 | WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE | |
| Legislative Digest No. 43 | ||
| SIXTIETH LEGISLATURE | ||
| Friday, March 9, 2007 | 61st Day - 2007 Regular Session | |
| SENATE |
|
This publication includes digest and history for bills, joint memorials, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, initiatives, and substitutes. Engrossed measures may be republished if the amendment makes a substantive change.
Electronic versions of Legislative Digests are available at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/digests.aspx?year=2007.
HB 1018-S
by House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Orcutt, Haigh, Haler, Takko, Pearson, Strow, Schindler, McCune, Blake, Chandler, Moeller, and Seaquist)
Modifying the time limit for state officials to solicit or accept contributions.
Amends RCW 42.17.710 to the time limit for state officials to solicit or accept contributions.
| Feb 26 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| SGTA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1251-S
by House Committee on Insurance, Financial Services & Consumer Protection (originally sponsored by Representatives Morrell, Haler, O'Brien, Skinner, Lantz, Hinkle, Upthegrove, Takko, Moeller, Wallace, Crouse, Campbell, Kristiansen, Wood, Pearson, Ross, Fromhold, McCoy, Williams, Kretz, Hurst, Green, Kenney, VanDeWege, Haigh, McCune, Grant, Darneille, Simpson, Dunn, and Rolfes)
Addressing the issue of stolen metal property.
Revises provisions relating to protecting and recovering property owned by utilities, telecommunications companies, railroads, state agencies, political subdivisions of the state, construction firms, and other parties.
| Jan 25 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 22 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| IFCP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
| Mar 8 | Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. | |
HB 1406-S
by House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Conway, Wood, and Green; by request of Employment Security Department)
Regarding reporting, penalty, and corporate officer provisions of the unemployment insurance system.
Revises provisions regarding reporting, penalty, and corporate officer provisions of the unemployment insurance system.
| Feb 2 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 26 | Executive session in committee. | |
| CL - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
| Mar 6 | Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading. | |
HB 1654-S
by House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Appleton, Haigh, and Hunt)
Modifying canvassing provisions.
Provides that, in counties voting entirely by mail, a random check of the ballot counting equipment may be conducted upon mutual agreement of the political party observers or at the discretion of the county auditor. The random check procedures must be adopted by the county canvassing board. The random check process shall involve a comparison of a manual count to the machine count and may involve up to either three precincts or three batches depending on the ballot counting procedures in place in the county. The random check will be limited to one office or issue on the ballots in the precincts or batches that are selected for the check. The selection of the precincts or batches to be checked must be selected according to procedures established by the county canvassing board and the check must be completed no later than forty-eight hours after election day.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 26 | Executive session in committee. | |
| SGTA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
| Mar 8 | Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. | |
HB 1721-S
by House Committee on Community & Economic Development & Trade (originally sponsored by Representatives P. Sullivan, Pettigrew, Kristiansen, Orcutt, Chase, Skinner, Haler, Roach, Morrell, Linville, Eickmeyer, Kessler, Walsh, Dunn, Kenney, VanDeWege, and Simpson)
Creating certified capital companies to promote economic development through investment in start-up and emerging businesses.
Finds that new sources of prudently targeted private equity investments would promote economic development by strengthening the local venture capital infrastructure, increasing access to capital for local companies, supporting emerging businesses, and creating jobs for Washington citizens. Targeted venture capital has the potential to hasten the transformation of research and development concepts into commercially viable products and services, expedite the expansion of small Washington firms, enlarge the state's tax base, and develop these businesses into significant contributors to the Washington economy. This act is intended to assist small start-up enterprises to succeed in their business and to contribute to the future of Washington.
| Feb 14 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| CEDT - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Referred to Finance. | |
HB 1773-S
by House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Clibborn and Jarrett)
Regarding the imposition of tolls.
