 | WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE | |
| Legislative Digest No. 35 | ||
| SIXTIETH LEGISLATURE | ||
| Tuesday, February 27, 2007 | 51st Day - 2007 Regular Session | |
| HOUSE |
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This publication includes digest and history for bills, joint memorials, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, initiatives, and substitutes. Engrossed measures may be republished if the amendment makes a substantive change.
Electronic versions of Legislative Digests are available at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/digests.aspx?year=2007.
HB 1259-S
by House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives B. Sullivan, Kretz, Blake, and Moeller; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission)
Allowing the parks and recreation commission to deny or revoke the issuance of a park pass in certain circumstances.
Provides that the commission may deny or revoke any Washington state park pass for cause, including but not limited to the following: (1) Residency outside the state of Washington;(2) Violation of laws or state park rules resulting in eviction from a state park;(3) Intimidating, obstructing, or assaulting a park employee or park volunteer who is engaged in the performance of official duties;(4) Fraudulent use of a pass;(5) Providing false information or documentation in the application for a state parks pass;(6) Refusing to display or show the pass to park employees when requested; or(7) Failing to provide current eligibility information upon request by the agency or when eligibility ceases or changes.
| Feb 15 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| AGNR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 26 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1424-S
by House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives McCoy, VanDeWege, and Chase)
Regarding rainwater collection facilities.
Provides that the owner of a rain barrel, cistern, or other similar water storage facility that has a storage capacity greater than three thousand gallons for capture and use of runoff from roofs, paved areas, and other artificial surfaces is exempt from the permit requirements of RCW 90.03.250 and 90.03.370, provided the water is intended to be put to beneficial use on the same property where the runoff is collected and the capture, storage, and use is done in compliance with rules or general permits developed by the department under this act for such purpose.Requires the department to either initiate rule making or issuing general permits, or both, as provided in this act by August 1, 2007. The department shall report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 31, 2008, regarding the implementation of this act. The authority provided under this act to issue general permits that do not create a water right is not intended to modify or in any way affect existing authority to issue general permits that do create a water right.
| Feb 12 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| AGNR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 26 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1453-S
by House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Grant, Haler, Moeller, Hankins, and Linville)
Regarding points of diversion under a water right.
Declares that the requirement in RCW 90.03.395 that a change in point of diversion of a water right permit must provide environmental benefits does not apply for a change of point of diversion that is located in the same pool of the mainstem of the Columbia and Snake rivers.
| Feb 12 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| AGNR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 26 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1553-S
by House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Hinkle, Morrell, Moeller, Seaquist, Curtis, Linville, Green, and Ormsby)
Establishing a controlled substances prescription monitoring program.
Finds that prescription drug abuse has been on the rise and that often dispensers and prescribing providers are unaware of prescriptions provided by others both in and out of state.Declares an intent to establish an electronic database available in real time to dispensers and prescribers of controlled substances. And further, that the department in as much as possible should establish a common dataset with other sets of other states.Requires the department to seek federal grants to support the activities described in this act. As state and federal funds are available, the department shall develop and implement the prescription monitoring program. The department may not require a practitioner or a pharmacist to pay a fee or tax specifically dedicated to the operation of the system.Requires the department to report to the legislature on the implementation of this act by December 1, 2009.Provides that a dispenser who knowingly fails to submit prescription monitoring information to the department as required by this act or knowingly submits incorrect prescription information is subject to disciplinary action under chapter 18.130 RCW.Provides that a person authorized to have prescription monitoring information under this act who knowingly discloses such information in violation of this act is subject to civil penalty.Provides that a person authorized to have prescription monitoring information under this act who uses such information in a manner or for a purpose in violation of this act is subject to civil penalty.Provides that, in accordance with HIPPA, any physician or pharmacist authorized to access a patient's prescription monitoring may discuss or release that information to other health care providers involved with the patient in order to provide safe and appropriate care coordination.
| Feb 19 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HCW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Feb 26 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1656-S
by House Committee on Select Committee on Puget Sound (originally sponsored by Representatives Rolfes, Upthegrove, B. Sullivan, Appleton, Chase, Santos, Dickerson, and Sells)
Establishing the Puget Sound scientific research account.
Finds that environmental problems in Puget Sound are complex and research is needed to provide information that can guide protective and restorative actions, and to explore and understand the impacts of a changing environment. The legislature also finds that there is no predictable funding process for Puget Sound research projects.Declares that the state needs a process to focus the scientific effort on the Puget Sound ecosystem and to distribute research funds.
| Jan 31 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| PUGT - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 23 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1741-S
by House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Hunt, Skinner, and Conway)
Transferring the oral history program from the secretary of state to the legislature.
