 | WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE | |
| Legislative Digest No. 37 | ||
| SIXTIETH LEGISLATURE | ||
| Thursday, March 1, 2007 | 53rd Day - 2007 Regular Session | |
| HOUSE |
|
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 1232-S
by House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Hunt, Alexander, Curtis, Simpson, Chandler, Armstrong, and Appleton)
Clarifying that certain local government real estate excise tax proceeds may be used for the acquisition of equipment and software related to business applications.
Declares that "capital project" includes equipment that may contain and employ software elements necessary for initial installation and operation that may be included in the capital budget expenditure on a one-time basis during the initial acquisition by a county or city in the regular course of business in connection with associated capital improvements. These capital expenditures must be capitalized with a lifetime of at least five years and must be tied directly to the dollar amount used solely for the economic development value of an existing or planned capital improvement. None of the tax proceeds may be used for daily operation, maintenance, or upgrading of the original capital investment.Declares that, all expenditures made by counties and cities for capital purposes, local capital improvements, and capital projects authorized under this act on or before the effective date of this act are declared to be valid.
| Jan 23 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | Executive session in committee. | |
| LG - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 27 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1329-S
by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representative Flannigan; by request of Department of Social and Health Services)
Changing the child support statutes to implement provisions of the deficit reduction act.
Revises the child support statutes to implement provisions of the deficit reduction act.
| Feb 2 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 7 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 15 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| APP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 27 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1669-S
by House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Strow, Ericks, O'Brien, Rodne, Kirby, Haler, Eddy, Hinkle, and Lantz)
Concerning the district and municipal court's probation and supervision services.
Provides that a limited jurisdiction court that provides misdemeanant supervision services is not liable for civil damages based on the inadequate supervision or monitoring of a misdemeanor defendant or probationer unless the inadequate supervision or monitoring constitutes gross negligence.
| Feb 6 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | Executive session in committee. | |
| JUDI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 27 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1677-S
by House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Quall, Rodne, Dunshee, Ormsby, B. Sullivan, Hurst, Chase, Hunt, P. Sullivan, Pettigrew, Lovick, Jarrett, McCoy, Anderson, Upthegrove, Santos, Sells, Conway, and Rolfes)
Creating the outdoor education and recreation grant program for schools and others.
Declares an intent to establish an outdoor education and recreation program to provide a large number of underserved students with quality opportunities to directly experience the natural world. It is the intent of the program to improve students' overall academic performance, self-esteem, personal responsibility, community involvement, personal health, and understanding of nature. Further, it is the intent of the program to empower local communities to engage students in outdoor education and recreation experiences.
| Feb 15 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | Executive session in committee. | |
| ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 27 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1715-S
by House Committee on Community & Economic Development & Trade (originally sponsored by Representatives Chase, Miloscia, B. Sullivan, Skinner, Grant, Hunt, McDermott, Morrell, Eickmeyer, Kessler, Haler, Kristiansen, Conway, Sells, Kenney, and Simpson)
Assisting manufacturers.
Declares an intent that Washington state increase its support for the manufacturing extension program, to expand the delivery of modernization services to small Washington manufacturers, and to leverage federal and private resources devoted to such efforts.
| Feb 8 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| CEDT - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 26 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1727-S
by House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Springer, Eddy, Dunn, Pettigrew, B. Sullivan, Buri, Strow, Ahern, Orcutt, Takko, Anderson, Haler, Upthegrove, Simpson, Jarrett, Rodne, Sells, O'Brien, Newhouse, Miloscia, Hinkle, Walsh, McCune, Kagi, Williams, Lovick, Linville, Quall, McDonald, Warnick, Kristiansen, Hurst, Seaquist, Kenney, and P. Sullivan)
Planning to ensure sufficient land and densities available to accommodate growth.
Revises provisions relating to growth management planning to ensure sufficient land and densities available to accommodate growth.
| Feb 1 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | Executive session in committee. | |
| LG - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 27 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1832-S
by House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Hunt, Chandler, Williams, Ormsby, and Condotta)
Shortening the statute of limitations on claims under chapter 42.17 RCW.
Reduces the statute of limitations on claims under chapter 42.17 RCW.
| Feb 21 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | Executive session in committee. | |
| SGTA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 27 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1857-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives McCoy, Kessler, Haler, Rodne, Crouse, Wallace, Grant, Morris, Hudgins, and Seaquist)
Regulating utility pole attachments.