Provides that, unless otherwise delegated, only the legislature may authorize the imposition of tolls on a specific facility or corridor.Provides that all revenue from a tolled facility or corridor must be used only to improve, preserve, or operate the tolled facility or corridor on or in which the revenue is collected. For the purposes of this act, "facility or corridor" means the following: (1) A bridge, highway, or roadway;(2) A vessel, bus, vehicle, or other conveyance of people or goods; or(3) A system of facilities or corridors as defined by the tolling authority.Provides that any proposal for the initial establishment of a tolled facility or corridor shall consider the following policy guidelines: (1) Overall Direction. Washington should use tolling to encourage effective use of the transportation system and provide a supplementary source of transportation funding.(2) When to Use Tolling. Tolling should be used when it can be demonstrated to contribute a significant portion of the cost of a project that cannot be funded solely with existing sources or optimize the performance of the transportation system. Such tolling should in all cases be fairly and equitably applied in the context of the statewide transportation system and not have significant adverse impacts through the diversion of traffic to other routes.(3) Use of Toll Revenue. Toll revenue should be used only to improve, preserve, or operate the transportation facility, corridor, or operation in which the revenue is collected.(4) Setting Toll Rates. Toll rates, which may include variable pricing, should be set to optimize system performance, recognizing necessary trade-offs to generate revenue.(5) Duration of Toll Collection. Because transportation infrastructure projects have costs and benefits that extend well beyond those paid for by initial construction funding, tolls should remain in place to fund additional capacity, capital rehabilitation, maintenance, and operations, and to optimize performance of the system.
| Jan 30 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1792-S
by House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Conway, Condotta, Morris, Chandler, Kenney, Priest, P. Sullivan, Chase, Wood, and Moeller)
Requiring a study of the incidence of total permanent disability pensions in the state's workers' compensation system.
Requires the department of labor and industries to conduct a study of the incidence of total permanent disability pensions in the state's workers' compensation system. The department shall contract with an independent researcher with demonstrated expertise in workers' compensation systems. The department shall consult with the workers' compensation advisory committee in determining the criteria to use in selecting a researcher and in selecting the researcher with which to contract.Requires that, in conducting the study, the researcher selected shall consider the following: (1) Causes of the recent increase in total permanent disability cases, including changes in injured worker demographics, policy, and other areas that may be identified;(2) Future anticipated total permanent disability trends; and(3) A comparison of Washington's permanent disability claims experience and injured workers with other states and jurisdictions ; (4) The impact of the standard for finding workers employable on the incidence of permanent total disability pensions; and(5) The impact of vocational rehabilitation under RCW 51.32.095, and any improvements to vocational rehabilitation, on the incidence of permanent total disability pensions.Requires the department to report to the workers' compensation advisory committee on the results of the study on or before July 1, 2008.Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.
| Feb 8 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| CL - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1794-S
by House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Conway, Simpson, McCoy, Chase, Wood, and Moeller)
Removing essential government services as a condition to exempt from taxation property belonging to federally recognized Indian tribes.
Removes essential government services as a condition to exempt from taxation property belonging to federally recognized Indian tribes.Finds that eliminating the property tax on property owned exclusively by federally recognized Indian tribes within the state requires that the leasehold excise tax also be applied to leasehold interests on tribally owned property.
| Feb 14 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| SGTA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Referred to Finance. | |
HB 1842-S
by House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Kenney, Conway, Campbell, McDonald, and Ormsby)
Strengthening requirements governing cosmetology professions.
Strengthens requirements governing cosmetology professions.Repeals RCW 18.16.210.
| Feb 9 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| CL - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1843-S
by House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Conway, Condotta, Chandler, and Moeller; by request of Department of Labor & Industries)
Modifying provisions regulating contractors.
Revises provisions regulating contractors.
| Feb 9 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 23 | Executive session in committee. | |
| CL - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
| Mar 8 | Made eligible to be placed on second reading. | |
HB 1872-S
by House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representative Santos)
Enhancing student learning opportunities and achievement.
Declares that the goal of the basic education act for the schools of the state of Washington set forth in this act shall be to provide students with the opportunity to become responsible and respectful global citizens, to contribute to their economic well-being and that of their families and communities, to explore and understand diverse perspectives, to enjoy productive and satisfying lives, and to develop a public school system that focuses on the educational achievement of all students, which includes high expectations for and prepares students to achieve personal and academic success. To these ends, the goals of each school district, with the involvement of parents and community members, shall be to provide opportunities for every student to develop the knowledge and skills essential to: (1) Read with comprehension, write effectively, and communicate successfully in a variety of ways and settings and with a variety of audiences;(2) Know and apply the core concepts and principles of mathematics; social, physical, and life sciences; world history, cultures, and geography; civics and arts; and health and fitness;(3) Think analytically, logically, and creatively, and to integrate different experiences and knowledge to form reasoned judgments and solve problems;(4) Understand the importance of work and personal financial literacy and how performance, effort, and decisions directly affect future career and educational opportunities; and(5) Understand and be fully prepared to exercise the responsibilities of civic participation in a pluralistic society.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 students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunch program support. Additionally, schools receiving all-day kindergarten program support shall agree to the following conditions: (1) Providing at least a one thousand-hour instructional program;(2) Providing a curriculum that offers a rich, varied set of experiences that assist students in: (a) developing initial skills in the academic areas of reading, mathematics, and writing; (b) developing a variety of communication skills; (c) providing experiences in science, social studies, arts, health and physical education, and a world language other than English; (d) acquiring large and small motor skills; (e) acquiring social and emotional skills including successful participation in learning activities as an individual and as part of a group; (f) establishing learning environments that are developmentally appropriate and promote creativity; and (g) learning through hands-on experiences;(3) Demonstrating strong connections and communication with early learning community providers; and(4) Participating in kindergarten program readiness activities with early learning providers and parents.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 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 | Work session and public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 9 | Work session in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1882-S
by House Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Wallace, Moeller, Haigh, McDermott, Kagi, Roberts, O'Brien, Kenney, Hurst, and Ormsby)
Implementing Washington learns higher education recommendations.