Transfers the oral history program from the secretary of state to the legislature.
| Feb 16 | 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 1748-S
by House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives B. Sullivan, Curtis, and Pearson)
Regarding hydraulic project permit approval for projects intended to reduce or eliminate damage from floods.
Provides that, for any property that has experienced at least two consecutive years of flooding or erosion that has damaged or has threatened to damage a structure, water supply system, septic system, or access to any road or highway, the county legislative authority must determine that a chronic danger exists. The county legislative authority shall notify the department, in writing, if it determines that a chronic danger exists. In cases of chronic danger, the department shall issue an expedited written permit, upon request, for work to remove any obstructions, repair existing structures, restore banks, restore road or highway access, protect fish resources, or protect property.
| Feb 5 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 7 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| AGNR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 23 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1784-S
by House Committee on Capital Budget (originally sponsored by Representatives Kenney, Sells, Buri, and Wood; by request of Washington State University)
Eliminating limitations on the investment of certain state moneys.
Deletes limitations on the investment of certain state moneys.Declares an intent to clarify state law to permit equity investment of higher education permanent funds even if there is a decline in the value of a permanent fund due to market changes. It is not the intent of the legislature to change the requirement that unless otherwise allowed by law the principal amounts in the higher education permanent funds are to be held in perpetuity for the benefit of the designated institutions and future generations, and that only the earnings from a higher education permanent fund may be appropriated to support the benefited institution.Declares that this act takes effect if the proposed amendment to Article XVI of the state Constitution regarding investment of certain state moneys is validly submitted to and is approved and ratified by the voters at the next general election. If the proposed amendment is not approved and ratified, this act is void in its entirety.
| Feb 8 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| CB - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 26 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1790-S
by House Committee on Community & Economic Development & Trade (originally sponsored by Representatives Ericks, Newhouse, Linville, Armstrong, Simpson, Haler, Takko, Hunt, McCoy, Hailey, Grant, Buri, Hinkle, Kessler, Alexander, P. Sullivan, Eddy, Curtis, VanDeWege, Conway, O'Brien, Green, Goodman, Morrell, Lantz, and Moeller)
Concerning funding for jobs, economic development, and local capital projects.
Provides for the distribution of funds used for jobs, economic development, and local capital projects.Repeals RCW 43.160.100, 43.160.120, 43.160.130, 43.160.140, 43.160.150, 43.160.160, 43.160.170, 43.160.200, 43.160.210, and 43.160.220.
| Feb 12 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| CEDT - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 23 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1805-S
by House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Morrell, Lantz, Linville, Wallace, Rodne, Conway, Kessler, Hudgins, Hunt, Chase, Hasegawa, VanDeWege, Campbell, Ericks, Green, Simpson, and Schual-Berke)
Increasing the homestead exemption amount.
Increases the homestead exemption amount to one hundred thousand dollars.
| Feb 9 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| JUDI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 23 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1840-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Anderson, O'Brien, Pearson, and Kessler)
Establishing a pilot project to design and test a command and control data system.
Finds public safety would be enhanced by a common information sharing system for reporting that would: (1) Provide a visual, computer-based common operating picture for all decision makers in the event of an emergency;(2) Reduce the need for radio frequency bandwidth for voice communications;(3) Allow emergency responders and incident management teams to take action based on an understanding of the emergency situation; and(4) Allow for redundant pathway capabilities, which would increase the robustness of the state's communications system.Requires the state interoperability executive committee to establish a pilot project to design and test a web-based reporting system. This program shall be developed in conjunction with the proposed interoperability project for region 1 to prepare security for the 2010 Olympic Games.Provides that, by December 1, 2008, the state interoperability executive committee shall submit a report to the legislature and the governor, indicating performance measures and effectiveness of the pilot project and recommendations for its possible expanded utilization.Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.
| Feb 9 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 23 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
| Mar 1 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
HB 1865-S
by House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Williams, O'Brien, Springer, Fromhold, Warnick, and McCune)
Limiting the obligations of landlords under writs of restitution.
Declares that the legislature has previously recognized that landlords who choose the option of storing a tenant's property as part of an eviction should be entitled to recover the costs of drayage and storage from the tenant who was evicted. It has always been the intent of the legislature to give a landlord the option, but not the obligation, to store a tenant's property as part of an eviction.Recognizes that county sheriffs when executing writs of restitution provide one or more deputies to maintain the peace while the landlord's personnel, under the direction of the sheriff, enter the premises and remove the property belonging to the tenant and place it on the nearest public property.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| JUDI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 23 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1879-S
by House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Blake, B. Sullivan, Moeller, Kretz, Morris, Strow, Pettigrew, Orcutt, Armstrong, McCoy, Linville, VanDeWege, Takko, Lovick, Williams, Haigh, P. Sullivan, Sump, Kenney, and Ormsby)
Authorizing the department of natural resources to offer nominally valuable materials to nonprofit organizations.
