 | WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE | |
| Legislative Digest No. 33 | ||
| SIXTIETH LEGISLATURE | ||
| Friday, February 23, 2007 | 47th Day - 2007 Regular Session | |
| SENATE |
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| 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 1006-S
by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Moeller and B. Sullivan)
Studying electronic filing of disclosure reports.
Requires that, following consultation with the department of information services regarding scope of work, the public disclosure commission shall contract with a private contractor for a feasibility study to determine the cost of designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining: (1) Software or other applications to accommodate electronic filing by lobbyists reporting under RCW 42.17.150 and 42.17.170, by lobbyist employers reporting under RCW 42.17.180 and by public agencies reporting under RCW 42.17.190; and(2) A database and query system that results in data that is readily available to the public for review and analysis; and(3) Keeping such reporting database and query systems compatible with current computer architecture, technology and operating systems, including but not limited to Windows and Apple operating systems.Requires the study to be provided to the legislature by January 2008.
| Jan 24 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 26 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 12 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| APP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 21 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1035-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Morris, Hudgins, Eickmeyer, Linville, and B. Sullivan)
Regarding anaerobic digestion power.
Finds that anaerobic digester projects in the state provide numerous environmental benefits; they reduce odors from organic waste, control pathogens, minimize sludge production, conserve nutrients, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to providing environmental benefits, anaerobic digestion produces power using a clean, renewable resource.Finds that, despite the numerous environmental and energy-producing benefits that result from anaerobic digester projects, many potential anaerobic digester projects are not pursued in this state because of the high capital costs for construction of such projects. Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to establish a clean streams grant program to assist anaerobic digestion power producers by bringing down the cost of the initial capital investment.Appropriates the sum of three million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development for the purposes of this act.
| Jan 17 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 22 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1036-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Morris, Hudgins, Morrell, Linville, B. Sullivan, and Goodman)
Regarding the purchase of renewable energy by public entities.
Finds and declares that increasing the state's investment in renewable energy resources will provide a number of public benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, increasing energy diversity and security, and furthering economic development opportunities, particularly in emerging energy technologies.Requires each state agency to meet the following electricity consumption targets: (1) The eligible renewable energy resource percentage of total annual electric usage is at least twenty percent by January 1, 2008;(2) The eligible renewable energy resource percentage of total annual electric usage is at least sixty percent by January 1, 2010; and(3) The eligible renewable energy resource percentage of total annual electric usage is one hundred percent by January 1, 2012.Declares that these renewable energy targets shall not apply if the department of general administration is unable to obtain enough renewable energy resources or renewable energy credits from a facility in the state or in the Pacific Northwest region to satisfy the targets.Requires the department to establish a clear sky program to encourage the development of sustainable energy technologies such as fuel cells, high-efficiency cogeneration, and other emerging energy technologies that significantly reduce air pollution. The director may establish policies and procedures necessary for processing, reviewing, and approving loan applications made under this act.Creates the clean streams and clear sky subaccount as a subaccount of the energy freedom account. All receipts from appropriations made to the clean streams and clear sky subaccount shall be deposited into the subaccount. Expenditures from the subaccount may be used only for projects and activities authorized under this act and under the clean streams program established in chapter . . . (Proposed Substitute House Bill No. 1035 (H-2146.3/07)), Laws of 2007. In no circumstances shall more than fifty percent of the moneys in the subaccount be used for a single program or technology.Appropriates the sum of three million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development for the purposes of this act.
| Jan 17 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 22 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1254-S
by House Committee on Community & Economic Development & Trade (originally sponsored by Representatives Bailey, B. Sullivan, Haler, Skinner, McDonald, Wallace, Condotta, Sump, Kristiansen, Strow, Pettigrew, McCune, P. Sullivan, Dunn, and Morrell)
Concerning the use of lodging tax revenues for tourism promotion.