Implements Washington learns higher education recommendations.
| Feb 8 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 26 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1883-S
by House Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Wallace, Anderson, Chase, Jarrett, Moeller, McDermott, Priest, Haigh, Kagi, Roberts, Kenney, and Conway)
Modifying the higher education coordinating board.
Revises the higher education coordinating board.
| Feb 8 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 26 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 1906-S
by House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Hunter, Anderson, Wallace, Seaquist, Eddy, P. Sullivan, McDermott, Ormsby, McIntire, Pedersen, Rolfes, Barlow, Goodman, Rodne, O'Brien, Kenney, McDonald, Morrell, Newhouse, Hurst, Skinner, Wood, and Bailey)
Improving mathematics and science education.
Provides that the governor shall appoint two advisory panels, one for mathematics and one for science. The mathematics and science advisory panels shall advise the state board of education regarding essential academic learning requirements, learning standards, and state-identified curricula in mathematics and science. The purpose of the panels is to enable an objective third-party review of the recommendations of the expert consultants under this act and to provide a public and transparent forum for considering learning standards and curricula in mathematics and science.Creates the after-school mathematics support program to study the effects of intentional, skilled mathematics support included as part of an existing after-school activity program.Requires the office of the superintendent of public instruction to provide grants to selected community-based, nonprofit organizations that provide after-school programs and include support for students to learn mathematics.Requires grant applicants to demonstrate the capacity to provide assistance in mathematics learning in the following ways: (1) Identifying the mathematics content and instructional skill of the staff or volunteers assisting students;(2) Identifying proposed learning strategies to be used, which could include computer-based instructional and skill practice programs and tutoring by adults or other students;(3) Articulating the plan for connection with school mathematics teachers to coordinate student assistance; and(4) Articulating the plan for assessing student and program success.Directs the office of the superintendent of public instruction to evaluate program outcomes and report to the governor and the education committees of the legislature on the outcomes of the grants and make recommendations related to program continuation, program modification, and issues related to program sustainability and possible program expansion. An interim report is due November 1, 2008. The final report is due December 1, 2009.
| Feb 8 | Work session and public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 26 | Executive session in committee. | |
| ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1907-S
by House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives P. Sullivan, McDermott, and Ormsby)
Regarding educator preparation, professional development, and compensation.
Establishes a public-private partnership to develop, pilot, and implement the Washington state leadership academy to focus on the development and enhancement of personal leadership characteristics and the teaching of effective practices and skills demonstrated by school and district administrators who are successful managers and instructional leaders. It is the goal of the academy to provide state-of-the-art programs and services across the state.Directs the office of financial management and the superintendent of public instruction to 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. 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.Finds that Washington lacks a systemic and strategic recruitment approach to increasing diversity among educators. Additional steps must be taken to increase the number of diverse high school students who seek to enter the teaching profession, especially in teacher shortage areas and among multilingual, multicultural students.
| Feb 6 | Work session and public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 26 | Executive session in committee. | |
| ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 1919-S
by House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Conway, Darneille, Morrell, Seaquist, Upthegrove, Schual-Berke, Kenney, Hudgins, Hasegawa, Ormsby, and Santos)
Providing apprenticeship utilization requirements for port district public works projects.
Establishes apprenticeship utilization requirements for port district public works projects.
| Feb 16 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| CL - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2216-S
by House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Appleton, Sells, Simpson, Takko, Wallace, Ormsby, Conway, and Strow)
Requiring the appointment of nonvoting labor members to public transportation governing bodies.