Provides that the department may offer fallen woody debris, boulders, and other materials in a direct sale, without going to public auction, for use in publicly funded aquatic habitat improvement projects. The department must ensure that in all direct sales to organizations under this subsection that it receives compensation at the appraised value, if any, for the sold materials.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| AGNR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 23 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2129-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives VanDeWege, Hudgins, Morris, Eddy, Crouse, Hankins, McCoy, Takko, Hurst, McCune, and Chase)
Regarding geothermal core holes.
Provides that, for the purposes of this act, the department shall charge no more than forty dollars per hour to recover administrative costs associated with processing a permit application. If departmental wages increase significantly, the legislature may review and adjust this amount to reflect the additional costs of administering permits.Provides that, after expiration of the twenty-four month confidential period, the department shall ensure all logs and surveys that may have been run on the well or core hole are preserved in an electronic data system and made available to the public.
| Feb 20 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 23 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2176-S
by House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Lantz, Warnick, Pedersen, Ross, Hasegawa, Kenney, Santos, and Goodman)
Revising provisions involving court interpreters.
Provides that each trial court organized under Titles 2, 3 and 35 RCW must develop a written language assistance plan to provide a framework for the provision of interpreter services for non-English-speaking persons accessing the court system in both civil and criminal legal matters.Provides that each court, when developing its language assistance plan, must consult with judges, court administrators and court clerks, interpreters, and members of the community, such as domestic violence organizations, pro bono programs, courthouse facilitators, legal services programs, and/or other community groups whose members speak a language other than English.Provides that where a qualified interpreter is appointed for a hearing impaired person by a judicial officer in a proceeding before a court under this act in compliance with the provisions of RCW 2.42.130 and 2.42.170, the state of Washington shall reimburse the appointing authority for one-half of the payment to the interpreter.Provides that where an interpreter is appointed by a judicial officer in a proceeding before a court at public expense, the state of Washington shall reimburse the appointing authority for one-half of the payment to the interpreter where: (1) The interpreter appointed is an interpreter certified by the administrative office of the courts or is a qualified interpreter registered by the administrative office of the courts in a noncertified language, or where the necessary language is not certified or registered, the interpreter has been qualified by the judicial officer pursuant to chapter 2.43 RCW;(2) The court conducting the legal proceeding has an approved language assistance plan that complies with this act; and(3) The fee paid to the interpreter for services is in accordance with standards established by the administrative office of the courts.
| Feb 20 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| JUDI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 23 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2356
by Representatives Curtis, Haler, Schindler, and Ericksen
Modifying school impact fee provisions.
Replaces school impact fees and provides additional revenue to high growth school districts.Requires that, by December 1, 2007, the superintendent of public instruction shall prepare a report to the appropriate committees of the house of representatives and senate on the amount of impact fees as defined in RCW 82.02.090 and mitigation fees pursuant to RCW 43.21C.060 received by each school district in the 2006-07 school year.Declares that, on or after the effective date of this act, cities and counties may not impose impact fees for system improvements for school facilities.
| Feb 26 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2357
by Representatives McIntire and Fromhold
Allowing a school district to transfer certain revenue into the district's capital projects account.
Amends RCW 79.64.110 and 28A.320.330 relating to school districts' use of state forest revenues.Provides that state forest land revenues that are deposited in a school district's debt service fund pursuant to RCW 79.64.110 and that are not pledged for payment of debt service on school district bonds may be transferred by the school district into the district's capital projects account.
| Feb 26 | First reading, referred to Capital Budget. | |
| Mar 1 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
HB 2358
by Representatives Rolfes, Strow, Appleton, Seaquist, VanDeWege, Lantz, Flannigan, Roberts, Cody, Green, Eickmeyer, Jarrett, and Kessler
Regarding state ferries.
