 U.S.C. Secs. 521 through 561, only the state of Washington shall constitute the exclusive "franchising authority" for competitive cable service providers and competitive video service providers in the state of Washington.Declares that neither the commission, nor any other state agency, nor any local government, nor any other political entity of the state of Washington may: (1) Require a competitive cable service provider or competitive video service provider to obtain a separate franchise; or(2) Otherwise impose any fee or franchise requirement on any competitive cable service provider or competitive video service provider except as provided in this act. For purposes of this provision, a franchise requirement includes, without limitation, any provision that: (a) regulates the rates charged by competitive cable service providers or competitive video service providers; (b) requires competitive cable service providers or competitive video service providers to satisfy any build-out requirements or deploy any facilities or equipment; and (c) requires a franchise to be approved by a vote of the people.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Telecommunications. | |
SB 6004
by Senators Oemig, Kline, and Hargrove
Concerning exceptional sentences.
Provides that, in any case where an exceptional sentence above the standard range was imposed prior to April 15, 2005, and where a new trial or new sentencing hearing is required, the superior court shall have the authority to impanel a jury to consider any alleged aggravating circumstances, relied upon by the superior court in imposing the previous sentence, at either the new trial or, if no new trial is necessary, at the new sentencing hearing.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 6005
by Senators Shin, Delvin, Kline, Weinstein, and Tom
Revising provisions involving court interpreters.
Requires each trial court organized under Title 2 RCW and Titles 3 and 35 RCW must develop a written language assistance plan to provide a framework for the provision of interpreter services for non-English-speaking persons accessing the court system in both civil and criminal legal matters.Provides that each court, when developing its language assistance plan, must consult with judges, court administrators and court clerks, interpreters, and members of the community, such as domestic violence organizations, pro bono programs, courthouse facilitators, legal services programs, and/or other community groups whose members speak a language other than English.Requires each court to provide a copy of its language assistance plan to the interpreter commission established by supreme court rule for approval prior to receiving state reimbursement for interpreter costs under this act.Requires each court to provide to the administrative office of the courts by November 15, 2007, a report detailing an assessment of the need for interpreter services for non-English speakers in court-mandated classes or programs, the extent to which interpreter services are currently available for court-mandated classes or programs, and the resources that would be required to ensure that interpreters are provided to non-English speakers in court-mandated classes or programs. The administrative office of the courts shall compile these reports and provide them to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 15, 2007.Provides that where an interpreter is appointed by a judicial officer in a proceeding before a court at public expense, the state of Washington shall reimburse the appointing authority for one-half of the payment to the interpreter where: (1) The interpreter appointed is an interpreter certified by the administrative office of the courts or is a qualified interpreter registered by the administrative office of the courts in a noncertified language, or where the necessary language is not certified or registered, the interpreter has been qualified by the judicial officer pursuant to this act;(2) The court conducting the legal proceeding has an approved language assistance plan that complies with this act; and(3) The fee paid to the interpreter for services is in accordance with standards established by the administrative office of the courts.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 6006
by Senator Swecker
Expanding the property tax exemption for public assembly halls.
Expands the property tax exemption for public assembly halls.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 6007
by Senators Morton, Rasmussen, Shin, and Hatfield
Clarifying the use of funds appropriated for livestock predator control.
Clarifies the use of funds appropriated for livestock predator control.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Rural Economic Development. | |
SB 6008
by Senators Murray, Shin, Kohl-Welles, and Keiser
Encouraging art donations to charitable artistic or cultural organizations by providing a use tax credit.
Requires that, to claim the credit, the taxpayer must provide the following documentation to the department of revenue: (1) A copy of the bill of sale;(2) A copy of the use tax return for the tax paid; and(3) A copy of the appraisal required for a charitable deduction from federal income tax for contributions made to an organization exempt under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(3) of the federal internal revenue code, as existing and in effect on January 1, 2007.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 6009
by Senators Rasmussen, Hatfield, Shin, Morton, Tom, Kohl-Welles, Roach, and Hobbs
Granting military service credit to certain employees.