Provides that any county performing the public transportation function as authorized by RCW 36.57.100 and 36.57.110 or any public transportation system that is not governed: (1) By a metropolitan municipal corporation as authorized by RCW 35.58.270;(2) By a county performing the public transportation function as authorized by RCW 36.57.100 and 36.57.110;(3) By a county transportation authority under chapter 36.57 RCW; or(4) By any public transportation benefit area established under chapter 36.57A RCW, must appoint a nonvoting member to its public transportation governing body, if applicable.Provides that the nonvoting member shall be recommended by the labor organization representing the majority of the public transportation employees within the local public transportation system. The chair of the governing body may exclude the nonvoting member from attending any portion of a meeting of the governing body or of any committee held for the purpose of discussing negotiations with labor organizations, or from attending any executive committee meeting.
| Feb 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 26 | Executive session in committee. | |
| LG - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
| Mar 8 | Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. | |
HB 2230-S
by House Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Ericks, Bailey, Schual-Berke, Williams, Kagi, Moeller, Lantz, Hasegawa, Green, Morrell, Linville, Blake, Upthegrove, Hunt, O'Brien, Roach, Goodman, Simpson, Ormsby, and Santos)
Regarding early intervention services for children three years old.
Directs the department of social and health services and the office of the superintendent of public instruction to jointly confer and consult with appropriate entities, develop recommendations, and report back to the legislature by October 1, 2007, regarding a policy and process to ensure that children who are eligible for special education services under chapter 28A.155 RCW do not experience a gap in receiving services when transitioning out of infant and toddler early intervention programs upon reaching the age of three years.
| Feb 23 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| ELCS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
| Mar 8 | Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. | |
HB 2231-S
by House Committee on Insurance, Financial Services & Consumer Protection (originally sponsored by Representatives Appleton, Haler, McCoy, Eddy, Seaquist, Moeller, Takko, Williams, Campbell, Hudgins, Pedersen, Rodne, Hunt, Rolfes, Dickerson, B. Sullivan, Cody, Kirby, Conway, Ormsby, and Santos)
Funding consumers' financial awareness.
Provides that, in addition to all other fees authorized by law, each licensee shall pay to the director a fee equal to ten cents per small loan made by the licensee during the previous calendar year. This fee is due upon the annual assessment fee due date as established in rule. Each licensee shall begin collecting the fee on all loans made on or after July 1, 2007.Creates the small loan financial literacy account in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts from the fee imposed by RCW 31.45.050(4) must be deposited into this account. Expenditures from the account must be made in the following manner: (1) Not more than ten percent of all funds deposited during the year for administering the account;(2) Not more than twenty percent of all funds in the account for investigation of licensees regulated under this act; and(3) Not less than seventy percent of all funds in the account for training consumers in the appropriate use of small loans by the department of financial institutions or by grants to accredited consumer credit counseling agencies. The training program shall be jointly developed by the department of financial institutions and industry-designated representatives of licensees.
| Feb 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| IFCP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2241-S
by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Hudgins and Wood)
Developing more effective streamlining of technology and innovation in the state of Washington.
Finds that due to the fragmentation of state technology efforts and resources and the lack of a central coordinating body, the state is hindered in advancing innovation throughout the state. In addition, technology-based institutions vary significantly in their administrative overhead costs and vary in the methods used to calculate these costs. The legislature intends to improve interactions among state technology entities to: Advance and ensure appropriate coordination and collaboration; eliminate duplication of services; set the direction for current and future technology efforts through a strategic planning process and work plan; and establish performance metrics and a prudent administrative overhead rate of no more than thirty-two percent.Provides that, by June 1st of each year with an awareness of the state budget timetable, the governor shall issue a report on the vision for technology development in Washington. The governor shall submit the report to the legislature and to state technology entities. The report must include, but not be limited to: (1) A statewide technology strategy, including goals to achieve the governor's vision for technology development in Washington;(2) A work plan to implement the governor's statewide technology strategy that details how state technology entities shall collaborate and coordinate with each other; and(3) An analysis identifying the most important public policy challenges faced in achieving the vision for technology development in Washington.
| Feb 21 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2258-S
by House Committee on Insurance, Financial Services & Consumer Protection (originally sponsored by Representatives Appleton, Kirby, Roach, Hurst, Santos, Kelley, and Simpson)
Requiring a study of implementing a database for small loans.