Directs the commission to, with the involvement of the department, conduct a market survey to gather information on ferry users to help inform level of service, operational, pricing, planning, and investment decisions. The survey must include, but is not limited to: (1) Current and forecasted recreational use;(2) Current and forecasted vehicle customer use;(3) Current and forecasted freight and goods movement demand; and(4) Reactions to potential operational and pricing strategies described under this act and RCW 47.60.290.Requires the market survey to be updated at least annually.Requires the department to develop, and the commission to review, operational strategies to ensure existing assets are fully utilized and to guide future investment decisions.Requires the department to annually review fares and pricing strategies applicable to the operation of the Washington state ferries.Provides that fares and pricing strategies must be adopted by rule, under chapter 34.05 RCW, by the commission, according to the following schedule: (1) Each year the department shall provide the commission a report of its review of fares and pricing strategies, with recommendations for the revision of fares for the ensuing year;(2) By October 1st of each year, beginning in 2007, the commission shall adopt as a rule, a schedule of fares for the ensuing year.Requires the department to maintain a life-cycle cost model on capital assets such that: (1) Available industry standards are used for estimated life;(2) Standard estimated life is adjusted for asset condition when inspections are made; and(3) Systems and structures that do not have standard life cycles are not included.Requires the joint legislative audit and review committee to assess and report as follows: (1) Audit the implementation of the cost allocation methodology evaluated under chapter . . . (House Bill No. 1094), Laws of 2007, as it exists on the effective date of this act, assessing whether actual costs are allocated consistently with the methodology, whether there are sufficient internal controls to ensure proper allocation, and the adequacy of staff training; and(2) Review the assignment of preservation costs and improvement costs for fiscal year 2009 to determine whether: (a) the costs are capital costs; (b) the costs meet the statutory requirements for preservation activities and for improvement activities; and (c) improvement costs are within the scope of legislative appropriations.Provides that the report on the evaluations in this act is due by January 31, 2010.Repeals RCW 47.60.150 and 47.60.326.
| Feb 26 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
| Feb 27 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
HB 2359
by Representatives Ericks and O'Brien
Regarding the disposal of certain property owned by the University of Washington.
Transfers the control and management of the Wellington Hills property, which was purchased by the state of Washington as a potential site for the University of Washington Bothell branch campus, to the department of general administration. The department of general administration shall sell the site at fair market value. Proceeds from the sale must be deposited in the University of Washington building account. It is the intent of the legislature to appropriate the proceeds for future expansion of the University of Washington Bothell/Cascadia Community College colocated campus.
| Feb 26 | First reading, referred to Capital Budget. | |
| Mar 1 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
HB 2360
by Representative Alexander
Defining related funds for the purpose of the state expenditure limit.
Includes education legacy trust fund and pension funding stabilization account in the definition of "related fund."
| Feb 26 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2361
by Representative Conway
Regarding collective bargaining for certain employees of institutions of higher education and related boards.
Revises provisions regarding collective bargaining for certain employees of institutions of higher education and related boards.
| Feb 26 | Scheduled for executive session in committee. (Subject to change) | |
| First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor. | ||
HB 2362
by Representatives Roach, Ericks, Strow, and O'Brien
Prohibiting the possession of body armor by felons.
Declares that a person commits the crime of felon in possession of body armor if the person: (1) Has been convicted of a felony involving violence under the law of any state or the United States; and(2) Knowingly is in possession or control of body armor.Declares that felon in possession of body armor is a class C felony.Provides that a person commits the crime of unlawful possession of body armor if the person, while committing or attempting to commit a felony or misdemeanor involving violence, knowingly: (1) Wears body armor; and(2) Possesses a deadly weapon.Declares that unlawful possession of body armor is a class B felony.
| Feb 26 | First reading, referred to Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness. | |
HJM 4012-S
by House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Quall, Jarrett, Hunt, Linville, Santos, McDermott, Darneille, Kenney, Green, Schual-Berke, Rolfes, Morrell, Dunn, Lantz, and Ormsby; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction)
Petitioning Congress to raise funding levels of the No Child Left Behind Act.
Petitions Congress to raise funding levels of the No Child Left Behind Act.
| Feb 15 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Feb 22 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HJM 4015-S
by House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Ormsby, Priest, Fromhold, Orcutt, Sells, Hankins, Hasegawa, Kenney, and Morrell)
Petitioning congress to change the definition of highly qualified teachers to include career and technical teachers hired directly from industry.
Requests that the President and Congress make a positive change in the definition of highly qualified teachers under the No Child Left Behind Act to include career and technical teachers who come to the teaching profession directly from industry, and teachers of first peoples' language, culture, and history who come into the teaching profession through first peoples' teacher certification programs.
| Feb 15 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 22 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HJM 4019
by Representatives Chase, Hurst, Kenney, Conway, McCoy, B. Sullivan, Hunt, Williams, and Eickmeyer
Requesting an alternative to Fast Track Trade Authority.
Requests an alternative to Fast Track Trade Authority.
| Feb 26 | First reading, referred to Community & Economic Development & Trade. | |
SB 5345-S
by Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Kline, McCaslin, Fairley, Hobbs, Delvin, Rasmussen, and Roach)
Changing requirements for ignition interlock devices.
