 | WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE | |
| Legislative Digest No. 29 | ||
| SIXTIETH LEGISLATURE | ||
| Monday, February 19, 2007 | 43rd 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 1114-S
by House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Rodne, Lantz, Moeller, and B. Sullivan; by request of Attorney General)
Prohibiting the marketing of estate distribution documents by persons not authorized to practice law in this state.
Prohibits the marketing of estate distribution documents by persons not authorized to practice law in this state.Finds the practice of using "living trusts" as a marketing tool by persons who are not authorized to practice law or who are not acting directly under the supervision of a person authorized to practice law to be a deceptive means of obtaining personal asset information and of developing and generating leads for sales to senior citizens. The legislature further finds that this practice endangers the financial security of consumers and may frustrate their estate planning objectives. Therefore, the legislature intends to prohibit the marketing of services related to preparation of estate distribution documents by persons who are not authorized to practice law.
| Jan 19 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 13 | Executive session in committee. | |
| JUDI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 15 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1148-S
by House Committee on Housing (originally sponsored by Representatives Simpson, Dunn, Orcutt, McCune, Chase, Wallace, Ormsby, and Springer)
Addressing the restriction of mobile home or manufactured home locations.
Prohibits restrictions on the location of mobile homes or manufactured homes based exclusively on age and dimensions.Provides that a city or town, code city or county may not adopt an ordinance that has the effect, directly or indirectly, of restricting the location of mobile homes or manufactured homes in mobile home parks or manufactured housing communities, as defined in RCW 59.20.030, which were legally in existence before the effective date of this section, based exclusively on the age or dimensions of the mobile home or manufactured home. This does not preclude a city or town from restricting the location of a mobile home or manufactured home in mobile home parks or manufactured housing communities for any other reason including, but not limited to, failure to comply with fire, safety, or other local ordinances or state laws related to mobile homes and manufactured homes.
| Jan 24 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 14 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HOUS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 16 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1192-S
by House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Kessler, B. Sullivan, Miloscia, Kagi, and Wood)
Authorizing the governor to appoint the director of parks and recreation.
Authorizes the governor to appoint the director of parks and recreation.
| Jan 25 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 13 | Executive session in committee. | |
| AGNR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 16 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1252-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Hunter, Buri, McIntire, Springer, Rodne, Kagi, Fromhold, Kirby, Hinkle, Jarrett, McCoy, B. Sullivan, Appleton, Takko, Newhouse, Miloscia, Blake, Kenney, Dickerson, Haigh, P. Sullivan, Darneille, Moeller, Schual-Berke, Eddy, Santos, and Rolfes)
Establishing restrictions on prerecorded telephone calls.
Provides that a caller may not use or connect to a telecommunications line an automatic dialing and announcing device unless: (1) The subscriber has knowingly or voluntarily requested, consented to, permitted, or authorized receipt of the message; or(2) The message is immediately preceded by a live operator who discloses who is paying for the message at the beginning of the call and obtains the subscriber's consent before the message is delivered.Does not apply to the following: (1) Messages from school districts to students, parents, or employees;(2) Messages to subscribers with whom the caller has a current business or personal relationship;(3) Messages concerning an emergency affecting public safety;(4) Messages advising employees of work schedules; or(5) Messages from federal, state, or local government entities or municipal corporations.
| Jan 31 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 13 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 15 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1322-S
by House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives McCoy, Grant, Sells, Cody, Conway, Schual-Berke, Roberts, Pettigrew, Lantz, Kagi, Moeller, Chase, Green, Kenney, Simpson, Darneille, Dickerson, Hankins, Santos, Ormsby, and Flannigan)
Defining disability in the Washington law against discrimination.