Requires the director of the department of financial institutions to study the merits of implementing a real-time database that allows licensees to verify if a consumer has an outstanding small loan. The director shall study the cost of a database, study the impact of a database upon the privacy of small loan customers, conduct surveys to determine concerns of small loan customers with having their borrowing habits monitored, and evaluate the effectiveness of a database in limiting the possibility of an excessive number of contemporaneous loans. The director must provide the findings of this study to the committees of the legislature that address financial regulation no later than November 30, 2007. The director may include recommendations based upon the study.
| Feb 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| IFCP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
| Mar 8 | Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. | |
HB 2261-S
by House Committee on Select Committee on Environmental Health (originally sponsored by Representatives Campbell, Hudgins, Morrell, Hunt, and Ormsby)
Providing for the evaluation of additional measures to reduce wood smoke emissions.
Provides that, until June 30, 2009, an authority comprised of one county east of the Cascade mountains with a population of equal to or greater than four hundred thousand people, may determine by rule an alternative ambient air level of fine particulates that defines when a first stage and when a second stage of impaired air quality exists under this act.Finds that there are communities in the state which exceed the national ambient air quality standards for particulate matter 2.5, primarily due to wood smoke emissions. The current strategies are not sufficient to reduce wood smoke emissions to levels which comply with the federal standards or adequately protect public health. The legislature finds that it is in the state's interest and to the benefit of the people of the state to evaluate additional measures to reduce wood smoke emissions and update the state wood smoke control program.Requires the department to convene and chair a work group to study the impacts of wood smoke from solid fuel burning devices on communities in Washington and make recommendations to the legislature on practical and cost-effective opportunities to reduce public health threats from exposure to wood smoke from solid fuel burning devices.Requires recommendations to be presented to the governor and to the legislature no later than December 1, 2007.
| Feb 22 | Work session and public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| ENVH - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2262-S
by House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Barlow, McCoy, Hunter, Seaquist, Eddy, Fromhold, Ormsby, Sells, and Morrell)
Providing salary bonuses for individuals certified by the national board for professional teaching standards.
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 student 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 attain national board certification should be acknowledged and rewarded in order to encourage more teachers to pursue certification for the benefit of Washington students.Provides that certificated instructional staff who have attained certification from the national board for professional teaching standards shall receive a bonus each year in which they maintain the certification. The bonus shall be calculated as follows: (1) The annual bonus shall be five thousand two hundred fifty dollars for fiscal year 2008 and five thousand four hundred dollars for fiscal year 2009. Thereafter, the annual bonus shall be an amount established in the omnibus appropriations act; and(2) State appropriations for this bonus may be limited to the amount of funding required to provide the full amount of the bonus to five percent of the certificated instructional staff who are eligible to receive certification from the national board for professional teaching standards.
| Feb 26 | Public hearing and executive action taken in committee. | |
| ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Referred to Appropriations. | |
HB 2286-S
by House Committee on Insurance, Financial Services & Consumer Protection (originally sponsored by Representatives Simpson, Kirby, Williams, Kelley, and Hunt)
Regulating interstate branching.
Establishes provisions regulating interstate branching.
| Feb 21 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| IFCP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2292-S
by House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Simpson and Ormsby)
Addressing private residential fire sprinklers.
Directs the state building code council to form a technical advisory group to research and review policies and procedures for residential fire sprinklers.Declares that the purpose of the study is the eventual development of a model building code policy for residential fire sprinkler installation and services.Requires the state building code council to report the findings of the technical advisory group to the appropriate committees of the legislature by January 15, 2008.
| Feb 26 | Public hearing and executive action taken in committee. | |
| LG - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Feb 28 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
HB 2379
by Representatives Hunt, Dunshee, Hudgins, McDermott, Appleton, Darneille, Green, Linville, Williams, and Chase
Canceling the 2008 presidential primary.
Declares that no presidential primary may be held in 2008.
| Mar 8 | First reading, referred to Appropriations. | |
HJR 4223-S
by House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives B. Sullivan, Rodne, Appleton, Sommers, and Ormsby)
Providing for the appointment of justices of the supreme court.
Proposes an amendment to the state Constitution to provide for the appointment of justices of the supreme court.
| Feb 20 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 26 | Executive session in committee. | |
| JUDI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Feb 28 | Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | |
SB 5859-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Prentice, Clements, and Murray; by request of Liquor Control Board)
Creating a spirits, beer, and wine nightlife liquor license and removing spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license limit.