Provides that proof of installation of an ignition interlock device shall not be required if the applicant provides a declaration pursuant to RCW 9A.72.085 to the department from his or her employer stating: (a) that the applicant is employed; (b) that the applicant's employment requires him or her to operate a commercial motor vehicle; (c) the normal business hours during which the applicant is required to operate the commercial motor vehicle, not to exceed twelve hours per day; (d) that the commercial motor vehicle to be operated is owned by the employer; and (e) that the applicant will operate the commercial motor vehicle only under supervision.
| Jan 12 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | JUD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5457-S
by Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Morton and Benton)
Regarding notice requirements for special meetings of public agencies.
Provides that, if the voting district for the governing body has fewer than one thousand registered voters, individuals residing in the district who have a written request to be notified of special meetings on file with the governing body may receive such notice by fax, electronic mail, or telephonic message.
| Feb 5 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | GO - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5530-S
by Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Kline, Fairley, Oemig, and Regala)
Changing requirements for the restoration of the right to vote for people convicted of felonies.
Provides that the right to vote is restored following a felony conviction as long as the person is not under the authority of the department of corrections.Provides that, at least twice a year, the secretary of state shall compare the list of registered voters to a list of felons who are under the authority of the department of corrections. If a registered voter is under the authority of the department of corrections, the secretary of state or county auditor shall confirm the match through a date of birth comparison and suspend the voter registration from the official state voter registration list. The canceling authority shall send to the person at his or her last known voter registration address and at the department of corrections a notice of the proposed cancellation and an explanation of the requirements for restoring the right to vote and reregistering. If the person does not respond within thirty days, the registration must be canceled.Repeals RCW 10.64.021 and 29A.08.660.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | GO - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5533-S
by Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Pflug, Hargrove, Kline, Swecker, Delvin, Stevens, Holmquist, Parlette, and Hewitt)
Revising procedures for individuals who are mentally ill and engaged in acts constituting criminal behavior.
Finds that RCW 10.77.090 contains laws relating to three discrete subjects. Therefore, one purpose of this act is to reorganize some of those laws by creating new sections in the Revised Code of Washington that clarify and identify these discrete subjects.Finds that there are disproportionate numbers of individuals with mental illness in jail. The needs of individuals with mental illness and the public safety needs of society at large are better served when individuals with mental illness are provided an opportunity to obtain treatment and support.Provides that when a police officer has reasonable cause to believe that the individual has committed acts constituting a nonfelony crime that is not a serious offense as identified in RCW 10.77.092 and the individual is known by history or consultation with the regional support network to suffer from a mental disorder, the arresting officer may: (1) Take the individual to a crisis stabilization unit;(2) Refer the individual to a mental health professional for evaluation for initial detention and proceeding under chapter 71.05 RCW; or(3) Release the individual upon agreement to voluntary participation in outpatient treatment.Creates a joint task force on decreasing the number of individuals with mental illness entering the criminal justice system.Requires the task force to review and make recommendations to the legislature and the governor regarding increased access to mental health services for those within the criminal justice system and strategies that will decrease the number of people with mental health illness entering and reentering the criminal justice system.Requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by July 1, 2008.Repeals RCW 10.77.090.
| Feb 2 | 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. | ||
| Feb 28 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 5554-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Clements, and Kohl-Welles)
Concerning self-service storage facilities.
Provides that the personal property may not be sold, but must be retained by the owner pending a court order directing the disposition of the personal property. If such an order is not obtained within thirty days of the original payment, the claimant must pay the monthly rental charge for the space where the personal property is stored. If rent is not paid, the owner may sell or dispose of the personal property in accordance with RCW 19.150.080. The owner has no liability to a claimant who fails to secure a court order in a timely manner or pay the required rental charge for any sale or other disposition of the personal property.
| Feb 15 | 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 5566-S
by Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Franklin and Kohl-Welles)
Providing for privacy protection for certain voter registration information.
Declares that the signature and phone number provided on the return envelope by the voter is not available for copying but is available for public inspection in the county auditor's office.
| Feb 15 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 19 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | GO - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5619-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Pflug, Keiser, Parlette, Marr, Weinstein, Fairley, Kastama, Kline, and Kohl-Welles)
Addressing unwarranted variation in health care.
Finds that unwarranted variations in health care, variations not explained by illness, patient preference, or the dictates of evidence-based medicine, are a significant feature of health care in Washington state. There is growing evidence that, for preference-sensitive care involving elective surgery, the quality of patient-practitioner communication about the benefits, harms, and uncertainty of available treatment options can be improved by introducing high-quality decision aids that encourage shared decision making.Declares an intent to focus on improving the quality of patient-practitioner communication and on increasing the extent to which patients make genuinely informed, preference-based treatment decisions.Requires the state health care authority to work in collaboration with the health professions and quality improvement communities to increase awareness of appropriate, high-quality decision aids, and to train physicians and other practitioners in their use.
| Feb 7 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5627-S2
by Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Clements, Tom, Weinstein, Rockefeller, Oemig, Kastama, Hobbs, Pridemore, Eide, Franklin, Shin, Regala, Marr, Murray, Spanel, Hargrove, Kline, Kilmer, Haugen, Kohl-Welles, and Rasmussen)
Requiring a review and development of basic education funding.