Provides that disputes concerning the rates, terms, and conditions made, demanded, or received by a locally regulated utility for allocated space on its poles for placement of licensees' attachments may be brought before the American arbitration association. All rates, terms, and conditions made, demanded, or received by any locally regulated utility must be based on the utility's cost for provision of the allocated space used by the licensee. Rates must be just, fair, reasonable, nondiscriminatory, and sufficient to cover the utility's actual capital and operating expenses attributable to the portion of the pole used by the licensee.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Feb 26 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1896-S
by House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representative Hunt)
Providing for a legislative gift center.
Finds that tourism is encouraged providing a memorable experience and an opportunity for visitors to take something back home with them to remind them of this experience.Finds that a gift center in the legislative building would be an appropriate response to this opportunity, and further, that such a gift center could provide a source of revenue to help fund the oral history program and to pay for the restoration and repurchase of historical capitol furnishings.
| Feb 20 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | Executive session in committee. | |
| SGTA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 27 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1912-S
by House Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Kagi, Haler, Eickmeyer, Appleton, O'Brien, Roberts, Hinkle, Upthegrove, Pettigrew, Lantz, Darneille, Hunt, Moeller, Schual-Berke, Kenney, Wood, and Ormsby)
Improving court hearings in dependency proceedings.
Recognizes that the 2005 Washington state court improvement project re-assessment found that Washington statutes fail to consistently address the health and safety of children in care. Statutory language does not stress the safety and welfare of the child as the paramount concerns. Additionally, the lack of clarity in the statutes undermines the effectiveness of the hearings and, ultimately, the safety and welfare of the child. The legislature intends to clarify the purpose of the court hearings and the roles and responsibilities of the parties.Finds that an investment of time into quality court hearings results in better decisions for children and their families and preserves the resources of the court and the child welfare system. The legislature intends to clearly state that court hearings should always strive to be independent, thorough, and timely inquiries into the status of the case to ensure the department of social and health services is responding to the needs of the family and child in a prompt manner and that the case is progressing appropriately.Encourages the courts to develop clearer, stronger oversight and leadership roles within the courts to achieve safe, timely permanency for children. The court is encouraged to engage all parties to question whether the case is progressing and, if not, to assist in problem-solving to ensure progress is made towards permanency for the child.
| Feb 16 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| ELCS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 27 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
| Mar 1 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
HB 1987-S
by House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Warnick, Armstrong, Haler, Hailey, Sump, McCune, VanDeWege, Skinner, Kristiansen, and Rodne)
Exempting property owners from injury caused to another person as a result of metal theft.
Provides that a public or private landowner or the possessor of land is not civilly liable for a person's injuries caused by: (1) The theft or attempted theft, by the person or a third party, of copper, aluminum, steel, or other metal material from the property of the landowner or possessor; or(2) A dangerous condition created as a result of the theft or attempted theft of copper, aluminum, steel, or other metal material from property of the landowner or the possessor when the landowner or possessor did not know and could not have reasonably known of the dangerous condition.
| Feb 16 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | Executive session in committee. | |
| JUDI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 27 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1993-S
by House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Barlow, Curtis, Schual-Berke, Kagi, Cody, Hinkle, Green, B. Sullivan, Eddy, Pettigrew, P. Sullivan, Bailey, Schindler, Dickerson, Morrell, Kenney, Simpson, and Ormsby)
Modifying credentialing standards for counselors.
Revises credentialing standards for counselors.Directs the department of licensing to convene a work group to develop recommendations regarding the need to regulate those individuals currently registered with the department of health as counselors and whose practice does not meet the definition of "therapeutic counseling" or a specified exemption to the definition. The work group shall consist of a broad representation of registered counselors that do not practice therapeutic counseling as defined in RCW 18.19.020, such as life coaches and spiritual counselors, the clients of such counselors, and representatives of licensed mental health practitioners as defined in RCW 18.19.020, including members of the mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers advisory committee established under RCW 18.225.060. The work group shall consider the harm to the public if the individuals are not regulated and the benefit to the public that the regulation would provide, and alternatives to state regulation. The department of licensing shall submit the recommendations of the work group to the legislature by November 15, 2007.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HCW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 26 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2055-S
by House Committee on Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Flannigan, Ahern, McCoy, Ormsby, and Santos)
Concerning traumatic brain injuries.
Provides a comprehensive plan to help individuals with traumatic brain injuries meet their needs.Creates the Washington traumatic brain injury strategic partnership advisory council.
| Feb 20 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 26 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2056-S
by House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Lantz, Goodman, Sells, McCoy, Hunt, and Simpson)
Requiring recycling receptacles at official gatherings and sports facilities.
Requires recycling receptacles at official gatherings and sports facilities.
| Feb 15 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | 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 2082-S
by House Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Chandler, Wallace, Grant, Buri, Miloscia, Kretz, and Newhouse)
Establishing the field of dreams program.
Establishes the field of dreams program.Finds that agriculture is a major and critical employer in Washington state and recognizes that the industry is struggling to attract and retain employees.Declares that the purpose of the program is to provide college tuition in the form of GET units to students working for agricultural employers to benefit the agriculture industry and to assist students in accessing postsecondary education.Declares that the program shall be administered by the employment security department and the GET units shall be administered by the higher education coordinating board.
| Feb 15 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 26 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2221-S
by House Committee on Community & Economic Development & Trade (originally sponsored by Representatives Pettigrew, Hudgins, Kenney, and Moeller)
Providing assistance for disadvantaged contractors and small business contractors.
Requires the director to determine whether a business that is registered as a contractor under chapter 18.27 RCW or licensed as a contractor under chapter 19.28 RCW is a disadvantaged contractor, and shall adopt rules establishing the criteria and procedures for making this determination. The business owner or owners shall be required to show both social and economic disadvantage based on the following: (1) The relative financial resources of the business as well as the personal wealth of the owner or owners of the business;(2) Social disadvantage based on any of the following: (a) color, ethnic origin, gender, or physical disability; (b) location in an area of high unemployment or a qualified census tract; or (c) other factors not common to other small businesses; and(3) Economic disadvantage based on business size thresholds and eligibility criteria developed in rule that are designed to stimulate economic development through contract awards to businesses located in qualified census tracts.Requires the director to contract with nonprofit organizations to provide technical assistance to disadvantaged contractors to become more competitive by developing or improving their business operations skills. During the 2007-2009 biennium, the director shall enter into two contracts to provide technical assistance to disadvantaged contractors, with one contract for contractors located west of the crest of the Cascade mountains, and the other for contractors located east of the crest of the Cascade mountains.
| Feb 21 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| CEDT - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 26 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2275-S
by House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Kessler, B. Sullivan, Kenney, Chase, and Hunt)
Regarding funding of state parks.
Requires the department to provide an opportunity for owners of vehicles registered under RCW 46.16.0621 and vehicles licensed under RCW 46.16.070 with a declared gross weight of ten thousand pounds or less, to make a voluntary donation of five dollars at the time of initial or renewal registration. The donation must be deposited in the state parks renewal and stewardship account established in RCW 79A.05.215 to be used for the operation and maintenance of state parks.Applies to registrations due or to become due on or after January 1, 2008.
| Feb 22 | Public hearing and executive action taken in committee. | |
| AGNR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 26 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2369
by Representatives Ahern, McCune, Dunn, Sump, Pearson, Hinkle, Warnick, Curtis, and O'Brien
Mandating termination of parental rights when the child is the victim of rape by the parent.
Provides that, at the time of sentencing, the court shall enter an order terminating all parental rights to a child if: (1) The defendant is convicted under RCW 9A.44.040 of rape in the first degree, the victim was the defendant's biological or adopted child, and the victim was under sixteen years of age at the time the offense occurred;(2) The defendant is convicted under RCW 9A.44.073 of rape of a child in the first degree and the victim was the defendant's biological or adopted child;(3) The defendant is convicted under RCW 9A.44.076 of rape of a child in the second degree and the victim was the defendant's biological or adopted child; or(4) The defendant is convicted under RCW 9A.44.079 of rape of a child in the third degree and the victim was the defendant's biological or adopted child.
| Feb 28 | First reading, referred to Judiciary. | |
HB 2370
by Representatives Schual-Berke and O'Brien
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.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; and(5) Detail where and for what purpose funds under this act have been distributed.Requires the joint legislative audit and review committee to study and review the performance of programs implemented under this act.
| Feb 28 | First reading, referred to Finance. | |
HB 2371
by Representatives Orcutt, Alexander, Warnick, Ahern, and Dunn
Restricting the way fee increases are authorized.
Amends RCW 43.135.055 to restrict the way fee increases are authorized.
| Feb 28 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2372
by Representative Linville
Regulating speech-language pathologist assistants.
Declares it to be the policy of this state that, in order to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare, to protect the public from incompetent, unscrupulous, unauthorized persons and unprofessional conduct, and to ensure the availability of the highest possible standards of speech-language pathology services to the communicatively impaired people of this state, it is necessary to provide regulatory authority over persons offering speech-language pathology services as speech-language pathologist assistants.
| Feb 28 | First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. | |
HB 2373
by Representatives McCune, Ahern, Kretz, Pearson, Roach, and Kenney
Enhancing school bus driver safety.
Provides that, upon proper request, the director shall furnish at no charge, a complete certified abstract of the full driving record maintained by the department to a school district for current or prospective school bus drivers. The department shall also immediately notify school districts if a school bus driver has had a driver's license or commercial driver's license suspended or revoked.
| Feb 28 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
| Mar 1 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
HJM 4003-S
by House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Chase, Morris, and Hunt)
Requesting the abolition of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
Requests that the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, which was enacted December 8, 2004, be abolished, and that no recreational fees be imposed on federal lands within the State of Washington under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
| Feb 19 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | 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. | |
SB 5567-S
by Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Swecker, Jacobsen, Poulsen, and Stevens)
Creating the salmon and watershed planning integration work group.
Provides that the work group shall: (1) Review the current status of salmon recovery and watershed entities, plans, and projects, including but not limited to plans and projects developed under chapters 77.85 and 90.82 RCW;(2) Review the organizational structure and governance of entities preparing or implementing salmon recovery or watershed plans or projects;(3) Make recommendations, if any, regarding salmon recovery and watershed entities, plans, and projects in order to integrate such plans and projects or to otherwise improve planning and project administration;(4) Make recommendations, if any, for state incentives to achieve greater integration of salmon recovery and watershed entities, plans, and projects; and(5) Report its recommendations, if any, in the form of draft legislation to the legislature by November 1, 2008.
| Feb 7 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5596-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Franklin, Benton, Kline, Poulsen, Keiser, and Roach)
Concerning discrimination against chiropractors.
Provides that a health carrier may not develop and employ provider payment methodologies that discriminate against chiropractors by setting differing payment formulas for a chiropractor's services than for a different profession's services when the contractor is reimbursing for the same type of health care services. The carrier may not have a methodology that would pay chiropractors less than any other provider for the same payment code.
| Feb 12 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| On motion, referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Feb 28 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 5597-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Franklin, Benton, Zarelli, Kauffman, Kline, Carrell, Poulsen, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Delvin, and Roach)
Concerning contracts with chiropractors.
Provides that health carriers may not directly or indirectly through contract or otherwise refuse to reimburse for the health care services legally provided by employees of a contracted chiropractor if the service would be a reimbursable benefit but for the contractor's refusal to recognize or reimburse the services performed by employees of the contracted chiropractor.Provides that health carriers may not require directly or indirectly by contract or otherwise that a chiropractor comply with health care reimbursement or delivery standards that conflict with those standards and practices authorized or adopted by the Washington state chiropractic quality assurance commission.Declares that any term or condition of any contract between a chiropractor and a carrier that violates a provision of this act and any attempt to waive, modify, or shift responsibility for compliance with this act is invalid.
| Feb 12 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| On motion, referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Feb 28 | Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change) | |
SB 5643-S
by Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Regala, Delvin, Carrell, Hargrove, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Shin, Tom, and Kline)
Addressing children and families of incarcerated parents.
Recognizes the significant impact on the lives and well-being of children and families when a parent is incarcerated. It is the intent of the legislature to support children and families, and maintain familial connections when appropriate, during the period a parent is incarcerated.Finds that there must be a greater emphasis placed on identifying state policies and programs impacting children with incarcerated parents. Additionally, greater effort must be made to ensure that the policies and programs of the state are supportive of the children, and meet their needs during the time the parent is incarcerated.Finds that, according to the final report of the children of incarcerated parents oversight committee, helping offenders build durable family relationships may reduce the likelihood that their children will go to prison later in life. Additionally, the report indicates that offenders who reconnect with their families in sustaining ways are less likely to reoffend.Appropriates the sum of five hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development for the purpose of enhancing programs and services for the children and families of inmates incarcerated in department of corrections facilities.Appropriates the sum of seven hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development for the purpose of enhancing programs and services for the children and families of inmates incarcerated in department of corrections facilities.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | HSC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5647-S
by Senate Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Management (originally sponsored by Senators Fraser, Morton, McAuliffe, Fairley, Swecker, Regala, Hatfield, Spanel, Rockefeller, Kohl-Welles, and Rasmussen)
Clarifying the use of existing lodging tax revenues for tourism promotion.
Amends RCW 67.28.080 relating to clarifying the use of existing lodging tax revenues for tourism promotion.
| Feb 9 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | EDTM - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5652-S2
by Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Kauffman, Kastama, Kilmer, Brown, Berkey, Rockefeller, Keiser, and Shin)
Establishing the microenterprise development program.
Declares that it is the purpose of this act to assist microenterprises in job creation by increasing the training, technical assistance, and financial resources available to microenterprises.Declares an intent to carry out this purpose by enabling the department of community, trade, and economic development to contract with a statewide microenterprise association with the potential to provide organizational support and administer grants to local microenterprise development organizations, subject to the requirements of this act, and to leverage additional funds from sources other than moneys appropriated from the general fund.
| Jan 30 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 7 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 14 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | WM - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5653-S
by Senate Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Management (originally sponsored by Senators Kauffman, Kastama, Brown, Berkey, Rockefeller, Keiser, Franklin, Kohl-Welles, and Shin)
Authorizing the development of self-employment assistance programs.
Finds that the establishment of a self-employment assistance program would assist unemployed individuals and create new businesses and job opportunities in Washington state. The department shall inform individuals identified as likely to exhaust regular unemployment benefits of the opportunity to enroll in commissioner-approved self-employment assistance programs.Declares that an unemployed individual is eligible to participate in a self-employment assistance program if it has been determined that he or she: (1) Is otherwise eligible for regular benefits as defined in RCW 50.22.010;(2) Has been identified as likely to exhaust regular unemployment benefits under a profiling system established by the commissioner as defined in P.L. 103-152; and(3) Is enrolled in a self-employment assistance program that is approved by the commissioner, and includes entrepreneurial training, business counseling, technical assistance, and requirements to engage in activities relating to the establishment of a business and becoming self-employed.
| Jan 30 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | EDTM - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5691-S
by Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Zarelli, Prentice, and Roach)
Defining the near general fund and requiring revenue forecasts thereof.
Defines the near general fund and requires revenue forecasts thereof.
| Feb 6 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | WM - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5712-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senator Parlette)
Revising provisions for the Washington state health insurance pool.
Finds that the Washington state health insurance pool is a critically important insurance option for people in this state and must reflect health care provisions based on the best available evidence and be financially sustainable over time. The laws governing the Washington state health insurance pool have been read to preclude the program from modifying contracts, and yet coverage needs and options change with time. Everyone in this state benefits when the Washington state health insurance pool is more affordable and higher performing. Changes are needed to the Washington state health insurance pool to increase affordability, offer quality and cost-effective benefits, and enhance the governance and operation of the pool.Appropriates the sum of five million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the Washington state health insurance pool account to be used to cover deficits incurred by the pool in excess of the threshold established in RCW 48.41.037.
| Feb 1 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5729-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Franklin, Brandland, Keiser, Kline, Rasmussen, Marr, Hargrove, Kastama, Murray, Fairley, Kohl-Welles, Hatfield, Regala, Jacobsen, Poulsen, and Parlette)
Providing dedicated funding for public health services.
Declares that protecting the public's health across the state is a fundamental responsibility of the state. With the commitment to state funding of the public health system as provided in this act, the state expects that measurable benefits will be realized to the health of the residents of Washington. In addition, a well-funded public health system is expected to become a more integral part of the state's emergency preparedness system.Requires this increase in public health funding to deliver the following outcomes, subject to available funding levels: (1) Create a disease response system capable of responding at all times;(2) Stop the increase in, and reduce, sexually transmitted disease rates;(3) Reduce vaccine preventable diseases;(4) Build capacity to quickly contain disease outbreaks;(5) Decrease childhood obesity and diabetes rates;(6) Increase childhood immunization rates;(7) Provide home visiting services that improve birth outcomes and decrease child abuse;(8) Reduce animal-to-human disease rates; and(9) Monitor and protect drinking water across jurisdictional boundaries.Provides that, beginning January 1, 2008, and on the first business day of each January thereafter, the state treasurer shall distribute from the local public health financing account five million four hundred twenty-five thousand dollars to be shared equally amongst all local health jurisdictions to address core public health functions of statewide significance.Provides that, by January 1, 2008, the department shall: (1) Adopt a list of activities and services performed by local health jurisdictions that qualify as core public health functions of statewide significance as defined in this act; and(2) Adopt appropriate performance measures with the intent of improving health status indicators applicable to the core public health functions of statewide significance that local health jurisdictions must provide pursuant to this act.Provides that, beginning November 15, 2009, the department shall report to the legislature and the governor annually on the distribution of funds under this act and the use of those funds. The initial report must discuss the performance measures adopted by the secretary and any impact the funding in this act has had on local health jurisdiction performance and health status indicators. Future reports shall evaluate trends in performance over time and the effects of expenditures on performance over time.
| Feb 7 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | HEA - 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 5762-S
by Senate Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Management (originally sponsored by Senators Kilmer, Kastama, Clements, Kauffman, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Shin, and McAuliffe)
Concerning funding for jobs, economic development, and local capital projects.
Recognizes that state investment in public infrastructure is a contributor to the economic development of Washington state by encouraging private investment and the creation and retention of high-wage jobs.Finds that providing dedicated funding for various programs in chapter 43.160 RCW will lead to greater certainty in economic development decisions and further encourage private investment.Finds that removing outdated and obsolete language from chapter 43.160 RCW will streamline and enhance the understanding of program requirements.Repeals provisions of chapter 43.160 RCW.
| Feb 7 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | EDTM - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5774-S
by Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Hargrove, Kohl-Welles, Brandland, and Shin; by request of Department of Social and Health Services)
Revising background check requirements for the department of social and health services and the department of early learning.
Revises background check requirements for the department of social and health services and the department of early learning.
| Feb 6 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | HSC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Feb 27 | Public hearing in committee. | |
SB 5776-S
by Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Kauffman, Franklin, Fairley, Murray, Kohl-Welles, Delvin, Keiser, Kilmer, Jacobsen, Tom, Rockefeller, Kline, Rasmussen, and Shin)
Establishing a process to review modifications to foster care maintenance payments.
Requires the department to adopt rules by December 1, 2007, establishing a review process for modifications to foster care maintenance payments that are disputed by foster parents.Declares that the rules must establish a review process within the department in which parties may present evidence that would tend to support a particular foster care maintenance payment level.Provides that the rules must also establish a process for applying for review, before an administrative law judge, in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW, of the department's decision in its internal review process.Provides that the evidence that is the subject of the administrative law judge's review shall be limited to the evidence that was presented in the department's internal review process.Declares that nothing in this act shall be construed to create in any person an entitlement to financial assistance.
| Feb 8 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | HSC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5828-S
by Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators Kauffman, McAuliffe, Tom, Rasmussen, Eide, Oemig, Clements, Hobbs, Weinstein, Rockefeller, Kline, and Kohl-Welles)
Regarding early child development and learning.
Finds that education is the single most effective investment that can be made in children, the state, the economy, and the future. A well-educated citizenry is essential both for the preservation of democracy and for enhancing the state's ability to compete in the knowledge-based global economy.Declares that the overarching goal for education in the state is to have a world-class, learner-focused, seamless education system that educates more Washingtonians to the highest levels of educational attainment.Requires that, in conjunction with child care providers and other early learning leaders, the department shall review and revise child care provider rules in order to emphasize the need for mutual respect among parents, providers, and state staff who enforce rules. Revised rules shall clearly focus on keeping children safe and improving early learning outcomes for children. The department shall develop a plan by July 2007 that outlines the process and timelines to complete the rules review. Nothing in this act changes the department's responsibility to collectively bargain over mandatory subjects.
| Feb 7 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | EDU - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| On motion, referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Feb 26 | Public hearing in committee. | |
SB 5830-S
by Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Kauffman, Brown, Rasmussen, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, and Shin)
Providing home visitation services for families.
Provides home visitation services for families.Finds that the farther behind children are in their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development the more difficult it will be for them to catch up.Finds that a significant number of children age birth to five years are born with two or more of the following risk factors and have a greater chance of failure in school and beyond: Poverty; single or no parent; no parent employed full time or full year; all parents with disability; mother without a high school degree; and no parent fluent in English.Finds that parents and children involved in home visitation programs exhibit better birth outcomes, enhanced parent and child interactions, more efficient use of health care services, enhanced child development, and early detection of developmental delays, as well as reduced welfare dependence, higher rates of school completion and job retention, reduction in frequency and severity of maltreatment, and higher rates of school graduation.Declares an intent to promote the use of voluntary home visitation services as an early intervention strategy to alleviate the effect risk factors have on child development.Provides that, within available funds, the council shall fund evidence-based and research-based programs for home visitation for improving parenting skills and outcomes for children. Home visitation programs must be voluntary and must be directed at families at high risk of child abuse and neglect.Repeals RCW 43.70.530.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | HSC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5839-S
by Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Benton, Stevens, and Hargrove)
Revising provisions relating to false reporting of child abuse or neglect.
Requires the child protective services section to prepare a statement warning against false reporting of alleged child abuse or neglect for inclusion in any instructions, informational brochures, educational forms, and handbooks developed or prepared for or by the department and relating to the reporting of abuse or neglect of children. Such statement shall include information on the criminal penalties that apply to false reports of alleged child abuse or neglect under RCW 26.44.060(4). It shall not be necessary to reprint existing materials if any other less expensive technique can be used. Materials shall be revised when reproduced.Directs the child protective services section to send a letter by certified mail to any person determined by the section to have made a false report of child abuse or neglect informing the person that such a determination has been made and that a second or subsequent false report will be referred to the proper law enforcement agency for investigation.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 21 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | HSC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5876-S
by Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Poulsen and Kline)
Protecting salmon and steelhead spawning beds.
Requires the department of fish and wildlife to produce educational materials discouraging activities that harm or disturb the spawning beds of salmon and steelhead.Requires the department to work cooperatively with the tribal fishery comanagers in the development of the educational materials.Requires the department to report to the legislature concerning the effectiveness of this act after at least two spawning cycles of salmon and steelhead have occurred following the initiation of distribution of the educational materials. However, the report must be provided by December 1, 2012, at the latest.
| Feb 12 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Feb 27 | Public hearing in committee. | |
SB 5883-S
by Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Fraser, Swecker, Hargrove, Stevens, Morton, Jacobsen, Rockefeller, Rasmussen, and Franklin)
Concerning conversion of forest land to nonforestry uses.
Provides that, if a county, city, town, or regional governmental entity receives a notice of conversion to nonforestry use by the department under RCW 76.09.060, then the county, city, town, or regional governmental entity must deny all applications for permits or approvals, including building permits and subdivision approvals, relating to nonforestry uses of the land that is the subject of the notification. The prohibition created by this act must be enforced by the county, city, town, or regional governmental entity: (1) For a period of six years from the approval date of the applicable forest practices application or notification or the date that the department was made aware of the harvest activities; or(2) Until the following activities are completed for the land that is the subject of the notice of conversion to a nonforestry use: (a) full compliance with chapter 43.21C RCW, if applicable; (b) the department has notified the county, city, town, or regional governmental entity that the landowner has resolved any outstanding final orders or decisions issued by the department; and (c) a determination is made by the county, city, town, or regional governmental entity as to whether or not the condition of the land in question is in full compliance with local ordinances and regulations.Provides that all counties and cities adopting or enforcing regulations or ordinances under this act shall include in the regulation or ordinance a requirement that a verification accompany every permit issued for forest land by that county or city associated with the conversion to a use other than commercial timber operation, as that term is defined in RCW 76.09.020, that verifies that the land in question is not or has not been subject to a notice of conversion to nonforestry uses under RCW 76.09.060 during the six-year period prior to the submission of a permit application.
| Feb 14 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| On motion, referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Feb 27 | Public hearing in committee. | |
SB 5889-S
by Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators Tom, Holmquist, Hewitt, Clements, Zarelli, McAuliffe, Pridemore, Oemig, Shin, Rasmussen, and Kilmer)
Funding assessment fees for certificated instructional staff applying for national board for professional teaching standards certification.
Finds and declares: (1) The national board for professional teaching standards has established high and rigorous standards for what highly accomplished teachers should know and be able to do in order to increase students' learning results;(2) The national board certifies teachers who meet these standards through a rigorous, performance-based assessment process;(3) A certificate awarded by the national board attests that a teacher has met high and rigorous standards and has demonstrated the ability to make sound professional judgments about how to best meet students' learning needs and effectively help students meet challenging academic standards; and(4) Teachers who pursue national board certification should receive funding assistance in order to encourage more teachers to pursue certification for the benefit of Washington students.Provides an appropriation of two million five hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the superintendent of public instruction for the purposes of this act.
| Feb 8 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | EDU - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Feb 26 | Public hearing in committee. | |
SB 5895-S
by Senate Committee on Consumer Protection & Housing (originally sponsored by Senators Fraser, Swecker, Tom, Shin, Kline, McCaslin, Kilmer, Jacobsen, Delvin, and Honeyford)
Regarding sellers' disclosures for residential real property sales.