Designates a license as a spirits, beer, and wine nightlife license, which allows the holder to sell spirituous liquor by the drink, beer, and wine at retail, for consumption upon the licensed premises. Provides that the license may be issued only to persons whose business includes the sale and service of alcohol to its customers, has food sales and service incidental to the sale and service of alcohol, and has the following characteristics: (1) The primary business hours are between nine o'clock in the evening and two o'clock in the morning; and(2) The occupancy load of the business premises is greater than the seating provided.Requires that a licensee must maintain minimum food service as determined by the board at all times when alcohol is available.Allows minors on the licensed premises but only in the areas where no alcohol is served.Sets the annual fee for the license as two thousand dollars, which may be reviewed periodically by the board and adjusted to reflect a change in the amount of resources necessary to regulate and enforce this license type.Directs the board to refuse a spirits, beer, and wine nightlife license to any applicant if the board determines that the spirits, beer, and wine nightlife licenses already granted for the particular locality are adequate for the reasonable needs of the community.Requires the liquor control board to establish a pilot project that concentrates liquor education and enforcement efforts, in cooperation with local law enforcement, on spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licensees located in an area of the state with a high density of this license type. The purpose of this project is to assess enforcement and education strategies to identify the factors leading to liquor and public safety violations, test approaches to better assist licensees in mitigating the public safety risk factors, and gain a better understanding of unique issues facing these licensees. By July 1, 2008, the board shall evaluate the results of this pilot project effort, report the results to the appropriate legislative committees, and implement successful strategies.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Mar 5 | Public hearing and executive action taken in committee. | |
| WM - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5870-S
by Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Kline, Hargrove, Eide, and Marr)
Concerning records in a criminal case.
Revises provisions relating to records in a criminal case.
| Feb 13 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | Executive session in committee. | |
| JUD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5898-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Clements, Keiser, Murray, McAuliffe, and Honeyford)
Authorizing the use of a common carrier for the shipment of wine.
Provides that, notwithstanding any language in Title 66 RCW to the contrary, a certificate of approval holder with a direct shipment endorsement may use a common carrier to deliver up to one hundred cases of its own production, in the aggregate, per month to licensed Washington retailers. A certificate of approval holder may not arrange for any such common carrier shipments to licensed retailers of wine not of its own production.
| Feb 20 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5899-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Kohl-Welles, Parlette, Rasmussen, Clements, Holmquist, Murray, and Honeyford)
Defining society or organization for alcoholic beverage control purposes.
Revises provisions relating to defining society or organization for alcoholic beverage control purposes.
| Feb 20 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5900-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Regala, Haugen, Shin, Kline, Keiser, Spanel, and Delvin)
Increasing the safety of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking by ensuring leave from employment.
Declares it is in the public interest to reduce domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking by enabling victims to maintain the financial independence necessary to leave abusive situations, achieve safety, and minimize physical and emotional injuries, and to reduce the devastating economic consequences of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking to employers and employees. Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking should be able to recover from and cope with the effects of such violence and participate in criminal and civil justice processes without fear of adverse economic consequences.Declares that an employee who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or an employee whose family member is a victim, must often take leave from work due to injuries, court proceedings, or safety concerns requiring legal protection.Declares it is in the public interest to provide reasonable leave from employment for employees who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or for employees whose family members are victims, to participate in legal proceedings, receive medical treatment, or obtain other necessary services.Provides that an employee may take reasonable leave from work or a reduced leave schedule, with or without pay, to: (1) Seek legal or law enforcement assistance or remedies to ensure the health and safety of the employee or employee's family members, including but not limited to preparing for or participating in any civil or criminal legal proceeding related to or derived from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking;(2) Seek treatment by a health care provider for physical or mental injuries caused by domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or to attend to health care treatment for a victim who is the employee's family member;(3) Obtain, or assist a family member in obtaining, services from a domestic violence shelter, rape crisis center, or other social services program for relief from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking;(4) Obtain, or assist a family member in obtaining, mental health counseling related to an experience of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; or(5) Participate in safety planning, temporarily or permanently relocate, or take other actions to increase the safety of the employee or employee's family members from future domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.Declares that taking leave under this act shall not result in the loss of any pay or benefits to the employee that accrued before the date on which the leave commenced.Provides that, upon an employee's return, an employer shall either: (1) Restore the employee to the position of employment held by the employee when the leave commenced; or(2) Restore the employee to an equivalent position with equivalent employment benefits, pay, and other terms and conditions of employment.Provides that, to the extent allowed by law, an employer shall maintain coverage under any health insurance plan for an employee who takes leave under this act. The coverage must be maintained, for the duration of such leave, at the level and under the conditions coverage would have been provided if the employee had not taken leave under this act.
| Feb 15 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5915-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Honeyford, Clements, Kohl-Welles, and Roach)
Providing unemployment and industrial insurance notices to employers.