Declares that this act is intended to make provision for some significant steps towards a new basic education funding system and establishes a technical work group to address the details and next steps beyond the 2007-2009 biennium that will be necessary to implement a new comprehensive K-12 finance formula or formulas that will provide Washington schools with stable and adequate funding as the expectations for the K-12 system continue to evolve.
| Jan 25 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 7 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 14 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | WM - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5628-S
by Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Oemig, Fairley, Pridemore, and Kohl-Welles)
Adopting the interstate agreement for the election of the president of the United States by national popular vote.
Adopts the interstate agreement for the election of the president of the United States by national popular vote.
| Feb 15 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | GO - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5662-S
by Senate Committee on Consumer Protection & Housing (originally sponsored by Senators Weinstein, Honeyford, McCaslin, Delvin, Tom, Kline, Keiser, Shin, and Rasmussen; by request of Secretary of State)
Regulating charitable organizations that solicit contributions from the public.
Regulates charitable organizations that solicit contributions from the public.Repeals RCW 19.09.095.
| Feb 8 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | CPH - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Feb 26 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 5687-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Keiser, Kohl-Welles, and Kline)
Modifying provisions on permanent partial disability claims.
Amends RCW 51.32.080 to modify provisions on permanent partial disability claims.
| Feb 19 | 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 5688-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Keiser, and Kline)
Modifying who may receive industrial insurance claimants' notices, orders, or warrants.
Amends RCW 51.04.080 relating to allowing industrial insurance claimants to designate a representative to receive the claimants' notices, orders, or warrants.
| Feb 6 | 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 5718-S
by Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Hargrove, Regala, Stevens, Keiser, and Rasmussen)
Imposing penalties for engaging in the commercial sexual abuse of minors.
Establishes penalties for engaging in the commercial sexual abuse of minors.
| Feb 8 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | HSC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5770-S
by Senate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Shin, Schoesler, and Kilmer)
Changing public works provisions for institutions of higher education.
Amends RCW 28B.10.350 and 28B.50.330 relating to work performed by institutions of higher education.
| Feb 19 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | HIE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5786-S
by Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Kline, Murray, Regala, Weinstein, Fairley, Pridemore, Brown, Jacobsen, Rockefeller, Kohl-Welles, and Spanel)
Creating a death penalty task force.
Creates a death penalty task force for the purpose of conducting a review of the existing death penalty statutes and court rules to determine the following: (1) The uniformity of decision making by prosecuting attorneys in terms of charging defendants with aggravated first degree murder and the criteria used in such decisions;(2) The impact of race, ethnicity, gender, and economic status on the likelihood of a defendant being charged with aggravated first degree murder;(3) The administration of Washington's death penalty law since the enactment of chapter 10.95 RCW to determine whether it is applied randomly or arbitrarily;(4) The costs associated with capital trials and appeals;(5) Whether there are revisions to existing statutes and court rules that, if implemented, would decrease the likelihood of an inappropriate imposition of the death penalty; and(6) The amount of time devoted to the appeals process in death penalty cases compared to the appeals process in cases involving life without parole.Requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the governor, Washington supreme court, and appropriate committees of the legislature by January 1, 2008.Appropriates the sum of fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the state general fund to the administrative office of the courts for the purposes of providing staffing and support to the death penalty task force.Appropriates the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the state general fund to the administrative office of the courts for the purposes of providing staffing and support to the death penalty task force.
| Feb 14 | 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. | ||
| On motion, referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5813-S
by Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Hobbs, Weinstein, Kauffman, Eide, Tom, Rasmussen, Kohl-Welles, Murray, Shin, Marr, Oemig, Kilmer, and Delvin)
Improving mathematics and science education.
Authorizes a mathematics and science instructional coach demonstration project to develop, pilot, and refine program elements as a first step in the creation of a new instructional staff professional development program. The mathematics and science instructional coach demonstration project coaching program shall consist of a coach development institute, coaching seminars, coaching activities in schools, and program evaluation.Requires the office of the superintendent of public instruction to develop a mathematics and science instructional coach program that includes an initial coach development experience for new coaches provided through an institute setting, coaching support seminars, and additional coach development services. The office shall draw upon the experiences of coaches in federally supported elementary literacy programs and other successful programs, research and policy briefs on adult professional development, and research that specifically addresses the instructional environments of middle, junior high, and high schools as well as the unique aspects of the fields of mathematics and science.Requires the institute for public policy to report its findings to the governor, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, and the education and fiscal committees of the legislature. An interim report is due November 1, 2008. The final report is due December 1, 2009.Creates the retooling to teach mathematics, special education, English as a second language, and science conditional scholarship program. Participation is limited to current K-12 teachers and individuals having an elementary education certificate but who are not employed in positions requiring an elementary education certificate. It is anticipated that candidates enrolled in this program will complete the requirements for a mathematics, special education, English as a second language, or science endorsement, or any combination thereof, in two years or less.
| Feb 5 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | EDU - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Feb 26 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 5826-S
by Senate Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance (originally sponsored by Senators Berkey, Benton, Roach, Zarelli, Kauffman, Marr, Kilmer, Carrell, Hobbs, Schoesler, Franklin, Haugen, and Shin)
Modifying consumer credit report provisions.
Revises consumer credit report provisions.
| Feb 14 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | FI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5832-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Clements, Keiser, and Kline)
Regarding automatic sprinkler systems in nightclubs.
Requires that the automatic sprinkler systems be installed by December 1, 2009.Provides that, if a lessee of the real property has paid for all expenses associated with the installation and purchase of the automatic sprinkler system, then the benefit of the exemption must inure to the lessee.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 20 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5841-S
by Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators Hobbs, McAuliffe, Rockefeller, Tom, Oemig, Kauffman, Regala, Kohl-Welles, and Rasmussen)
Enhancing student learning opportunities and achievement.
Provides that, beginning with the 2007-08 school year, funding for voluntary all-day kindergarten programs shall be phased-in beginning with schools with the highest poverty levels, defined as those schools with the highest percentages of students qualifying for free and reduced-price lunch support in the prior school year. Once a school receives funding for the all-day kindergarten program, that school shall remain eligible for funding in subsequent school years regardless of changes in the school's percentage of students eligible for free and reduced-price lunches as long as other program requirements are fulfilled. Resources for all-day kindergarten shall support all students at the school who are enrolled in kindergarten.Declares that three demonstration projects are authorized for schools serving kindergarten through third grade students to develop, implement, and document the effects of a comprehensive K-3 foundations program. At least two demonstration projects shall be in schools that are participating in the public-private early learning partnerships in the Highline and Yakima school districts. The third demonstration project shall be in the Spokane school district.Declares that the goals of the English as a second language demonstration project are to develop recommendations: (1) Identifying foundational competencies for developing academic English skills in English language learner students that all teachers should acquire in initial teacher preparation programs;(2) Identifying components of a professional development program that builds classroom teacher competence for developing academic English skills in English language learner students; and(3) Identifying job-embedded practices that connect the English language learner teacher and classroom teachers to coordinate instruction to support the work of the student.Requires the institute for public policy to report its findings to the governor, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, and the appropriate early learning, education, and fiscal committees of the legislature. An interim report is due November 1, 2008. The final report is due December 1, 2009.
| Feb 8 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | EDU - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Feb 26 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 5842-S
by Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators Oemig, McAuliffe, Zarelli, Tom, Weinstein, Kauffman, Rockefeller, Hobbs, and Kohl-Welles)
Regarding education system benchmarks and monitoring.
Finds that the existing school district budget review system focuses on current school year budget implementation and preparation of the ensuing school year budget and does not provide a systematic look of longer-range budget issues, including any indication of impending financial problems in school districts and the financial impact of long-term contractual agreements. Parents, students, taxpayers, school employees, and school administrators need a financial monitoring system that considers long-term budgeting issues and commitments, and provides early warning of school district financial health concerns. Once financial concerns and issues are identified, districts should receive early, practical assistance.Requires the office of the superintendent of public instruction and the office of financial management, with the involvement of school district boards of directors and administrators, to identify up to six system measures that shall be established for a public financial reporting system, including related data collection content and processes. In developing the six system measures, the office of the superintendent of public instruction and the office of financial management shall consider the following: (1) How much the financial health of a school district is dependent on local levy funds to cover the cost of basic education; and(2) How a school district's financial health is related to insufficient funding of state requirements.Directs the office of the superintendent of public instruction and the office of financial management to present proposed system measures and a financial health outlook rating system to the governor by November 1, 2007. Subject to agreement between the governor and the superintendent of public instruction on the measures and the rating system, the financial health and monitoring system shall be implemented during the 2008-09 school year.Provides that, when the data center has collected and verified the data, the office of financial management and the superintendent of public instruction shall jointly conduct a review of teacher pay systems in the global challenge states. The office of financial management and the superintendent of public instruction shall develop a methodology for comparing teacher salaries among the global challenge states. If practical, the office of financial management shall report to the governor and the legislature on the findings from this review and the initial set of teacher salary comparisons among the global challenge states by January 10, 2008.Establishes the education data center in the office of financial management. The education data center shall conduct collaborative analyses of education issues across the P-20 system, which system includes the department of early learning, the superintendent of public instruction, the professional educator standards board, the state board of education, the state board for community and technical colleges, the workforce training and education coordinating board, the higher education coordinating board, public baccalaureate institutions of higher education, and the employment security department in their collaborative analysis of early learning, K-12, and higher education programs.Requires the superintendent of public instruction to submit a report summarizing the review and reporting recommendations in this act to the governor and the education and fiscal committees of the legislature by November 15, 2007.