Declares that "disability" means the presence of a sensory, mental, or physical impairment that: (1) Is medically cognizable or diagnosable; or(2) Exists as a record or history; or(3) Is perceived to exist whether or not it exists in fact.Declares that for purposes of this definition, "impairment" includes but is not limited to: (1) Any physiological disorder, or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: Neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory, including speech organs, cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitor-urinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine; or(2) Any mental, developmental, traumatic, or psychological disorder, including but not limited to cognitive limitation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities.Declares that, only for the purposes of qualifying for reasonable accommodation in employment, an impairment must have: (1) A substantially limiting effect upon the individual's ability to perform his or her job, the individual's ability to apply or be considered for a job, or the individual's access to equal benefits, privileges, or terms or conditions of employment; or(2) The reasonable likelihood that job-related factors will aggravate it to the extent that it could create a substantially limiting effect if not accommodated.
| Feb 6 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 13 | Executive session in committee. | |
| JUDI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 15 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1361-S
by House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Miloscia, B. Sullivan, and Chase)
Dedicating existing revenue to infrastructure funding.
Finds that existing funding levels are insufficient to meet current and future demands for infrastructure, especially infrastructure that is necessary to accommodate new population growth.Finds also that the transportation improvement board's urban corridor program provides a mechanism to ensure that infrastructure funding is directed to projects that are necessary to accommodate growth.Declares an intent to establish requirements pertaining to funding growth infrastructure projects from the urban corridor program, and dedicate funding to the transportation improvement board for grants to fund qualifying infrastructure programs that are consistent with these requirements.Appropriates the sum of ten million dollars for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the transportation improvement board for the purpose of issuing grants to local governments to accommodate growth under RCW 47.26.282.Appropriates the sum of ten million dollars for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the transportation improvement board for the purpose of issuing grants to local governments to accommodate growth under RCW 47.26.282.
| Jan 25 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | Executive session in committee. | |
| LG - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
HB 1372-S
by House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Rolfes, Appleton, Simpson, Haigh, Seaquist, and Darneille)
Authorizing the acquisition and operation of tourism-related facilities by port districts.
Authorizes the acquisition and operation of tourism-related facilities by port districts.Declares that port districts are prohibited from exercising the taxing authority authorized under RCW 67.28.180, 67.28.1801, 67.28.181, 67.28.1815, 67.28.1817, 67.28.183, 67.28.184, and 67.28.200.Requires a port district and any municipality or other entity involved in a joint venture or project with a port district under chapter 67.28 RCW to comply with the provisions of chapter 39.12 RCW.
| Jan 25 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 13 | Executive session in committee. | |
| LG - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 16 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1458-S
by House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives VanDeWege, Kessler, Rodne, Appleton, Ahern, Curtis, Kenney, Clibborn, Morrell, P. Sullivan, Eickmeyer, Armstrong, Buri, Chandler, Ericksen, Hinkle, Condotta, Anderson, Eddy, Goodman, Kelley, Haler, McCune, Kretz, Kagi, Ericks, Warnick, Pedersen, Bailey, Newhouse, McDonald, Priest, Roach, Strow, Green, Campbell, Hunter, Takko, Sells, Springer, McCoy, Upthegrove, Williams, Moeller, Ormsby, Pearson, Haigh, Linville, Conway, Dickerson, Dunn, Hasegawa, Rolfes, Ross, and Lantz; by request of Governor Gregoire and Attorney General)
Requiring notice to property owners before condemnation decisions.
Requires notice to property owners before condemnation decisions.
| Feb 2 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 13 | Executive session in committee. | |
| JUDI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 15 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1459-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Kretz and B. Sullivan)
Authorizing oil and gas regulatory cost-reimbursements.
Authorizes the department, until July 2013, to enter into a written cost-reimbursement agreement with an applicant, permit holder, or project operator to recover from the applicant, permit holder, or project operator the reasonable costs incurred by the department in carrying out the requirements of chapter 78.52 RCW, as they relate to permit coordination, environmental review, application review, technical studies in support of permit processing, or orders issued by the oil and gas supervisor and permit compliance.
| Feb 2 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 13 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 15 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1498-S
by House Committee on Finance (originally sponsored by Representatives Grant, Walsh, Lovick, Santos, Armstrong, Linville, Hinkle, Kessler, Green, Kenney, Williams, Ericks, and Dunn)
Excluding self-service laundry from the definition of retail sale for excise tax purposes.