Declares that when an employer initially files a master application under chapter 19.02 RCW for the purpose, in whole or in part, of registering to pay unemployment insurance taxes, the department is to send to the employer any printed material the department requires the employer to post under Title 50 RCW.
| Feb 26 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5923-S
by Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Swecker, Jacobsen, and Sheldon)
Regarding aquatic invasive species enforcement and control.
Provides changes to aquatic invasive species enforcement and control. Requires the department to post signs warning vessel owners of the threat of aquatic invasive species, the penalties associated with introduction of a prohibited aquatic animal or plant species, and the proper contact information for obtaining a free inspection. The signs must be posted at all ports of entry to the state and at all boat launches owned or leased by the department. The signs should provide enough information for the public to discern whether the vessel has been operated in an area that would warrant the need for an inspection.Directs the department to provide an inspection of a watercraft at no cost to the person requesting the inspection. The department shall provide an inspection receipt verifying that the watercraft is not contaminated.Directs the department to provide training to all department employees that are deployed in the field to provide for efficient and timely response and inspections of recreational and commercial watercraft.Declares that a person is guilty of unlawfully avoiding aquatic invasive species check stations if the person fails to: (1) Obey check station signs; or(2) Stop and report at a check station if directed to do so by a uniformed fish and wildlife officer.Declares that unlawfully avoiding aquatic invasive species check stations is a gross misdemeanor.Declares that: (1) A person is guilty of unlawfully introducing a prohibited aquatic animal species if the person fails to: (a) have a vessel inspected by state patrol officers or state fish and wildlife officers prior to launching the vessel in Washington waters; and (b) the vessel is contaminated with an aquatic invasive species, as defined by the department.(2) The penalty for unlawfully introducing a prohibited aquatic animal species may include forfeiture of the contaminated watercraft, under RCW 77.15.070.
| Feb 19 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | Executive session in committee. | |
| NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Mar 5 | Public hearing, public hearing, and executive action taken in committee. | |
| WM - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5938-S
by Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Swecker, Fairley, Roach, Shin, and Rasmussen)
Regarding the protection of graves and cemeteries.
Provides a unified means for handling both Indian and non-Indian graves and cemeteries.Establishes a joint select legislative task force on human remains, with members as provided in this act. The task force shall consult with all interested Indian tribes throughout the state.Requires the task force to study the issues surrounding the discovery of human remains, both Indian and non-Indian. The task force shall examine the legal processes used to dedicate graves and human remains as cemeteries, the legal process of decertifying a cemetery, and the legal process to permit the removal of human remains from property. The task force shall make findings and recommendations on how to ensure that all discoveries of human remains are reported, and how to ensure that all human remains, graves, and cemeteries are treated equally and with the respect due to a finite, irreplaceable cultural resource of the people of Washington.Requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 2007.
| Feb 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | GO - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5947-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Murray, Zarelli, Marr, Shin, Schoesler, and Holmquist)
Creating a business and occupation tax credit against state and federal payroll taxes paid on employee tips by restaurant owners.
Establishes a business and occupation tax credit against state and federal payroll taxes paid on employee tips by restaurant owners.
| Feb 27 | Public hearing and executive action taken in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 5958-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Keiser, Parlette, Marr, and Kohl-Welles)
Creating innovative primary health care delivery.
Creates innovative primary health care delivery.Finds that the public policy of Washington is to promote access to medical care for all citizens and encourage innovative arrangements between patients and providers that will help provide all citizens with a medical home.Provides that a "health care service contractor" does not include direct patient-provider primary care practices.Provides that direct practices must submit annual statements to the office of insurance commissioner specifying the number of providers in each practice, total number of patients being served, providers' names, and the business address for each direct practice. The form for the annual statement will be developed in a manner prescribed by the commissioner.
| Feb 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 26 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| On motion, referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Mar 5 | Public hearing, public hearing, and executive action taken in committee. | |
| WM - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
| Mar 7 | Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. | |
SB 5972-S
by Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Morton, Jacobsen, Swecker, Rockefeller, Poulsen, Rasmussen, Hargrove, and Shin)
Providing the department of natural resources with more consistent enforcement authority for protection against mining without a permit.