| Feb 15 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | EDU - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Feb 26 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 6123
by Senators Keiser and Kohl-Welles
Making the governor the public employer of adult family home caregivers.
Makes the governor the public employer of adult family home caregivers.
| Feb 26 | First reading, referred to Labor, Commerce, Research & Development. | |
SB 6124
by Senators Tom, Weinstein, Kline, Pridemore, Kohl-Welles, Poulsen, and Oemig
Creating a commission on psychoactive substance control.
Creates a commission on psychoactive substance control to investigate and make recommendations for alternative regulatory approaches to the production, distribution, and control of psychoactive substances with the objective of reducing crime, enhancing public health, protecting children, and promoting efficient use of scarce public resources.Requires the commission to report its recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2008.
| Feb 26 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |
SB 6125
by Senators Pflug, Hobbs, Carrell, Swecker, Rasmussen, and Stevens
Requiring that military funeral honors be available to all eligible veterans.
Provides that the department shall ensure that provision is made for all eligible veterans buried in Washington state to receive military funeral honors. The department is authorized to implement this provision through interagency contracts with the Washington military department or by other appropriate means.
| Feb 26 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SB 6126
by Senator Hargrove
Regarding residential wells.
Revises provisions regarding residential wells.
| Feb 26 | First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Telecommunications. | |
SB 6127
by Senators Spanel, Swecker, Kilmer, Haugen, Marr, and Kohl-Welles
Regarding state ferries.
Directs the commission to, with the involvement of the department, conduct a market survey to gather information on ferry users to help inform level of service, operational, pricing, planning, and investment decisions. The survey must include, but is not limited to: (1) Current and forecasted recreational use;(2) Current and forecasted vehicle customer use;(3) Current and forecasted freight and goods movement demand; and(4) Reactions to potential operational and pricing strategies described under this act and RCW 47.60.290.Requires the market survey to be updated at least annually.Requires the department to develop, and the commission to review, operational strategies to ensure existing assets are fully utilized and to guide future investment decisions.Requires the department to annually review fares and pricing strategies applicable to the operation of the Washington state ferries.Provides that fares and pricing strategies must be adopted by rule, under chapter 34.05 RCW, by the commission, according to the following schedule: (1) Each year the department shall provide the commission a report of its review of fares and pricing strategies, with recommendations for the revision of fares for the ensuing year;(2) By October 1st of each year, beginning in 2007, the commission shall adopt as a rule, a schedule of fares for the ensuing year.Requires the department to maintain a life-cycle cost model on capital assets such that: (1) Available industry standards are used for estimated life;(2) Standard estimated life is adjusted for asset condition when inspections are made; and(3) Systems and structures that do not have standard life cycles are not included.Requires the joint legislative audit and review committee to assess and report as follows: (1) Audit the implementation of the cost allocation methodology evaluated under chapter . . . (House Bill No. 1094), Laws of 2007, as it exists on the effective date of this act, assessing whether actual costs are allocated consistently with the methodology, whether there are sufficient internal controls to ensure proper allocation, and the adequacy of staff training; and(2) Review the assignment of preservation costs and improvement costs for fiscal year 2009 to determine whether: (a) the costs are capital costs; (b) the costs meet the statutory requirements for preservation activities and for improvement activities; and (c) improvement costs are within the scope of legislative appropriations.Provides that the report on the evaluations in this act is due by January 31, 2010.Repeals RCW 47.60.150 and 47.60.326.
| Feb 26 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
| Feb 27 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 6128
by Senators Keiser and Kohl-Welles
Requiring the naming of the person or persons authorized to make expenditures on behalf of a candidate or committee.
Requires the naming of the person or persons authorized to make expenditures on behalf of a candidate or committee.
| Feb 26 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SJM 8011-S
by Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Clements, Rasmussen, Eide, Oemig, Sheldon, Shin, Kline, and Tom; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction)
Petitioning Congress to raise funding levels of the No Child Left Behind Act.
Petitions Congress to raise funding levels of the No Child Left Behind Act.
| Feb 19 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | EDU - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||