Provides that municipalities may contract with a nonprofit organization described under section 501 (c)(6) of the federal internal revenue code of 1986, as amended, for tourism promotion activities.
| Feb 1 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| CEDT - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Feb 21 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1332-S
by House Committee on Housing (originally sponsored by Representatives Pettigrew, Dunn, Miloscia, Springer, McCune, Ormsby, Kenney, Roberts, Wood, Santos, and Chase)
Addressing affordable housing development.
Declares that the purpose of this act is to: (1) Identify publicly owned land and buildings that may be suitable for the development of affordable housing for very low-income and low-income households and special needs populations;(2) Provide a central inventory of state and other publicly owned land and buildings that may be suitable to be marketed, sold, leased, or exchanged for the development of affordable housing or housing for special needs populations; and(3) Facilitate the effective use of publicly owned surplus and underutilized land and buildings suitable for the development of affordable housing for very low-income and low-income households and special needs populations by requiring that these types of surplus property to certain public agencies, commissions, and local governments be offered for an initial time period at a discount to nonprofit housing organizations and eligible public agencies for the development of affordable housing for very low-income and low-income households or housing for special needs populations.
| Jan 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HOUS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 21 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1340-S
by House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Pearson, Moeller, O'Brien, Lovick, and Upthegrove)
Establishing standardized chemical dependency assessment protocols.
Establishes standardized chemical dependency assessment protocols.
| Feb 9 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| JUDI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 22 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1961-S
by House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Conway, Hudgins, and Lovick)
Concerning professional athletics regulated by the department of licensing.
Declares that in the interest of ensuring the safety and welfare of the participants, the director of the department of licensing is required to direct, supervise, and control all boxing, mixed martial arts, and wrestling events conducted within this state and an event may not be held in this state except in accordance with the provisions of chapter 67.08 RCW.Provides that no amateur or professional no holds barred fighting or combative fighting contest, exhibition, match, or similar type of event, nor any elimination tournament, may be held in this state. Any person promoting such an event is guilty of a class C felony. Additionally, the director may apply to a superior court for an injunction against any and all promoters of such contests, and the court may seize all money and assets relating to the competition at the request of the director.Provides that, in addition to the payment of any other fees and money due under this act, every promoter shall pay to the department a fee consisting of a percentage of the total gross receipts from the sale, lease, or other exploitation of broadcasting, television, and motion picture rights for the event, without any deductions for the state, brokerage fees, distribution fees, advertising, participants' purses, or any other expenses or charges. The fee shall be three percent of the total gross receipts less than one million one dollars and, in addition, one percent of the total gross receipts that exceed one million dollars and do not exceed three million dollars.Requires each participant for boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts events to receive a prefight physical before an event and within a timeframe specified in rule. The prefight physical shall be performed by an event physician licensed by the department. The event physician shall complete and sign a prefight physical form provided by the department. The completed prefight physical form must be provided to the chief inspector prior to the beginning of the event. No participant whose physical condition is not approved by the event physician shall be permitted to participate in any event.Repeals RCW 67.08.010, 67.08.040, 67.08.130, 67.08.220, and 67.08.240.
| Feb 9 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 16 | Executive session in committee. | |
| CL - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 20 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1977-S
by House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Quall, Fromhold, Priest, Curtis, Ormsby, Hunt, P. Sullivan, Haigh, Dunn, Kenney, Morrell, and Wood)
Regarding skill centers.