Provides that a member who has served or shall serve on active federal service in the uniformed services of the United States and who left or shall leave an employer to enter such service shall be deemed to be on military leave of absence if he or she has resumed or shall resume employment as an employee within one year from termination.Provides that if he or she has applied or shall apply for reinstatement of employment, within one year from termination of the military service, and is refused employment for reasons beyond his or her control, he or she shall, upon resumption of service within ten years have such service credited to him or her.Declares that, in any event, after completing twenty-five years of creditable service, any member may have service in the uniformed services credited to him or her as a member whether or not he or she left the employ of an employer to enter the uniformed services: PROVIDED, That in no instance, described in this act, shall military service in excess of five years be credited: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That in each instance the member must restore all withdrawn accumulated contributions, which restoration must be completed within five years of membership service following the first resumption of employment or complete twenty-five years of creditable service: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That this act will not apply to any individual, not a veteran within the meaning of RCW 41.04.005.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 6010
by Senators Poulsen, Brown, Jacobsen, Murray, and Hargrove
Concerning the issuance of hydraulic project permits for activities in aquatic reserves.
Requires the department to obtain the concurrence from the department of natural resources, and from the county or city having land use jurisdiction, before approving or renewing a permit under chapter 77 RCW for dock reconstruction and other activities associated with gravel barging, where the activities will be located within an aquatic reserve established by administrative order of the commissioner of public lands.Applies to any permit application pending on or after January 1, 2007, and to any renewal of a permit on or after January 1, 2007.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation. | |
SB 6011
by Senators Poulsen, Eide, Brown, Rockefeller, Spanel, Fraser, Weinstein, Murray, Pridemore, and Keiser
Creating the Maury Island aquatic reserve.
Provides that the department shall manage the Maury Island aquatic reserve primarily for the achievement of the following goals: (1) To conserve native habitats and associated plant and wildlife species, with a special emphasis upon forage fish, salmonids, and migratory birds;(2) To protect and restore the functions and natural processes of nearshore ecosystems in support of the natural resources of the reserve;(3) To promote stewardship of riparian and aquatic habitats and species by providing education and outreach opportunities and promoting coordination with other resource managers; and(4) To provide for low-impact public uses including recreation uses and improvements that do not adversely affect the resource values, are appropriate to the maintenance of the lands in a relatively unmodified natural setting, and do not detract from long-term ecological processes.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Telecommunications. | |
| Feb 16 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 6012
by Senators Poulsen, Rockefeller, Pridemore, Oemig, Fraser, and Regala
Concerning shoreline master program provisions on islands in Puget Sound.
Provides that, for shorelines of the state located on inhabited islands within Puget Sound, a county master program may prohibit completely or may limit the intensity of mining uses and associated activities, including the transportation of materials from the mining site, to a level that is commercially significant considering the market for the materials on the island.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Telecommunications. | |
| Feb 16 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 6013
by Senator Hargrove
Creating the institutions review commission.
Finds that state institutions serve a critical role in the delivery of services and long-term residential care for the people of the state of Washington. Maintaining the capital needs and assessing the need for efficiencies, consolidation, expansion, reduction, closure, and replacement of state institutions requires both long-term planning and financing. A fair, objective, and factual assessment of the capital facilities is a critical part of how to best meet the needs of the clients of the institutions and the citizens of Washington. However, the state lacks an independent review process for state institutions with excess capacity or with alternative service delivery models to meet state policy.Finds that independent evidence-based facts are crucial to any decision that affects Washington citizens who reside in state institutions; and that a fair and objective analysis of the independent evidence-based facts will be better for the clients of the institutions.Declares an intent to create an institutions review commission as an independent entity to review state institutions on a regular basis.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections. | |
SJM 8015
by Senators Hobbs, Prentice, Fairley, Kauffman, Berkey, Marr, Fraser, Franklin, Pridemore, Brown, Murray, Eide, Rockefeller, Kastama, Kohl-Welles, Tom, Kilmer, Kline, Oemig, Delvin, Shin, Schoesler, Benton, McAuliffe, Spanel, Keiser, Sheldon, Roach, Parlette, and Rasmussen
Requesting Congress to fund the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and stop the erosion of veterans' benefits for Washington State's veterans.
Requests Congress to fund the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and stop the erosion of veterans' benefits for Washington State's veterans.
| Feb 13 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |