 | WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE | |
| Legislative Digest No. 34 | ||
| SIXTIETH LEGISLATURE | ||
| Monday, February 26, 2007 | 50th Day - 2007 Regular Session | |
| SENATE |
|
This publication includes digest and history for bills, joint memorials, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, initiatives, and substitutes. Engrossed measures may be republished if the amendment makes a substantive change.
Electronic versions of Legislative Digests are available at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/digests.aspx?year=2007.
HB 1040-S
by House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representative B. Sullivan)
Concerning specialized forest products.
Provides that if huckleberries seized under this act were taken from the ceded areas of a federally recognized American Indian tribe, then the huckleberries shall be turned over to the tribe or its agent, without charge, for ceremonial, educational, or religious uses.Declares that it is unlawful for any person to harvest huckleberries in any amount using a rake, mechanical device, or any other method that damages the huckleberry bush.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| AGNR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 23 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1066-S
by House Committee on Insurance, Financial Services & Consumer Protection (originally sponsored by Representatives Kirby, Strow, Simpson, Rodne, Lovick, Clibborn, Dunshee, Sells, P. Sullivan, Morrell, and Kenney)
Prohibiting interested third parties from processing insurance claims.
Provides that a person in this state has the right to choose any automobile glass repair or replacement facility for the repair of a loss relating to motor vehicle glass.Provides that an insurer or its third-party administrator shall not interfere with the right established in this act.Provides that, after a person making a claim for a loss that only involves glass informs an insurer or third-party administrator that the person has chosen an automobile glass repair or replacement facility to conduct the repairs, the insurer or third-party administrator shall not recommend that a different automobile glass repair or replacement facility be chosen to conduct the repairs.
| Jan 16 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 25 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| IFCP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 22 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1103-S2
by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Campbell, Green, Kenney, Hudgins, Appleton, Schual-Berke, and Cody)
Increasing the authority of regulators to remove health care practitioners who pose a risk to the public.
Increases the authority of regulators to remove health care practitioners who pose a risk to the public.
| Jan 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 29 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 14 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| APP - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
HB 1152-S
by House Committee on Community & Economic Development & Trade (originally sponsored by Representatives Takko, Skinner, Blake, Springer, Hunt, Williams, and Orcutt)
Modifying sales and use tax provisions for public facilities districts.
Provides that in a county with a population under three hundred thousand, the governing body of a public facilities district created before August 1, 2001, under chapter 35.57 RCW or before January 1, 2000, under chapter 36.100 RCW, in which the total population in the public facilities district is greater than ninety thousand and less than one hundred thousand, that commences improvement or rehabilitation of an existing regional center, to be used for community events, and artistic, musical, theatrical, or other cultural exhibitions, presentations, or performances, and having two thousand or fewer permanent seats, before January 1, 2009, may impose a sales and use tax in accordance with the terms of chapter 82.14 RCW. The tax is in addition to other taxes authorized by law and shall be collected from those persons who are taxable by the state under chapters 82.08 and 82.12 RCW upon the occurrence of any taxable event within the public facilities district.
| Feb 7 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| CEDT - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 23 | Referred to Finance. | |
HB 1226-S
by House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Sells, Barlow, Santos, Appleton, Lovick, Strow, Hasegawa, Quall, Dunshee, Hunt, McCoy, Priest, Ormsby, Wood, Wallace, Conway, Kenney, VanDeWege, Dickerson, Haigh, and Simpson)
Establishing the first peoples' language, culture, and history teacher certification program.
Establishes the first peoples' language, culture, and history teacher certification program.
| Feb 14 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| SGTA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 22 | Held on 5th. | |
| Feb 23 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1242-S2
by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Morrell, Hinkle, Cody, Takko, Curtis, Blake, Campbell, Green, Alexander, Moeller, Wallace, Roberts, Conway, Kenney, Ormsby, Darneille, Simpson, McDonald, and Schual-Berke)
Creating a voluntary adult family home certification program.
Provides that adult family homes may participate in a voluntary adult family home certification program through the University of Washington geriatric education center. In addition to the minimum qualifications required under RCW 70.128.120, individuals participating in the voluntary adult family home certification program shall complete fifty-two hours of class requirements as established by the department.
| Jan 25 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 5 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| APP - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
HB 1432-S
by House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives P. Sullivan, Upthegrove, Simpson, Hunter, Moeller, Linville, Schual-Berke, and Santos)
Granting service credit to educational staff associates for nonschool employment.