Finds that student access to programs offered at skill centers can help prepare them for careers, apprenticeships, and postsecondary education.Finds that there are barriers to providing access to students in rural and remote areas but that there are opportunities to do so with satellite and branch campus programs, distance and online learning programs, and collaboration with higher education, business, and labor.Finds that skill centers provide opportunities for dropout prevention and retrieval programs by offering programs that accommodate students' work schedules and provide credit retrieval opportunities.Finds that implementing the recommendations from the study by the workforce training and education coordinating board will enhance skill center programs and student access to those programs.Provides that, beginning in the 2007-08 school year and thereafter, students attending skill centers shall be funded for all classes at the skill center and the sending districts, up to two full-time equivalents.Requires the office of the superintendent of public instruction to review and revise the guidelines for skill centers to encourage expansion of skill center programs. The superintendent, in cooperation with the workforce training and education coordinating board, skill center directors, and the Washington association for career and technical education, shall review and revise the existing skill centers' policy guidelines and create and adopt rules governing skill centers.Provides that, subject to available funding, skill centers shall provide access to late afternoon and evening sessions and summer school programs, to rural and high-density area students aligned with regionally identified high-demand occupations.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 16 | Executive session in committee. | |
| ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 20 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
| Feb 26 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
HB 1980-S
by House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Kelley, Santos, Ormsby, Roach, and Morrell)
Regarding the financial literacy public-private partnership.
Provides that, to the extent funds are appropriated or are available for this purpose, the superintendent of public instruction and other members of the partnership created in RCW 28A.300.455 shall make available to school districts the list of identified financial literacy skills and knowledge, instructional materials, assessments, and other relevant information.Encourages each school district to provide its students with an opportunity to master the financial literacy skills and knowledge developed under RCW 28A.300.460.Provides that for the purposes of RCW 28A.300.455, 28A.300.460, and this act, it is not necessary to evaluate and apply the office of the superintendent of public instruction essential academic learning requirements or to develop grade level expectations.Appropriates the sum of fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the Washington financial literacy public-private partnership account for the purposes of RCW 28A.300.465.Appropriates the sum of fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the Washington financial literacy public-private partnership account for the purposes of RCW 28A.300.465.Declares that the amounts in this act are provided solely for the purposes of RCW 28A.300.465. The superintendent of public instruction or the superintendent's designee may authorize expenditure of the amounts provided in this act as equal matching amounts from nonstate sources are received in the Washington financial literacy public-private partnership account.
| Feb 15 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 16 | Executive session in committee. | |
| ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 20 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
| Feb 27 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
HB 2023-S
by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Schual-Berke, Hinkle, Cody, Campbell, Darneille, Walsh, Morrell, Seaquist, Hunter, Hunt, Dunshee, Ericks, Haigh, Simpson, Ormsby, and Sells)
Establishing newborn screening fees.
Provides that payments for medical assistance shall include the cost of newborn screening fees used to fund specialty clinics in accordance with RCW 70.83.040.
| Feb 12 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| APP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 21 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2341
by Representatives Flannigan, B. Sullivan, Ormsby, Lantz, and Wallace
Concerning the sale of intermediate base light bulbs for residential use.
Declares an intent to encourage citizens to participate in cost-effective energy conservation by establishing efficiency standards for incandescent bulbs sold in the state.Provides that no new intermediate base lamps manufactured after January 1, 2010, may be sold or offered for sale in this state unless the efficiency of the new products meets or exceeds the efficiency standards set forth in 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.
| Feb 22 | First reading, referred to Technology, Energy & Communications. | |
HB 2342
by Representative Miloscia
Making state budget information available to the public.
Directs the office of financial management to create and make available to the public a state budget information web site. All agencies, including those in the legislative and judicial branches, are directed to cooperate with the office of financial management in this effort. The purpose of the web site is to make information about state budgets and state spending available at a single location even though some of that information may originate from outside sources, including the legislature, state auditor, judicial branch, or other entities.
| Feb 22 | First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Affairs. | |
HB 2343
by Representatives Quall, Santos, and Haler
Revising the high school assessment system and graduation requirements.
Revises the high school assessment system and graduation requirements.Repeals RCW 28A.655.063 and 28A.655.065.
| Feb 22 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
| Feb 26 | Scheduled for public hearing and executive session in committee. (Subject to change) | |
HB 2344
by Representatives Wallace, Rodne, Hunter, and Kenney
Preserving rail corridors.