Excludes self-service laundry from the definition of retail sale for excise tax purposes.
| Feb 2 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 13 | Executive session in committee. | |
| FIN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 15 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1561-S
by House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Jarrett, Clibborn, Goodman, Springer, Eddy, Rodne, and P. Sullivan)
Granting authority of a watershed management partnership to exercise powers of its forming governments.
Provides that a watershed management partnership formed under the authority of RCW 39.34.210, and a separate legal entity established by such a partnership to conduct the cooperative undertaking of the partnership under the same statutory authority, may exercise the power of eminent domain as provided in chapter 8.12 RCW.Provides that the eminent domain authority granted under this act may be exercised only for those utility purposes for which the watershed management partnership was formed.Applies only to a watershed management partnership that: (1) Was formed before July 1, 2006, under the authority of RCW 39.34.210;(2) Is not engaged in planning or in implementing a plan for a water resource inventory area under the terms of chapter 90.82 RCW; and(3) Is composed entirely of cities and water-sewer districts authorized to exercise the power of eminent domain in the manner provided by chapter 8.12 RCW.
| Feb 2 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 14 | Executive session in committee. | |
| JUDI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 16 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1705-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Barlow, Ormsby, Kenney, and Wood)
Creating health sciences and services authorities.
Creates the health sciences and services program to promote bioscience-based economic development and advance new therapies and procedures to combat disease and promote public health.
| Feb 7 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 13 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 15 | Referred to Finance. | |
HB 1937-S
by House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representative Lantz)
Revising provisions concerning actions under the consumer protection act.
Provides that, upon a violation of RCW 19.86.030, 19.86.040, 19.86.050, or 19.86.060, the court may also make such additional orders or judgments as may be necessary to restore to any person in interest any moneys or property, real or personal, which may have been acquired, regardless of whether such person purchased or transacted for goods or services directly with the defendant or indirectly through resellers.Provides that the court shall exclude from the amount of monetary relief awarded in an action pursuant to this subsection any amount that duplicates amounts that have been awarded for the same violation. The court should consider consolidation or coordination with other related actions, to the extent practicable, to avoid duplicate recovery.
| Feb 13 | Executive session in committee. | |
| JUDI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 15 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2007-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Eddy and Crouse)
Regarding allowable fuel blends.
Defines allowable fuel blends.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing and executive action taken in committee. | |
| TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 15 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2273
by Representatives Rolfes, Seaquist, Eickmeyer, Appleton, Lantz, and Haigh
Addressing passenger-only ferry service funding.
Declares that by August 1st, November 1st, February 1st, and May 1st of every year, the department of transportation shall notify the state treasurer in writing of the amount of state sales and use tax paid under chapters 82.08 and 82.12 RCW by the Washington state ferries on the purchase of fuel for the preceding calendar quarter. By September 1st, December 1st, March 1st, and June 1st of every year, the state treasurer shall transfer an amount equal to the amount indicated by the department in their notification to the treasurer into the passenger ferry account created in RCW 47.60.645.Provides that a public transportation benefit area seeking grant funding as described in RCW 47.01.350 for a passenger-only ferry route between Kingston and Seattle shall first receive approval from the governor after submitting a complete business plan to the governor and the legislature by November 1, 2007. Declares that the tax levied by RCW 82.08.020 shall not apply to sales of motor vehicle and special fuel if the fuel is purchased by a public transportation benefit area created under chapter 36.57A RCW or a county-owned ferry or county ferry district created under chapter 36.54 RCW for use in passenger-only ferry vessels.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2274
by Representatives McIntire, B. Sullivan, and Lovick
Increasing competitive bid limits for the purchase of materials, equipment, or supplies.
Amends RCW 36.32.245 increasing competitive bid limits for the purchase of materials, equipment, or supplies.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 2275
by Representatives Kessler, B. Sullivan, Kenney, Chase, and Hunt
Regarding funding of state parks.
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.Provides that a person who registers a vehicle under this act may, 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 16 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources. | |
| Feb 22 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
HB 2276
by Representatives Kirby and Chandler
Upholding state standards in determining disqualification for leaving work voluntarily.
Upholds state standards in determining disqualification for leaving work voluntarily.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
HB 2277
by Representatives Chandler, Armstrong, and Kretz
Encouraging initiatives and referenda by extending privacy protections to signatories and assuring accurate verification.
Declares an intent to ensure vibrant initiative and referendum participation by guarding privacy and assuring that all valid signatures are attributed to initiatives and referenda as part of the review process.Declares that Washington's laws and Constitution ensure that a voter's decision on who they vote for or against and what measures he or she votes for or against is not publicly revealed. Such a violation of privacy may subject voters to potential harassment, retaliation, and intimidation. Similar chilling of constitutional rights will be avoided by extending privacy protection to those engaged in the right to peacefully petition their government by initiative and referendum.Declares an intent to ensure that valid voter signatures on initiative and referendum petitions count and will not be rejected by the secretary of state. If a voter signs an initiative or referendum petition and his or her petition signature matches the signature on their voter registration, then the signature must be accepted by the secretary of state. Valid voter signatures must count, invalid ones should not, and scrutiny to assure this result is preferred to actions and regulations which might chill the exercise of the right to petition.Provides that initiative and referendum petitions and the names and addresses of citizens contained on them that are submitted to the secretary of state are not public records under chapter 42.56 RCW and shall not be made public beyond the observers as specified in RCW 29A.72.230.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 2278
by Representative Chase
Providing safeguards in guardianship proceedings for alleged incapacitated persons.
Provides that a petition for guardianship or limited guardianship may not disclose the social security number, medicare or medicaid number, or financial account numbers of the alleged incapacitated person or a family member of the alleged incapacitated person.Provides that a hospital, a facility as defined in RCW 74.34.020, or any other entity that provides long-term care services, may not petition for, or request, or induce any other person to petition for, a guardianship or limited guardianship of an alleged incapacitated person who is, was, or will be either: (1) Temporarily staying at the facility, hospital, or other entity; or(2) A resident of the facility, hospital, or other entity.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 2279
by Representatives Darneille, Springer, Pettigrew, O'Brien, Hasegawa, and Santos
Prohibiting discrimination against affordable housing developments.
Provides that a city, county, or other local governmental entity or agency may not adopt, impose, or enforce requirements on an affordable housing development that are different than the requirements imposed on housing developments generally.Provides that a city, county, or other local governmental entity or agency may not adopt, impose, or enforce requirements affecting affordable housing developments that are unclear and not objective or that, either in themselves or cumulatively, discourage housing for homeless persons, farmworkers, persons with disabilities, or other low-income households through unreasonable cost or delay or by discriminating against such housing.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Housing. | |
HB 2280
by Representatives Ericks, Armstrong, Lovick, Ormsby, and Kelley; by request of State Treasurer
Making the state treasurer a nonpartisan office.
Declares that the duties of the state treasurer to receive and disburse public money, account for public money as provided by law, manage the investment of state funds, oversee state borrowings, and carry out other duties as prescribed by the Constitution and statute, are all responsibilities that are fundamentally nonpartisan in nature. Accordingly, the office of state treasurer should be nonpartisan.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 2281
by Representatives Appleton and Hunt
Revising provisions for shared leave.
Provides that, before the agency head makes a determination to return unused leave in connection with an illness or injury, or any other qualifying condition, he or she must receive from the affected employee a statement from the employee's doctor verifying that the illness or injury is resolved.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 2282
by Representatives Clibborn, Jarrett, and Upthegrove
Addressing regional transportation governance.
Provides that, if the joint November 2007 ballot proposition established under this act is not approved by the voters, the participating counties shall, beginning at the November 2009 general election, submit to the voters a regional transportation investment plan as part of a single ballot proposition that includes, in conjunction with RCW 81.112.030(10), a plan to support an authority's system and financing plan, or additional implementation phases of the system and financing plan, developed under chapter 81.112 RCW. The regional transportation investment plan shall not be considered approved unless both a majority of the persons voting on the proposition residing within the proposed district vote in favor of the proposition and a majority of the persons voting on the proposition residing within the regional transit authority vote in favor of the proposition.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2283
by Representatives Hunter, Alexander, Schual-Berke, Cody, Kenney, and Kelley
Concerning the joint legislative audit and review committee performance reviews of the home care quality authority.
Amends RCW 74.39A.290 concerning the joint legislative audit and review committee performance reviews of the home care quality authority.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. | |
HB 2284
by Representatives Green, Ericksen, Sells, Strow, Seaquist, Hinkle, Wallace, Priest, Hasegawa, Fromhold, P. Sullivan, Conway, Miloscia, Linville, Kenney, O'Brien, Simpson, and Hunt
Addressing the training of and collective bargaining over the training of care providers.
Revises provisions addressing the training of and collective bargaining over the training of care providers.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
| Feb 20 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
HB 2285
by Representatives Schindler and Takko
Creating categorical exemptions from the state environmental policy act for certain activities.
Declares that, within urban growth areas designated under RCW 36.70A.110, decisions pertaining to the following activities are exempt from chapter 43.21C RCW: (1) Construction of or location of any residential structures of ten or fewer dwelling units;(2) Division of land into nine or fewer lots or parcels; and(3) Any landfill or excavation of five hundred cubic yards throughout the total lifetime of the fill or excavation.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 2286
by Representatives Simpson, Kirby, Williams, Kelley, and Hunt
Regulating interstate branching.
Establishes provisions regulating interstate branching.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Services & Consumer Protection. | |
HB 2287
by Representative Williams
Changing the effect of settlement agreements.
Revises the effect of settlement agreements.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 5074-S
by Senate Committee on Water, Energy & Telecommunications (originally sponsored by Senators Honeyford, Poulsen, Schoesler, and Delvin)
Dividing water resource inventory area 29 into WRIA 29a and WRIA 29b.
Declares that, for purposes of chapter 90.82 RCW, WRIA 29 shall be divided such that the portion of the WRIA located entirely within the White Salmon subbasin and the subbasins east thereof shall be considered WRIA 29b and the remaining portion shall be considered WRIA 29a. Planning may be conducted separately for WRIA 29a and 29b. WRIA 29a shall be eligible for the full amount of the funding available for a single WRIA and WRIA 29b shall be eligible for one-half of the funding available for a single WRIA.
| Jan 30 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 13 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | WET - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5078-S
by Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Honeyford and Kline)
Implementing rules for drivers when approaching stationary emergency, roadside assistance, and police vehicles on highways having less than four lanes.
Implements rules for drivers when approaching stationary emergency, roadside assistance, and police vehicles on highways having less than four lanes.
| Feb 7 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 13 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | TRAN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5082-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Spanel, Swecker, Murray, and Kohl-Welles)
Modifying time periods for collective bargaining by state ferry employees.
Revises time periods for collective bargaining by state ferry employees.
| Jan 25 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 12 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5202-S
by Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Delvin, Eide, Hewitt, Brandland, Pridemore, Holmquist, McCaslin, Haugen, Jacobsen, Honeyford, Rasmussen, and Roach)
Concerning permissible weaponry for on-duty law enforcement officers.