Finds that: (1) Some purchasers of residential property have been financially ruined, and their health threatened, by the discovery of toxic materials buried or otherwise hidden on the property that was not disclosed by the seller who had actual knowledge of the presence of such materials before the sale;(2) Current law exempts some sellers from legal responsibility to disclose what they know about the presence of toxic materials on unimproved property they are selling for residential purposes; and(3) Seller disclosure statements provide information of fundamental importance to a buyer to help the buyer determine whether the property has health and safety characteristics suitable for residential use and whether the buyer can financially afford the cleanup costs and related legal costs.Declares an intent that: (1) Purchasers of unimproved property intended to be used for residential purposes be entitled to receive from the seller information known by the seller about toxic materials on or buried in the property;(2) There be no legal exemptions from such disclosure in the interests of fairness and transparency in residential property sales transactions; and(3) Separate residential property sales disclosure forms be used for improved and unimproved property, to assist with transparency in property transactions.
| Feb 16 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | CPH - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5952-S
by Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Kohl-Welles, and Rasmussen; by request of Department of Early Learning)
Correcting provisions for the department of early learning.
Authorizes the director to charge fees to the licensee for obtaining a license. The director may waive the fees when, in the discretion of the director, the fees would not be in the best interest of public health and safety, or when the fees would be to the financial disadvantage of the state.Provides that fees charged shall be based on, but shall not exceed, the cost to the department for the licensure of the activity or class of activities and may include costs of necessary inspection.Requires the department to give written notice of the denial of an application for a license to the applicant or his or her agent. The department shall give written notice of revocation, suspension, or modification of a license to the licensee or his or her agent. The notice shall state the reasons for the action.Requires the department to give written notice to the person against whom it assesses a civil fine. The notice shall state the reasons for the adverse action. The notice shall be personally served in the manner of service of a summons in a civil action or shall be given in another manner that shows proof of receipt.
| Feb 19 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | EDU - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 6139
by Senators Benton and Stevens
Regarding salmon fishing guides.
Provides that the department of fish and wildlife shall direct all necessary resources to negotiating a reciprocity agreement with the state of Oregon regarding the license requirements for salmon fishing guides downstream of the Longview bridge. The department must report back to the legislature on the progress of the negotiations by November 1, 2007.
| Feb 28 | First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation. | |
SB 6140
by Senators Zarelli, Stevens, Clements, and Parlette
Enhancing the security of drivers' licenses.
Provides that, in all cases, the documentation must include a photograph of the applicant.Requires an applicant to provide evidence of a valid principal Washington residence address with an original, notarized, or certified copy of any of the following: (1) A utility bill;(2) A bank statement;(3) A paycheck;(4) A government check; or(5) Other government document with a valid Washington residence address.Requires the department to scan and electronically store all documents presented by an applicant for a driver's license or identicard. The department shall develop a security system to appropriately restrict access to stored documents.Requires the department, when mailing the driver's license to a first time applicant, to mail the driver's license to a valid Washington address and not mail the driver's license to an address outside the state of Washington. For the purposes of this provision, "first time applicant" means a person applying for a driver's license in the state of Washington for the first time who has not been previously issued a driver's license by the department.
| Feb 28 | First reading, referred to Transportation. | |
SB 6141
by Senators Jacobsen and Morton
Expanding provisions affecting forest health.
Finds that Washington currently faces forest health threats. In response to these threats, the legislature intends to create a comprehensive forest health program for the state.
| Feb 28 | Scheduled for executive session in committee. (Subject to change) | |
| First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation. | ||
SB 6142
by Senators Holmquist and Berkey
Limiting the number of bills a legislator may sponsor.
Provides that a member of the legislature may not introduce as prime sponsor more than fifteen bills during a legislative session, excluding committee substitute bills.
| Feb 28 | First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections. | |
SJM 8019
by Senator Pflug
Requesting that the Food and Drug Administration require that direct to consumer advertising of prescription pharmaceuticals be allowed only when done through the United States Surgeon General.
Requests that the Food and Drug Administration require that direct to consumer advertising of prescription pharmaceuticals be allowed only when done through the United States Surgeon General.
| Feb 27 | First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care. | |