Finds that passenger rail services and the freight railroad system are recognized as systems of statewide significance. Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to protect rail corridors from sale, surplus, or change of use without legislative approval and proper public notice.
| Feb 22 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
HB 2345
by Representatives Wallace, Dunn, Moeller, Curtis, Fromhold, McCune, Seaquist, and Williams
Encouraging shared parental responsibility in child custody arrangements.
Provides that, for any child, residential provisions may contain any reasonable terms or conditions that facilitate the orderly and meaningful exercise of residential time by a parent, including one or more of the following: (1) Requirements that residential times be specified;(2) Requirements of reasonable notice when residential time will not occur; or(3) Any other reasonable condition determined to be appropriate in the particular case including but not limited to a domestic violence assessment.Requires that, in any parenting plan in which the court finds that the parties do not have a satisfactory history of cooperation or the limitations of RCW 26.09.191 are dispositive; to the extent necessary, the parenting plan shall include a safe, neutral, and public location for the exchange of the child such as a school, day care, place of worship, or any other appropriate public facility.Directs the administrative office of the courts, pursuant to funding provided specifically for this purpose, to commission a study to commence by September 1, 2007. The study shall survey a statistically relevant number of geographically diverse final parenting plans in Washington to determine the allocation of residential time as between parents, including an analysis of gender disparities between parents, and the impact of legal counsel on outcomes of parenting plan disputes. The study shall be completed and a report provided to the legislature, the governor, and to the public within two years of the effective date of this act.
| Feb 22 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 2346
by Representatives Darneille, Orcutt, McIntire, Conway, Ericks, Hunt, and Kenney
Extending the business and occupation tax credit provided for qualified research and development to persons performing both phase I and II clinical trials.
Extends the business and occupation tax credit provided for qualified research and development to persons performing both phase I and II clinical trials.
| Feb 22 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 2347
by Representatives Warnick, Hinkle, McCune, Ahern, and Dunn
Preempting common law causes of action to determine parentage.
Declares an intent to address the issue of de facto parentage. The legislature did not intend to create a de facto parent. The legislature, in enacting the statutes involving parentage, adoption, surrogacy, and other statutes addressing children, intended the statutes to be the sole method of adjudicating parentage and the legislature did not intend for there to be additional common law methods of determining parentage.Declares that chapter 26.26 RCW, the statutes addressing adoption, surrogacy, and other statutory provisions addressing children, shall be the sole methods of determining parentage and shall preempt any common law cause of action to determine parentage.
| Feb 22 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 2348
by Representatives Sells, Chase, Jarrett, Campbell, Miloscia, Lovick, Ormsby, Green, Morrell, Hankins, Darneille, and Simpson
Exempting labor relations materials from public disclosure.
Declares that the following are confidential and privileged and not subject to public disclosure under chapter 42.56 RCW: (1) Records of mediation communications conducted under the provisions of chapters 28B.52, 41.56, 41.59, 41.76, and 41.80 RCW; and(2) Evidence furnished as showing of interest in support of any representation petition or motion for intervention filed under chapters 28B.52, 41.56, 41.59, 41.76, and 41.80 RCW.
| Feb 22 | First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | |
| Feb 26 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 5152-S
by Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Franklin, Weinstein, Shin, Keiser, Prentice, Fairley, Rockefeller, Regala, Spanel, Kohl-Welles, and Fraser)
Modifying restrictions on children riding motorcycles.
Declares that it is unlawful for any person to transport a child who is at least five years old but less than twelve years old on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle whose feet do not rest firmly on passenger foot rests and who is either not sufficiently supported by a firmly affixed passenger back rest or is not using a handgrip mechanism.
| Feb 12 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | TRAN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5206-S
by Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen and Swecker)
Modifying the regulation of studded tire use.
Provides that, according to the powers and duties specified in RCW 46.37.005, the Washington state patrol shall adopt, apply, and enforce reasonable rules regarding the type of tire chains and tires, including studded tires, that may be equipped on vehicles that move on Washington state highways. The rules adopted by the Washington state patrol may define the technology or the weight and type of materials that may be used. In developing rules regarding studded tires, the Washington state patrol shall consult with the department of transportation regarding the impact of various types of studded tires on the state's roadways, and shall prohibit the use of tires or equipment that unreasonably damage roadways.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | TRAN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5217-S
by Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Jacobsen and Pridemore)
Allowing counties to increase funding for properties acquired through conservation futures.
Authorizes counties to increase funding for properties acquired through conservation futures.
| Feb 8 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5236-S
by Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Parlette, Fraser, and Rockefeller)
Concerning the management of public lands.
Creates the habitat and recreation lands coordinating group.Provides that the habitat and recreation lands coordinating group must: (1) Review agency land acquisition and disposal plans and policies to help ensure statewide coordination of habitat and recreation land acquisitions and disposals;(2) Produce an interagency, statewide biennial forecast of habitat and recreation land acquisitions and disposal plans;(3) Establish procedures for publishing the biennial forecast of acquisition and disposal plans on web sites or other centralized, easily accessible formats;(4) Develop and convene an annual forum for agencies to coordinate their near-term acquisition and disposal plans;(5) Develop a recommended method for interagency geographic information system-based documentation of habitat and recreation lands in cooperation with other state agencies using geographic information systems;(6) Develop recommendations for standardization of acquisition and disposal recordkeeping, including identifying a preferred process for centralizing acquisition data;(7) Develop an approach for monitoring the success of acquisitions;(8) Identify and commence a dialogue with key state and federal partners to develop an inventory of potential public lands for transfer into habitat and recreation land management status; and(9) Review existing and proposed habitat conservation plans on a regular basis to foster statewide coordination and save costs.
| Feb 7 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5254-S
by Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Kilmer, Kastama, Fairley, Rockefeller, Kauffman, Marr, Hatfield, Weinstein, Keiser, Sheldon, McAuliffe, Eide, Kohl-Welles, Shin, Murray, Tom, Regala, Spanel, and Kline)
Authorizing a grant program for industry skill panels.
Finds that a skilled work force is essential for employers and job seekers to compete in today's global economy. The engines of economic progress are fueled by education and training.Finds that industry skill panels are a critical and proven form of public-private partnership that harness the expertise of leaders in business, labor, and education to identify work force development strategies for industries that drive Washington's regional economies. Industry skill panels foster innovation and enable industry leaders and public partners to be proactive, addressing changing needs for businesses quickly and strategically. Industry skill panels leverage small state investments with private sector investments to ensure that public resources are better aligned with industry needs.Declares an intent to support the development and maintenance of industry skill panels in key sectors of the economy as an efficient and effective way to support regional economic development.Provides that, subject to funding provided for the purposes of this act, the board, in consultation with the state board for community and technical colleges, the department of community, trade, and economic development, and the employment security department, shall allocate grants on a competitive basis to establish and support industry skill panels.Requires the board to establish industry skill panel standards that identify the expectations for industry skill panel products and services. The board shall establish the standards in consultation with labor, the state board for community and technical colleges, the employment security department, the institute of workforce development and economic sustainability, and the department of community, trade, and economic development. Continued funding of particular industry skill panels shall be based on meeting the standards established by the board under this act. Beginning December 1, 2008, the board shall report annually to the governor and the economic development and higher education committees of the legislature on the results of the industry skill panels funded under chapter 28C.18 RCW in meeting the standards.
| Jan 22 | Public hearing and executive action taken in committee. | |
| Jan 25 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 6 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 7 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 14 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | WM - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5387-S
by Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Kastama, Kilmer, Kauffman, and Shin)
Promoting economic development through commercialization of technologies.
Finds that economic development in the state is increasingly driven by innovative firms and that it is in the interest of the state to: (1) Increase participation by Washington state small businesses in the federal small business innovation research program by assisting them in becoming small business innovation research program grant recipients;(2) Increase the number of innovative firms that understand and engage in the technology commercialization process by providing information resources and technical assistance in accessing new technologies; and(3) Increase funding for product development and production by providing information on available finance options and facilitating the matching of investors with innovative entrepreneurs.Requires the Washington technology center to: (1) Establish a small business innovation research assistance program, including a proposal review process, to train and assist Washington small businesses to win phase I small business innovation research program awards. In operating the program the Washington technology center shall give priority to first-time small business innovation research program applicants, new businesses, and firms with fewer than ten employees;(2) In conjunction with public universities and colleges and private and federal research laboratories in the state: (a) develop and disseminate a guide to the technology commercialization process in general and the particular commercialization assistance available from research and academic institutions in the state; (b) develop, maintain, and provide access to a database of technologies and inventions developed in the state available for commercialization and licensing; and (c) offer training on the provision of commercialization assistance to technical assistance providers at the state's small business development centers, economic development councils, chambers of commerce, industry associations, the Washington manufacturing service, and private consulting firms;(3) Develop a funding resource guide, offer workshops on how to access financing for commercializing new technologies, provide opportunities for novice investors to learn about investing in technology-based companies, host events to connect entrepreneurs and investors, and maintain an interactive web site accessible by both entrepreneurs and investors; and(4) Report on the impact of commercialization activities at Washington research institutions on an annual basis.
| Feb 2 | Public hearing and executive action taken in committee. | |
| Feb 12 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | WM - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5423-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Keiser, Pflug, Parlette, Franklin, Kastama, Marr, Tom, Delvin, Clements, Kilmer, Kohl-Welles, and Kline)
Improving the quality of health care through the use of health information technologies.
Establishes provisions to improve the quality of health care through the use of health information technologies.
| Feb 8 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5483-S
by Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Kauffman, Holmquist, Haugen, Clements, Rasmussen, and Shin; by request of Transportation Improvement Board)
Retaining the distribution of city hardship assistance program funds to cities and towns for street maintenance.
Retains the distribution of city hardship assistance program funds to cities and towns for street maintenance.
| Feb 5 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | TRAN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5632-S
by Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Kastama, Eide, Delvin, Berkey, and Tom)
Meeting financial responsibility requirements for automobiles.
Requires that, when the department sends a vehicle license renewal notice, it shall also provide notice of the requirement for proof of meeting the financial responsibility requirements in order to renew the license.Provides that the department shall not renew a vehicle license due for renewal January 1, 2008, or after unless the applicant provides proof of meeting the financial responsibility requirements for operating a motor vehicle as provided in RCW 46.30.020.Provides that every applicant for renewal of a vehicle license due for renewal January 1, 2008, or after shall provide current proof of financial responsibility to operate a vehicle as required in RCW 46.30.020. The department may adopt rules regarding valid proof of financial responsibility for persons renewing a vehicle license. The department shall reimburse its agents, including county auditors, for the mailing costs of returning license renewal applications that are submitted without proof of financial responsibility.Requires payment of a fifty dollar penalty.Declares that any person who knowingly provides false evidence of financial responsibility to a law enforcement officer, to a court, or to the department of licensing on an application for renewal of a vehicle license, including an expired or canceled insurance policy, bond, or certificate of deposit is guilty of a misdemeanor.Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.
| Feb 19 | Public hearing and executive action taken in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | TRAN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Financial Institutions & Insurance. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Referred to Financial Institutions & Insurance. | ||
| Feb 27 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 5648-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Swecker, Schoesler, Hatfield, McCaslin, and Rasmussen)
Providing sales and use tax exemptions for prescribed durable medical equipment used in the home and prescribed mobility enhancing equipment.
Provides sales and use tax exemptions for prescribed durable medical equipment used in the home and prescribed mobility enhancing equipment.
| Feb 14 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5656-S
by Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Jacobsen, Kline, Rockefeller, Regala, and Tom)
Creating a regional transfer of development rights program.