Pertains to any law enforcement officer who, in the discharge of official duty, carries a spring blade knife. Law enforcement officers may not be prosecuted for possession of a spring blade knife when the officer is merely transporting the knife to and from the location where it is stored when the officer is not on official duty.
| Jan 16 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 13 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | JUD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5271-S
by Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Pridemore, Benton, Kline, Swecker, Roach, and Rasmussen)
Modifying when a special election may be held.
Revises the dates on which a special election may be held.
| Feb 1 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 13 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | GO - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5276-S
by Senate Committee on Consumer Protection & Housing (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Poulsen, Rockefeller, Morton, Shin, Pridemore, Holmquist, and Rasmussen)
Limiting the use of automatic dialing and announcing devices.
Declares that protecting the well-being, tranquility, and privacy of the home is of the highest order in a free and civilized society, and the efficient conduct of private businesses and government operations are of significant government interest.Finds that automatic calling and announcing devices uniquely intrude into these interests.Declares that no person may use an automatic dialing and announcing device before 9:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.Does not apply to the following: (1) Messages from federal, state, or local government entities or municipal corporations;(2) Messages from schools to their students, parents, guardians, or employees;(3) Messages from businesses to their employees;(4) Messages to called parties with whom the caller has a current business or personal relationship if the message is for purposes other than commercial solicitation; or(5) Messages concerning an emergency affecting public safety.Provides that no person or entity may use an automatic dialing and announcing device unless: (1) The called party has given written or electronic consent to receive the message; or(2) The recorded message is immediately preceded by a live operator who obtains the called party's consent before the message is played.
| Jan 25 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 9 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 13 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | CPH - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5534-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Clements, and Keiser)
Creating an exemption from unemployment compensation for certain small performing arts industries.
Grants an exemption from unemployment compensation contributions for certain small performing arts industries.
| Feb 5 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 12 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5547-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Kline, Delvin, Fairley, Kohl-Welles, Keiser, Pflug, Franklin, Brandland, Marr, Regala, Rasmussen, Roach, Parlette, Shin, McAuliffe, and Hewitt)
Creating an office of the ombudsman for persons with developmental disabilities.
Creates an office of the ombudsman for persons with developmental disabilities for the purpose of promoting public awareness and understanding of developmental disabilities, identifying system issues, and monitoring and ensuring compliance with administrative acts, relevant statutes, rules, and policies pertaining to services for persons with developmental disabilities and to ensure that services and supports are of good quality and improve a person's quality of life.Requires the ombudsman to collaborate and have memoranda of agreement with the long-term care ombudsman, the family and children ombudsman, the Washington protection and advocacy system, the mental health ombudsmen, and the special education ombudsman to clarify authority in those situations where their mandates overlap. The ombudsman shall report to the legislature on the content of the memoranda of agreement and how overlapping authority has been clarified by January 1, 2008.Declares that the ombudsman shall be an independent function within state government and shall exercise his or her powers and duties without interference from either public or private agencies or organizations.
| Jan 24 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 14 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5611-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Jacobsen, Kohl-Welles, Pflug, Clements, and Rasmussen)
Allowing microbreweries and breweries to open a second retail only location.
Provides that if the licensee holds a separate license for a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant or a beer and/or wine license operated on the brewery premises, the licensee may hold a second retail license for a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license or a beer and/or wine license at a location separate from the licensed brewery premises.
| Feb 5 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 13 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5639-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Spanel, Clements, Pflug, Kohl-Welles, Jacobsen, Rasmussen, Poulsen, Regala, and Kline)
Authorizing a caterer's endorsement for licensed microbreweries.