Provides that, beginning in the 2007-08 school year, the calculation of years of service for occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, nurses, social workers, counselors, and psychologists regulated under Title 18 RCW may include experience in schools and other nonschool positions as occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, nurses, social workers, counselors, or psychologists. The calculation shall be that one year of service in a nonschool position counts as one year of service for purposes of this act, up to a limit of five years of nonschool service.
| Feb 9 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 22 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1533-S
by House Committee on Insurance, Financial Services & Consumer Protection (originally sponsored by Representatives Kirby, Simpson, and Kenney; by request of Insurance Commissioner)
Concerning persons selling, soliciting, or negotiating insurance.
Revises provisions concerning persons selling, soliciting, or negotiating insurance.
| Feb 15 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| IFCP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Feb 22 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1551-S
by House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives McDermott, Miloscia, McIntire, Fromhold, Dunshee, Cody, Green, Ormsby, Appleton, Hunt, Chase, Schual-Berke, Sells, Roberts, Hasegawa, Kagi, Moeller, Pedersen, and Rolfes)
Allowing public funding of local office campaigns.
Provides that a county, city, town, or district that establishes a program to publicly finance local political campaigns may only use funds derived from local sources to fund the program.
| Feb 7 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| SGTA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 22 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
| Feb 23 | Made eligible to be placed on second reading. | |
HB 1552-S
by House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives McDermott, Wood, Hunt, Green, Ormsby, Appleton, and Miloscia)
Conforming legal notice broadcast requirements to current practice.
Conforms legal notice broadcast requirements to current practice.Repeals RCW 65.16.140.
| Feb 9 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| SGTA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 23 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1622-S
by House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Moeller and Jarrett)
Concerning the authority of boundary review boards.
Provides that, subject to the requirements of chapter 36.93 RCW, a board may modify a proposal by adding territory that would increase the total area within the proposal before the board. A board, however, may not modify a proposal for annexation of territory to a city or town by adding an amount of territory that constitutes more than one hundred percent of the total area within the proposal before the board.
| Feb 6 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| LG - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 22 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1636-S
by House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Simpson, B. Sullivan, Dunshee, Upthegrove, McCoy, Dickerson, P. Sullivan, Morrell, Sells, and Rolfes)
Creating a regional transfer of development rights program.
Finds that transferring development rights is a market-based technique that encourages the voluntary transfer of growth from places where a community would like to see less development, referred to as sending areas, to places where a community would like to see more development, referred to as receiving areas. Under this technique, permanent deed restrictions are placed on the sending area properties to ensure that the land will be used only for approved activities such as farming, forest management, conservation, or passive recreation. Also under this technique, the costs of purchasing the recorded development restrictions are borne by the developers who receive the building credit or bonus.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 to the appropriate committees of the legislature to implement the recommendations and strategies identified in the final report.
| Jan 30 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| LG - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 22 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1650-S
by House Committee on Select Committee on Environmental Health (originally sponsored by Representatives Fromhold, Hunt, B. Sullivan, and Moeller)
Providing for an inspected inventory of on-site sewage disposal systems.
Finds that the number, location, and functionality of on-site sewage disposal systems in operation in Washington is unknown. Creating a locally designed inventory and inspection system for on-site sewage disposal systems, and encouraging expansion of sanitary sewage systems, are necessary first steps towards addressing the problems inherent with failing systems. When prioritizing inventories and inspections, areas within incorporated cities should be addressed as early as possible because of the inherent proximity of sanitary sewage systems to existing on-site sewage disposal systems in use within a city.Requires all cities and towns with a population of thirty-one thousand residents or greater, as forecasted by the office of financial management as of the effective date of this act, not located within a marine recovery area designated under RCW 70.118A.040, to, either directly or by contract with a local health jurisdiction, consistent with this act: (1) Create and maintain an inventory of the households and businesses within the boundaries of the city or town that do not receive sanitary sewage services by January 1, 2009; and(2) Institute a program for the inspection of all on-site sewage disposal systems within the city's or town's jurisdiction by January 1, 2012.Requires that, by January 15, 2009, the department shall submit to the appropriate committees of the legislature a report summarizing the information provided by cities and towns under this act.Declares that the report required by this provision must contain summarized information regarding, at a minimum: (1) The number and general location of inventoried on-site sewage disposal systems;(2) The functionality or failure rates of the state's on-site sewage disposal systems;(3) The number of jurisdictions in full compliance with this act;(4) The actual reimbursement requests received from local jurisdictions under this act; and(5) Anticipated future reimbursement requests received from local jurisdictions under this act.Provides that the report required by this act must be updated no fewer than three times, with each update reported to the appropriate committees of the legislature by: (1) January 15, 2011;(2) January 15, 2013; and(3) January 15, 2015.
| Feb 7 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| ENVH - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 22 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1755-S
by House Committee on Insurance, Financial Services & Consumer Protection (originally sponsored by Representatives Hurst, O'Brien, Eddy, Kessler, Lovick, Rolfes, Williams, Dunshee, Kenney, Green, Hunter, Quall, VanDeWege, Simpson, Hasegawa, and Ormsby)
Modifying consumer credit report provisions.
Revises consumer credit report provisions.
| Feb 6 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| IFCP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 22 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
| Feb 23 | Made eligible to be placed on second reading. | |
HB 1953-S
by House Committee on Insurance, Financial Services & Consumer Protection (originally sponsored by Representatives Wood, Buri, Wallace, Rodne, Schindler, Ahern, Morrell, and Ormsby)
Requiring premium reductions for older insureds completing an accident prevention course.
Requires premium reductions for older insureds completing an accident prevention course.Provides that an eight-hour course meeting the criteria of the department of licensing may be offered via an alternative delivery method of instruction, which may include internet, video, or other technology-based delivery methods. An agency seeking approval from the department to offer an alternative delivery method course of instruction is not required to conduct classroom courses under this act.Authorizes the department of licensing to adopt rules to ensure that insureds who seek certification for taking a course offered via an alternative delivery method have completed the course.
| Feb 15 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| IFCP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 22 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
| Feb 23 | Made eligible to be placed on second reading. | |
HB 2013-S
by House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Williams, O'Brien, Ericks, Appleton, and Ormsby)
Authorizing tribal and Indian nation law enforcement officers to act as Washington state peace officers.
Authorizes tribal and Indian nation law enforcement officers to act as Washington state peace officers.Provides that, for purposes of civil liability, a tribal officer exercising general authority law enforcement power granted under this act shall be considered an employee of the jurisdiction that commissioned the officer while he or she is exercising the power. The jurisdiction that commissioned the officer shall be civilly liable for any tortious acts or omissions committed by a tribal law enforcement officer while exercising the general authority law enforcement power granted under this act to the same extent as if the tribal law enforcement officer was an employee of the jurisdiction that commissioned the officer.
| Feb 14 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| SGTA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 22 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2019-S
by House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives McDermott, Ormsby, Appleton, Miloscia, Hunt, Kessler, Hasegawa, and Kenney)
Requiring signature gatherers of ballot measure petitions to sign petition declarations under oath.
Requires signature gatherers of ballot measure petitions to sign petition declarations under oath.
| Feb 9 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| SGTA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 23 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2049-S
by House Committee on Select Committee on Puget Sound (originally sponsored by Representatives Rolfes, Strow, Appleton, Hunt, Springer, McDermott, VanDeWege, Seaquist, McCoy, Eickmeyer, and Lantz)
Authorizing the creation of marine resource committees.
Declares that the existing model of using a community-based, nonregulatory organization to examine issues particular to a community's corner of Puget Sound, applying for grants, and thoroughly and fairly investigating available options and solutions has proved to be a valuable asset to Puget Sound and its communities, and is worthy of replication throughout the Puget Sound basin.Declares an intent to establish a structure on which interested local communities can harness the dedication, creativity, and wisdom of their residents in the form of marine resource committees. These committees are intended to compliment, and not compete with or undermine, any other governmental efforts to restore and manage the Puget Sound.Provides that the legislative authority for each county that borders the marine waters of Puget Sound is authorized to establish marine resource committees consistent with the procedures outlined in this act.Provides that a marine resource committee, as described in this act, may be created by the legislative authority of any county bordering the marine waters of Puget Sound, in cooperation with all appropriate cities and special districts within their boundaries. Adjacent county legislative authorities are encouraged to coordinate their efforts whenever there is a mutual interest in creating a marine resource committee.
| Feb 16 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| PUGT - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 22 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
| Feb 23 | Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. | |
HB 2096-S
by House Committee on Housing (originally sponsored by Representatives B. Sullivan, P. Sullivan, Morrell, McCoy, Simpson, and Ormsby)
Creating incentives to encourage the preservation of manufactured/mobile home communities.
Declares an intent to encourage and facilitate the preservation of existing manufactured/mobile home communities and, to the extent necessary and possible, to assist manufactured/mobile home community resident organizations or eligible organizations representing residents in the preservation of manufactured/mobile home communities. The legislature hereby establishes tax credits for financial institutions who provide financial assistance to eligible organizations by making below market rate loans or by purchasing bonds issued by the Washington state housing finance commission in order that the eligible organization may purchase and preserve an affordable housing manufactured/mobile home community.
| Feb 14 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | HOUS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Feb 22 | Referred to Finance. | |
HB 2098-S
by House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Cody, Upthegrove, Morrell, Kenney, Conway, Simpson, Hudgins, and Ormsby; 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. | |
| HCW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 21 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2103-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Morris, Crouse, and Wallace)
Modifying the competitive classification of telecommunications services.
Declares that in determining whether a service is competitive, the commission may consider the number and size of alternative providers of services, including those not subject to commission jurisdiction.Authorizes a noncompetitive telecommunications company to petition to have packages or bundles of telecommunications services it offers be subject to minimal regulation. The commission shall grant the petition where: (1) Each noncompetitive service in the packages or bundle is readily and separately available to customers at fair, just, and reasonable prices;(2) The price of the package or bundle is equal to or greater than the cost for tariffed services plus the cost of any competitive services as determined in accordance with RCW 80.36.330(3); and(3) The availability and price of the stand-alone noncompetitive services are displayed in the company's tariff and on its web site consistent with commission rules.
| Feb 16 | 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 2244-S
by House Committee on Housing (originally sponsored by Representatives Miloscia, Ormsby, and Santos)
Authorizing faith communities to host temporary homeless encampments subject to restrictions.
Declares that, due to concerns about maintaining freedom of religious expression, religious organizations shall not be restricted from hosting temporary encampments for the homeless. A temporary encampment may be subject to reasonable compliance requirements related to public health and safety. However, no county, city, or town shall set less than ninety days as the maximum duration for homeless encampments.Declares that fines may only be levied in cases in which the religious organization has clearly endangered the public health or safety of the community due to the presence of the temporary encampment.Provides that any applicable permit fees for temporary encampments may not exceed five hundred dollars.Requires counties, cities, and towns to respond to temporary encampment permit applications submitted on behalf of religious organizations within sixty days.
| Feb 19 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HOUS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 23 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2349
by Representatives B. Sullivan, Blake, Sells, Conway, Wood, and Ormsby
Regarding marine transportation of sand and gravel.
Establishes procedures regarding marine transportation of sand and gravel.
| Feb 23 | First reading, referred to Local Government. | |
HB 2350
by Representatives Williams, Curtis, Ericks, and Simpson
Changing requirements for ignition interlock devices.
Declares that proof of an ignition interlock device shall not be necessary if the applicant provides a declaration that he or she does not own a vehicle, and is employed in a position that requires that he or she drive an employer's vehicle during working hours.Provides that the device shall not be required on a vehicle that is: (1) Owned by a person's employer;(2) Driven as a requirement of employment; and(3) Driven during working hours only.
| Feb 23 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 2351
by Representatives Sells, Campbell, Conway, Green, Hudgins, Hasegawa, Appleton, Ormsby, Hurst, Chase, Dickerson, VanDeWege, and Simpson
Establishing a state tax policy that prohibits employers claiming certain tax incentives from requiring employees to participate in certain communications about political, religious, or labor organizing matters.
Establishes a state tax policy that prohibits employers claiming certain tax incentives from requiring employees to participate in certain communications about political, religious, or labor organizing matters.
| Feb 23 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 2352
by Representatives Grant, Linville, Simpson, and Bailey
Exempting persons engaged in farming and certain farming services from business and occupation taxation.
Exempts persons engaged in farming and certain farming services from business and occupation taxation.
| Feb 23 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 2353
by Representatives McDermott, Cody, and Appleton
Regarding passenger-only ferry service.
Amends RCW 36.54.110 relating to passenger-only ferry service.
| Feb 23 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
| Feb 26 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
HB 2354
by Representatives Williams, Conway, Hasegawa, and Appleton
Making the governor the public employer of adult family home caregivers.
Makes the governor the public employer of adult family home caregivers.
| Feb 23 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
| First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | ||
HB 2355
by Representative Moeller
Providing for life science learning centers.
Declares an intent to develop and fund the construction and operation of life science learning centers in strategic communities in Washington state. These centers, like current education skill centers, must be community-based and demonstrate multiple local partnerships, including local public school districts and community colleges, to assure community connectedness. These centers must also offer geographic and natural resource uniqueness to assure that the physical locations of these centers foster educational opportunities and stimulation.Declares that life science learning centers should receive unique and enriched capital and operational funds.Appropriates the sum of thirteen million two hundred ninety thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the biennium ending June 30, 2009, from the state building construction account to the office of the superintendent of public instruction for the construction of the Columbia Springs environmental education center located in Vancouver, Washington.Appropriates the sum of eighteen thousand seven hundred fifty dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the office of the superintendent of public instruction for operational expenses of the Columbia Springs environmental education center located in Vancouver, Washington. It is the intent of the legislature that enhanced operational funding will be made available upon completion of the project.
| Feb 23 | First reading, referred to Education. | |
SB 5013-S
by Senate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Schoesler, Sheldon, and Holmquist)
Limiting tuition increase authority.
Declares an intent that tuition levels should be predictable for families, students, and institutions, and limiting the amount by which it can be raised will assist in that endeavor.Provides that, beginning with the 2007-08 academic year and ending with the 2016-17 academic year, tuition fees charged to full-time resident undergraduate students may increase no greater than five and one-half percent over the previous academic year in any institution of higher education.Requires that by September 1st of each year beginning in 2008, the office of financial management shall report to the governor, the higher education coordinating board, and appropriate committees of the legislature with updated estimates of the total per-student funding level that represents the sixtieth percentile of funding for comparable institutions of higher education in the global challenge states, and the progress toward that goal that was made for each of the public institutions of higher education.
| Feb 5 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | HIE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5037-S
by Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Eide, Weinstein, Murray, Berkey, Regala, Rockefeller, Kauffman, Keiser, Spanel, Jacobsen, and Kohl-Welles)
Restricting the use of a wireless communications device while operating a moving motor vehicle.
Declares an intent to phase out the use of hand-held wireless communications devices by motorists while operating a vehicle.Declares that enforcement of this act by law enforcement officers may be accomplished only as a secondary action when a driver of a motor vehicle has been detained for a suspected violation of this title or an equivalent local ordinance or some other offense.
| Feb 15 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | TRAN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5122-S2
by Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Rockefeller and Swecker; by request of Office of Financial Management)
Preserving regulatory assistance provisions.
Preserves the current regulatory assistance program with cost reimbursement changes.Requires that, by July 1, 2008, the joint legislative audit and review committee shall report to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature on the compliance of the office of regulatory assistance with the sunset review proposed final report, January 4, 2007, findings and recommendations.
| Jan 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Jan 29 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 6 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | WM - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5153-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Franklin, Kohl-Welles, Shin, Weinstein, Oemig, Keiser, Kauffman, Rockefeller, Fairley, Hargrove, Rasmussen, Spanel, Fraser, Jacobsen, and Haugen)
Encouraging employers to be infant-friendly.
Encourages employers to be infant-friendly.Requires the department to convene a stakeholder group of appropriate representatives to develop standard model infant-friendly policies that may be adjusted to accommodate individual businesses.Directs the department to disseminate information on how to obtain the sample infant-friendly policies and obtain an infant-friendly designation to employers through existing mailings going to employers from other state agencies.Provides that within existing resources serving expectant and new mothers, the department must provide the sample infant-friendly policies to doctors, licensed midwives, lactation consultants, and hospitals for distribution to expectant and new mothers to help them talk with their employers and facilitate a successful return to work.Appropriates the sum of fifty-five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the biennium ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the department of health for the purposes of this act.
| Jan 25 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5228-S
by Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Kline, McCaslin, and Weinstein; by request of Attorney General)
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.
| Jan 31 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | JUD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5250-S
by Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Swecker, Haugen, Kilmer, Kline, Rockefeller, and Shin)
Regarding the transfer of motor vehicle ownership.
Requires that, by January 1, 2008, the department shall provide instructions on release of interest forms that allow the seller of a vehicle to release his or her interest in a vehicle at the same time a financial institution, as defined in RCW 30.22.040, releases their lien on the vehicle.
| Feb 12 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | TRAN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5295-S
by Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Kastama, Swecker, Fraser, Kohl-Welles, Marr, Regala, Rasmussen, and McAuliffe)
Creating an office of corrections ombudsman.
Declares that the creation of the office of corrections ombudsman is intended to assist in strengthening procedures and practices which lessen the possibility of actions occurring within the department of corrections which may adversely impact the health, safety, and welfare of offenders, and which will effectively reduce the exposure of the department to litigation.Creates an office of corrections ombudsman within the office of the governor for the purpose of providing information to offenders and their families; promoting public awareness and understanding of the rights and responsibilities of confined offenders; identifying system issues and responses for the governor and the legislature to act upon; and ensuring compliance with relevant statutes, rules, and policies pertaining to corrections facilities, services, and treatment of confined offenders under the jurisdiction of the Washington department of corrections.Directs the ombudsman to report directly to the governor and shall exercise his or her powers and duties independently of the secretary of the department of corrections.
| Feb 9 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | HSC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5296-S
by Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Kastama, Swecker, Rasmussen, Hobbs, Franklin, and Kline)
Establishing the emergency management, preparedness, and assistance account.
Recognizes that all disasters are local disasters, and intends to strengthen state and local emergency response, mitigation, preparation, and coordination by establishing a stable source of funding with the intent that Washington state become the nationally recognized leader in emergency management. The funding will be dedicated to the development and coordination of state and local government emergency management programs by supporting joint training exercises, citizen and industry coordination with emergency management efforts, public education, and relationship building among local and state emergency management officials.Provides that, in order to provide funds for emergency management, preparedness, and assistance, an annual surcharge of two dollars per policy is imposed on every homeowner's, homeowner's for a mobile home as defined in RCW 46.04.302, tenant homeowner's, and condominium unit owner's insurance policy, and an annual four-dollar surcharge is imposed on every commercial fire, commercial multiple peril, and business owner's property insurance policy, issued or renewed on or after the effective date of this act.Requires that, beginning in January 2009 and biennially thereafter, the department shall conduct, in conjunction with the emergency management council, a strategic assessment of, and issue a report on, the ability of state, local, and tribal emergency management organizations to effectively provide for all phases of comprehensive emergency management. The assessment must: (1) Evaluate state, local, and tribal emergency management capabilities and needs;(2) Evaluate the ability of state, local, and tribal emergency management organizations to provide emergency management mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery;(3) Evaluate the effectiveness of the emergency management structure at the state, local, and tribal levels;(4) Provide findings and make recommendations that increase the ability of state, local, and tribal emergency management organizations to meet current and future risks;(5) Detail where and for what purpose funds under this act have been distributed; and(6) Evaluate the coordination between state, local, and tribal governments and private industries or organizations that provide basic human safety and health needs including water, food, shelter, and medical care.
| Feb 8 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | GO - 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 5301-S
by Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen and Rasmussen)
Requiring voluntary measures to be included in critical area development to the extent possible.
Declares that the purpose of this act is to encourage counties and cities to expand the availability and use of education, incentives, and other programs to help implement the comprehensive plans and development regulations required by chapter 36.70A RCW and to encourage and increase the information and resources available to the public and to foster voluntary activities by citizens to improve their environment.Provides that, to aid in carrying out the comprehensive plans and development regulations required by this act, counties and cities shall employ voluntary measures, incentives, and educational programs, to the greatest extent possible, where they can be effective.
| Feb 8 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | GO - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5338-S
by Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Kilmer and McCaslin)
Addressing traffic infractions involving rental vehicles.
Provides that, in the event a parking infraction is issued by a private parking facility and is based on a vehicle's identification, and the registered owner of the vehicle is a rental car business, the parking facility shall, before a notice of infraction may be issued, provide a written notice to the rental car business that a notice of infraction may be issued to the rental car business if the rental car business does not, within thirty days of receiving the written notice, provide to the parking facility by return mail: (1) A statement under oath stating the name and known mailing address of the individual driving or renting the vehicle when the infraction occurred; or(2) A statement under oath that the business is unable to determine who was driving or renting the vehicle at the time the infraction occurred because the vehicle was stolen at the time of the infraction. A statement provided under this provision must be accompanied by a copy of a filed police report regarding the vehicle theft.Declares that timely mailing of this statement to the parking facility relieves a rental car business of any liability under this act for the notice of infraction. In lieu of identifying the vehicle operator, the rental car business may pay the applicable penalty.
| Feb 19 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | TRAN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5442-S
by Senate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Hobbs, Shin, Hewitt, Zarelli, Swecker, Roach, Clements, Kauffman, Kilmer, Pridemore, Hatfield, Keiser, Parlette, Haugen, McAuliffe, Delvin, Benton, Rasmussen, and Holmquist)
Providing for tuition waivers for eligible veteran or national guard medal recipients.
Authorizes the governing boards of the state universities, the regional universities, The Evergreen State College, and the community colleges to waive all tuition and fees for the following persons: (1) An eligible medal recipient;(2) A child and the spouse of an eligible veteran or national guard member who became totally disabled as defined in RCW 28B.15.385 while engaged in active federal military or naval service, or who is determined by the federal government to be a prisoner of war or missing in action; or(3) A child and the surviving spouse of an eligible veteran or national guard member who lost his or her life while engaged in active federal military or naval service. However, upon remarriage, the surviving spouse of an eligible veteran or national guard member is ineligible for a waiver under this act.
| Feb 21 | Public hearing and executive action taken in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | HIE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| On motion, referred to Rules. | ||
SB 5524-S
by Senate Committee on Consumer Protection & Housing (originally sponsored by Senators Berkey, Schoesler, Fairley, and Roach)
Addressing the restriction of mobile home or manufactured home locations.
Revises regulations for manufactured home parks or manufactured housing communities.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | CPH - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 6116
by Senators Pflug, Hobbs, Benton, Zarelli, Shin, Stevens, Kilmer, Hatfield, Roach, Marr, Swecker, Hargrove, Brandland, Holmquist, Honeyford, Carrell, Kohl-Welles, and Rasmussen
Providing training and technical assistance for providers of health care for veterans.
Requires the department to conduct a program of training and technical assistance for providers of primary care regarding care of veterans who have served in heavy combat zones and have chronic conditions. The program shall emphasize evidence-based high quality preventive and chronic disease and injury care that addresses the diseases and injuries that are most prevalent in veterans, and particularly those returning recently from the combat zone. The department may designate one or more chronic conditions to be the subject of the program.
| Feb 23 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 6117
by Senators Fraser, Poulsen, Rockefeller, Marr, Kohl-Welles, and Kline
Regarding reclaimed water.
Declares an intent to: (1) Effectuate and reinvigorate the original intent behind the reclaimed water act to expand the use of reclaimed water for nonpotable uses throughout the state;(2) Restate and emphasize the use of reclaimed water as a matter of water resource management policy;(3) Address current barriers to the use of reclaimed water, where changes in state law will resolve such issues;(4) Develop information from the state agencies responsible for promoting the use of reclaimed water and address regulatory, financial, planning, and other barriers to the expanded use of reclaimed water, relying on state agency expertise and experience with reclaimed water;(5) Facilitate achieving state, regional, and local objectives through use of reclaimed water for water supply purposes in high priority areas of the state, and in regional and local watershed and water planning;(6) Provide planning tools to local governments to incorporate reclaimed water and related water conservation into land use plans, consistent with water planning;(7) Expand the scope of work of the advisory committee established under chapter 279, Laws of 2006 to identify other reclaimed water issues that should be addressed; and(8) Provide initial funding, and evaluate options for providing additional direct state funding, for reclaimed water projects.Provides that, by January 1, 2008, the department of health shall file a brief report with the appropriate committees of the legislature on the general status of: (1) Development of permit fees for industrial and commercial uses of reclaimed water as required by RCW 90.46.030;(2) Development of standards and guidelines for greywater use as required by RCW 90.46.140; and(3) Permitting of greywater use by local health officers and plumbing officials in accordance with standards and guidelines developed pursuant to RCW 90.46.140.Requires the report to also identify: (1) A general description of the number, type, and location of reclaimed water opportunities included in water supply and coordinated water system plans since 2003, as required by RCW 90.46.140;(2) The best information currently available regarding potential public health risks associated with reclaimed water, if any, any known occurrences of any public health incidents associated with reclaimed water use, the approaches to reclaimed water-related public health issues taken in other states, and resource needs of the department to evaluate any known public health risks; and(3) A description of a basic public information and public acceptance program necessary to generate public support for the beneficial use of reclaimed water.Finds that the state should take a lead in increasing the visibility of the use of reclaimed water.Directs the department of general administration to develop a proposal to provide a comprehensive campus-wide plan for the use of nonpotable water in lieu of the use of potable water to serve as a demonstration project for the use of reclaimed water. The department of general administration shall work with LOTT alliance to provide a report to the legislature by December 1, 2007, of the needed infrastructure, cost, and potential funding sources for the project.
| Feb 23 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
| First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Telecommunications. | ||
SB 6118
by Senators Fairley and Regala
Providing for registration of complementary and alternative health care practitioners.
Establishes provisions for registration of complementary and alternative health care practitioners.
| Feb 23 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 6119
by Senators Eide, Keiser, Marr, Jacobsen, Franklin, Benton, and Rasmussen
Changing the distribution to and allocation of the fire service training account.
Changes the distribution to and allocation of the fire service training account.
| Feb 23 | First reading, referred to Ways & Means. | |
SB 6120
by Senators Marr, Swecker, Oemig, Haugen, Rockefeller, Kauffman, Berkey, Murray, Spanel, Eide, Kilmer, Poulsen, Delvin, Regala, Jacobsen, Fraser, Kohl-Welles, and Rasmussen
Addressing rail and freight infrastructure.
Provides that, to the extent that state funds are used to improve rail infrastructure, the legislature declares that it is the policy of the state of Washington to examine the cost of any rail infrastructure improvement as compared to the public benefits to be gained by making the improvement according to the following priorities, in order of relative importance: (1) Economic, safety, or environmental advantages of freight movement by rail compared to alternative modes;(2) Self-sustaining economic development that creates family-wage jobs;(3) Preservation of transportation corridors that would otherwise be lost;(4) Increased access to efficient and cost-effective transport to market for Washington's agricultural and industrial products;(5) Better integration and cooperation within the regional, national, and international systems of freight distribution; and(6) Mitigation of impacts of increased rail traffic on communities. In all cases, state investment in rail infrastructure should be allocated to leverage the greatest amount of partnership funding possible, and should only be considered when there is a demonstrably lower likelihood of obtaining the benefits specified in this act without at least some state funding of the infrastructure improvement.
| Feb 23 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
| Feb 27 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 6121
by Senators Jacobsen and Kline
Establishing a state report card for education.
Finds that accountability for meeting high standards of student achievement should be expected from individual students, schools, school districts, and educators, as well as state officials and the legislature.Finds that the state and the overall system of public schools should be expected to demonstrate that the necessary instruction, support, and resources are being provided to students to enable them to meet the higher standards before consequences are imposed on individual students.Declares an intent to create the Washington state report card for education based on statewide goals for improving academic achievement, increasing high school graduation, reducing the achievement gap, increasing per pupil funding, and reducing class size. The Washington state report card for education will serve as a mechanism to hold the state and the system of public schools accountable for their performance on the statewide goals, each of which must be reached before students are held individually accountable for their performance on the Washington assessment of student learning.
| Feb 23 | First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education. | |
SB 6122
by Senators Rasmussen, Delvin, Zarelli, Fairley, Prentice, Rockefeller, Honeyford, Oemig, Hatfield, Regala, Keiser, Parlette, Brandland, Brown, McAuliffe, Shin, Hargrove, Marr, Eide, Clements, Holmquist, Hobbs, Kauffman, Spanel, Kilmer, Pridemore, Kohl-Welles, Weinstein, and Roach
Establishing the regional centers for Washington individuals with autism program.
Requires the department to establish the regional centers for Washington individuals with autism program. In establishing the program, the department shall: (1) Establish regional centers in targeted areas of the state to: (a) provide diagnostic services and therapies; (b) train parents and professionals; (c) coordinate with currently available services; (d) address gaps in services; and (e) promote a medical home to assure culturally effective, comprehensive health care;(2) Confer with the caring for Washington individuals with autism task force, established in chapter 259, Laws of 2005, on the implementation of the regional centers for Washington individuals with autism program; and(3) Expand one existing regional center and locate at least one new regional center in western Washington and expand one existing regional center and locate at least two new regional centers in eastern Washington.
| Feb 23 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
| Feb 26 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SJM 8018
by Senators Kastama, Shin, Weinstein, Kline, and Rasmussen
Requesting that the Philippines Consulate be established in Seattle, Washington.
Requests that the Philippines Consulate be established in Seattle, Washington.
| Feb 23 | Scheduled for public hearing and executive session in committee. (Subject to change) | |
| First reading, referred to Economic Development, Trade & Management. | ||