Finds that current concern over the rapid and increasing loss of rural, agricultural, and forested land has led to the exploration of creative approaches to preserving these important lands.Finds also that the creation of a regional transfer of development rights marketplace will assist in slowing the conversion of these lands.Determines that it is good public policy to build upon existing transfer of development rights programs, pilot projects, and private initiatives that foster effective use of transferred development rights through the creation of a market-based program that focuses on the central Puget Sound region.Requires the department to submit recommendations, findings, and legislative recommendations according to the following schedule: (1) By December 1, 2007, the department shall submit a report to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature on the progress of the regional transfer of development rights program. The report must also include identification of other candidate transfer of development areas and proposals to modify grant criteria for local governments;(2) By December 1, 2008, the department shall submit a final report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature on the progress of the regional transfer of development rights program; and(3) By December 1, 2008, the department shall submit findings and legislative recommendations, including draft legislation if needed to implement the recommendations and strategies identified in the final report, to the appropriate committees of the legislature.
| Jan 29 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5743-S2
by Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Kastama, Kilmer, and Shin)
Linking economic clusters and quality management practices to customized training.
Requires the following to be met in regards to the job skills program: (1) Development of additional mechanisms for identification of, and outreach to, firms with a strong potential to effectively compete in the global marketplace after participating in the job skills program; and(2) Encouragement of businesses participating in the job skills program to participate in workshops or training in continuous quality improvement, performance measurement, strategic planning, or other approaches offered by service providers such as Washington manufacturing services, the Washington quality award, or the Washington technology center and designed to improve company productivity and effectiveness.
| Feb 7 | Public hearing and executive action taken in committee. | |
| Feb 14 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session and executive action taken in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | WM - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5930-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Shin, and Rasmussen; by request of Governor Gregoire)
Providing high quality, affordable health care to Washingtonians based on the recommendations of the blue ribbon commission on health care costs and access.
Provides a plan to develop high quality, affordable health care to Washingtonians based on the recommendations of the blue ribbon commission on health care costs and access.
| Feb 12 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 6011-S
by Senate Committee on Water, Energy & Telecommunications (originally sponsored by Senators Poulsen, Eide, Brown, Rockefeller, Spanel, Fraser, Weinstein, Murray, Pridemore, and Keiser)
Creating the Maury Island aquatic reserve.
Requires the department to develop a management plan for the aquatic reserve, and may incorporate an existing management plan and policies previously adopted for the lands where consistent with the management guidance of this act. The plan must identify the significant resources to be conserved consistent with the purposes of this act and identify the areas with potential for low-impact public uses. The plan must specify what types of management activities and public uses are permitted, consistent with the conservation purposes of this act. The department shall make the plan available for review and comment by the public and other state, tribal, and local agencies, prior to final approval by the commissioner.Declares that the department shall not authorize any portion of the Maury Island aquatic reserve for industrial uses or for transportation of materials from a surface mine or mining operation as defined under RCW 78.44.031 or other industrial activities, and may not authorize the construction of docks or other improvements associated with these uses.
| Feb 16 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | WET - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 6107
by Senators Zarelli, Hatfield, and Rasmussen
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 22 | First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Telecommunications. | |
SB 6108
by Senators Kastama and Rasmussen
Regarding a process for appealing from elementary and middle school Washington assessments of student learning.
Establishes a process for appealing from elementary and middle school Washington assessments of student learning.
| Feb 22 | First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education. | |
SB 6109
by Senators Jacobsen and Kline
Regarding marine transportation of sand and gravel.
Establishes procedures regarding marine transportation of sand and gravel.
| Feb 22 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 6110
by Senators Poulsen, Morton, Kline, and Kohl-Welles
Creating the office of Washington state climatologist.