Provides that any microbrewery licensed under this act that also holds either a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license or a beer and/or wine restaurant license may also receive a caterer's endorsement to either of those licenses as permitted under RCW 66.24.320 and 66.24.420.
| Feb 5 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 13 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 6054
by Senators Pridemore, Rockefeller, Kastama, Zarelli, Poulsen, Murray, Delvin, Keiser, Fairley, Fraser, Kohl-Welles, Regala, Shin, Marr, Oemig, Franklin, Berkey, Spanel, and Kline
Requiring a tax expenditure report as part of the biennial budget documents.
Declares that the governor is requested to review the report from the department of revenue and prepare a tax expenditure report as part of the biennial budget documents under RCW 43.88.030. The tax expenditure report must include the listing of exemptions prepared by the department of revenue and a budget analysis of each exemption. The budget analysis must categorize each exemption according to the programs or functions each exemption supports.Requires the governor to identify each exemption that will terminate during the next biennium and make a recommendation as to whether the exemption should be allowed to terminate, continue, or continue with modification.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 6055
by Senators Hewitt, Shin, Stevens, Schoesler, Rasmussen, Sheldon, Roach, and Holmquist
Extending the expiration date for the tax deduction for certain businesses impacted by the ban on American beef products.
Extends the expiration date for the tax deduction for certain businesses impacted by the ban on American beef products to December 31, 2012.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Rural Economic Development. | |
| Feb 22 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 6056
by Senators Clements, Rasmussen, Shin, Schoesler, Roach, Berkey, and Holmquist
Requiring a study to evaluate the use of sugar beets for the production of biofuel.
Requires the Washington State University agricultural research center for bioproducts and bioenergy to conduct a study that includes the potential and suitability of growing sugar beets for biofuel production that evaluates the following factors: (1) Current and potential availability of sugar beet feedstock sources in the state;(2) Suitability of growing conditions in various regions of the state;(3) Expected fuel yield per acre, in relation to other potential biofuel feedstocks;(4) Technological feasibility of converting sugar beets into fuel;(5) Economic feasibility of growing sugar beets for production of biofuel;(6) A description of the infrastructure needed including processing plants and machinery;(7) The opportunity to produce coproducts and by-products such as an alternative feed source for livestock; and(8) Potential contributions to rural economic development.Requires that, by December 1, 2009, the Washington State University agricultural research center for bioproducts and bioenergy shall provide a written report to the chief clerk of the house of representatives and to the secretary of the senate containing the findings and conclusions of its study.Appropriates the sum of one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the Washington State University agricultural research center for bioproducts and bioenergy for the purposes of this act.Appropriates the sum of one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the Washington State University agricultural research center for bioproducts and bioenergy for the purposes of this act.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Rural Economic Development. | |
| Feb 22 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 6057
by Senators Schoesler, Franklin, Carrell, Keiser, Regala, Marr, Fairley, Shin, Rasmussen, and Roach
Improving safety conditions in state hospitals.
Finds that the continuing number of assaults in state hospitals have made conditions for both patients and staff unacceptable. The legislature further finds that appropriate nurse staffing levels will result in improved patient and staff safety and a reduction in the number of workplace injuries. Therefore, to improve safety conditions in the state hospitals, the legislature intends that minimum patient assignment limits and nurse staffing ratios and other safety measures be implemented as an urgent public policy priority.Requires that, by January 1, 2008, the department must establish, after considering the recommendations of the staffing committee: (1) Patient assignment limits by nursing personnel classification; and(2) A staffing ratio for each patient care unit at a state hospital.Requires each state hospital to ensure that all nursing personnel are equipped with a properly functioning personal alarm at all times that the employee is on duty.Requires each state hospital to provide staff with protective safety equipment. The state hospital and the safety committee must determine within six months of the effective date of this act: (1) The types of equipment needed;(2) The proper locations to store the equipment;(3) The quantities of equipment necessary to ensure that all staff are equipped with or have easy access to personal protective equipment; and(4) Policies on the effective use of the equipment.Requires the department of labor and industries to inspect the state hospitals every six months to determine whether the provisions of this act are being followed. The department of labor and industries shall report to the legislature by November 25, 2007, with annual reports due by December 15th thereafter.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Human Services & Corrections. | |
SB 6058
by Senator Kline
Changing the effect of settlement agreements.