Declares that the office of Washington state climatologist has the following powers and duties: (1) To serve as a credible and expert source of climate and weather information for state and local decision makers and agencies working on drought, flooding, climate change, and other related issues;(2) To gather and disseminate, and where practicable archive, in the most cost-effective manner possible, all climate and weather information that is or could be of value to policy and decision makers in the state;(3) To act as the representative of the state in all climatological and meteorological matters, both within and outside of the state, when requested by the legislative or executive branches of the state government;(4) To prepare, publish, and disseminate climate summaries for those individuals, agencies, and organizations whose activities are related to the welfare of the state and are affected by climate and weather;(5) To supply critical information for drought preparedness and emergency response as needed to implement the state's drought contingency response plan maintained by the department of ecology under RCW 43.83B.410, and to serve as a member of the state's drought water supply and emergency response committees as may be formed in response to a drought event;(6) To conduct and report on studies of climate and weather phenomena of significant socioeconomic importance to the state; and(7) To evaluate the significance of natural and man-made changes in important features of the climate affecting the state, and to report this information to those agencies and organizations in the state who are likely to be affected by these changes.
| Feb 22 | First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Telecommunications. | |
| Feb 23 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 6111
by Senators Hobbs, Poulsen, Jacobsen, and Tom
Concerning electricity generation from tidal and wave energy.
Finds that tidal and wave energy is a renewable energy resource, and that Washington's coastal areas and estuaries provide an abundance of potential resources for this emerging technology for the generation of electrical power. The legislature further finds that state assistance to this emerging technology is appropriate and should be comparable to assistance provided to other renewable energy technologies, including wind and solar power.Requires the center with oversight by the department, to provide a report from the stakeholders and agencies, together with any recommendations for administrative or legislative changes, to the governor and appropriate committees of the senate and house of representatives by December 31, 2007.
| Feb 22 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
| First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation. | ||
SB 6112
by Senators Pflug, Oemig, Rockefeller, Poulsen, and Tom
Concerning smart grid energy technology.
Provides that, no later than December 1, 2008, the department shall adopt rules creating a tax credit certification process for smart grid energy technologies that promise to significantly improve the reliability, efficiency, and environmental integrity of electrical transmission and distribution systems. The rules may not take effect until after the end of the next regular legislative session. "Smart grid energy technology" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 82.63.010.
| Feb 22 | First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Telecommunications. | |
SB 6113
by Senators Tom, Brandland, Kline, Pflug, Kilmer, Delvin, and Parlette
Changing provisions concerning ignition interlock devices.
Revises provisions concerning ignition interlock devices.
| Feb 22 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
SB 6114
by Senators Rasmussen, Roach, Kastama, Benton, Keiser, Morton, Kauffman, Stevens, Clements, Carrell, McCaslin, Marr, Swecker, Shin, Berkey, Pflug, Oemig, Weinstein, Spanel, Honeyford, Regala, Haugen, McAuliffe, Prentice, Fraser, Brown, Murray, Rockefeller, Eide, Tom, Delvin, Pridemore, Hewitt, Parlette, Kline, Kilmer, and Kohl-Welles
Expanding the duties of the caring for Washington individuals with autism task force.
Expands the duties of the caring for Washington individuals with autism task force.
| Feb 22 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
| Feb 26 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 6115
by Senators Brandland, Rasmussen, Holmquist, Kauffman, Clements, Hobbs, McCaslin, Berkey, Marr, Delvin, Shin, Roach, Regala, Stevens, Swecker, Benton, Hargrove, Spanel, Hewitt, and Kline
Creating special education safety net awards.
Finds the current special education safety net process needs to be modified in order to ease the administrative burden on school districts and to make the process more transparent and streamlined. It is the intent of the legislature to maintain the requirement that a school district operate effective and efficient special education programs in order to be eligible for a special education safety net award, but at the same time, the legislature intends to make the application and grant process less cumbersome and time consuming. It is further the purpose of this act to provide additional funds through the special education safety net to assist districts with extraordinary high-cost needs students.Appropriates the sum of twenty-five million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the office of the superintendent of public instruction for the purposes of special education safety net awards to school districts pursuant to this act.Appropriates the sum of twenty-five million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the office of the superintendent of public instruction for the purposes of special education safety net awards to school districts pursuant to this act.
| Feb 22 | First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education. | |