Revises the effect of settlement agreements.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 6059
by Senators Carrell, Kline, and Roach
Allowing attorneys to recover actual costs for service of process.
Authorizes attorneys to recover actual costs for service of process.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 6060
by Senator Kline
Regarding unlawful detainer action proceedings and notice for nonpayment of rent.
Declares an intent to create a clear, efficient, and fair process for both tenants and landlords in the determination of unlawful detainer actions. Landlord-tenant laws and proceedings are often complex and confusing. Tenants and landlords are insufficiently educated about the law and are often unrepresented by counsel in legal proceedings that determine possession of a home. The legislature has created a special process for those proceedings where nonpayment of rent is alleged. Because of the short timelines in those proceedings and the important property rights at stake, the legislature intends that this process be clarified in terms of the notice provided to tenants by landlords who utilize this special proceeding in evicting a tenant for nonpayment of rent.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 6061
by Senators Tom, Weinstein, Kohl-Welles, Prentice, and Poulsen
Concerning the confinement of a caged egg laying hen.
Declares that a person is guilty of restrictive confinement of a caged egg laying hen if he or she confines any caged egg laying hen, for all hours or the majority of the day, to a living space that does not allow each caged egg laying hen sufficient space to fully extend both wings without touching the sides of the living space or other birds.Applies to commercial egg production and operations that are required to be licensed under chapter 69.25 RCW.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Rural Economic Development. | |
SB 6062
by Senators Tom, Weinstein, Kohl-Welles, Prentice, and Poulsen
Concerning the confinement of animals.
Declares that a person is guilty of restrictive confinement of a calf or pig if the person confines a calf or pig for more than twelve hours during any twenty-four-hour period in a manner that prevents the calf or pig from: (1) Laying down and fully extending its limbs; or(2) Turning around freely.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Agriculture & Rural Economic Development. | |
SB 6063
by Senator Haugen
Regarding property tax exemptions for nonprofit organizations and associations.
Revises provisions regarding property tax exemptions for nonprofit organizations and associations.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 6064
by Senators Stevens, Holmquist, Morton, Swecker, Brandland, and Roach
Addressing the state expenditure limit.
Requires that appropriations made from the state general fund or related funds for deposit into other funds do not constitute actual expenditures for purposes of rebasing pursuant to this act unless the amount deposited into the other fund is expended before the close of the fiscal year for which it was appropriated.Provides that, prior to final passage of the omnibus operating budget by the legislature, the expenditure limit committee shall meet to adjust the expenditure limit for transfers and cost shifts under RCW 43.135.035 (4) and (5) and 43.135.060(2). If necessary, the committee shall make further adjustments after the governor signs the omnibus operating budget.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 6065
by Senators Kline, Kohl-Welles, Murray, Marr, Franklin, McAuliffe, and Sheldon
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 16 | First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education. | |
SB 6066
by Senators Kohl-Welles, Kline, Franklin, Kauffman, and Roach
Addressing the training of and collective bargaining over the training of care providers.
Revises provisions addressing the training of and collective bargaining over the training of care providers.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SJM 8017
by Senators Kline, Kohl-Welles, Weinstein, Spanel, Regala, Shin, Franklin, and Poulsen
Requesting the President to use all necessary means to bring about a peaceful solution to the conflict in Darfur.
Requests the President to use all necessary means to bring about a peaceful solution to the conflict in Darfur.
| Feb 16 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SJR 8208-S
by Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen and Swecker)
Amending the state Constitution by requiring toll facility or corridor revenue to be used solely for the facility or corridor.
Proposes an amendment to the state Constitution by requiring toll facility or operation revenue to be used solely for the facility or operation.
| Jan 29 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 13 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | TRAN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||