Provides the department of natural resources with more consistent enforcement authority for protection against mining without a permit.
| Feb 14 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | Executive session in committee. | |
| NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
| Mar 6 | Made eligible to be placed on second reading. | |
SB 5980-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Fraser, Pflug, Keiser, Parlette, Kohl-Welles, Rasmussen, Roach, Poulsen, and Fairley)
Requiring notification to nursing homes, boarding homes, and adult family homes of offender status of new residents.
Provides that licensed nursing homes, boarding homes, and adult family homes be notified of offender status of residents or persons seeking admission.
| Feb 22 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| And refer to Ways & Means. | ||
| Referred to Ways & Means. | ||
| Mar 5 | Public hearing, public hearing, and executive action taken in committee. | |
| WM - Majority; do pass 1st substitute bill proposed by Health & Long-Term Care. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 5984-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Murray and Clements)
Allowing only structural engineers to provide engineering services for significant structures.
Provides that an engineer must be registered as a structural engineer in order to provide structural engineering services for significant structures.Allows the board to waive the requirements of this act until December 31, 2010, if: (1) On January 1, 2007, the engineer is registered with the board as a professional engineer; and(2) Within two years of January 1, 2007, the engineer demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board that the engineer has sufficient experience in the duties typically provided by a professional structural engineer regarding significant structures.Provides that "significant structures" include: (1) Structures housing, supporting, or containing sufficient quantities of explosive substances to be of danger to the safety of the public if released;(2) Essential facilities that have a ground area of more than five thousand square feet and are more than twenty feet in mean roof height above average ground level.
| Feb 27 | Public hearing, executive action taken, and executive action taken in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
| Mar 8 | Made eligible to be placed on second reading. | |
SB 5990-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Weinstein, Murray, Roach, Hobbs, Fairley, Keiser, Eide, Rasmussen, Oemig, Fraser, Berkey, Tom, Regala, Franklin, Prentice, Spanel, Sheldon, Clements, Jacobsen, Haugen, Hargrove, Pridemore, Kauffman, Kastama, Kilmer, Shin, McAuliffe, Rockefeller, Honeyford, Poulsen, and Kline)
Regarding crane safety.
Addresses provisions relating to crane safety.
| Feb 19 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
SB 6005-S
by Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Shin, Delvin, Kline, Weinstein, and Tom)
Revising provisions involving court interpreters.
Requires each trial court organized under Title 2 RCW and Titles 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.Requires each court to provide a copy of its language assistance plan to the interpreter commission established by supreme court rule for approval prior to receiving state reimbursement for interpreter costs under this act.Requires each court to provide to the administrative office of the courts by November 15, 2007, a report detailing an assessment of the need for interpreter services for non-English speakers in court-mandated classes or programs, the extent to which interpreter services are currently available for court-mandated classes or programs, and the resources that would be required to ensure that interpreters are provided to non-English speakers in court-mandated classes or programs. The administrative office of the courts shall compile these reports and provide them to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 15, 2007.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 this act;(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 21 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | Executive session in committee. | |
| JUD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| On motion, referred to Ways & Means. | ||
SB 6023-S
by Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe and Rasmussen)
Concerning the Washington assessment of student learning.
Revises provisions concerning the Washington assessment of student learning.
| Feb 15 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 26 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | EDU - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
| Mar 6 | Made eligible to be placed on second reading. | |
| Mar 8 | Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. | |
SB 6030-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Parlette and Schoesler)
Providing health insurance options for young adults.
Provides health insurance options for young adults.Provides that carriers may treat young adults, between twenty-one and thirty-four years of age, and products developed specifically for them as a single banded experience pool for purposes of establishing rates. After two years of experience with these products, carriers shall report to the office of the insurance commissioner on the product rates, the number of newly insured young adults, and the impact on other segments of the market.Directs the office of the insurance commissioner to make available educational and outreach materials targeted to young adults aged nineteen to thirty-four, as funding becomes available. Education and outreach efforts shall focus on educating young consumers on the importance and value of health insurance, including educational materials, public service messages, and other outreach activities. The commissioner is authorized to fund these activities with grants, donations, in-kind contributions, or other funding that may be available.
| Feb 27 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
| Mar 1 | Made eligible to be placed on second reading. | |
| Mar 6 | Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. | |
SB 6032-S
by Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, McCaslin, Kline, Regala, and Keiser)
Concerning the medical use of marijuana.
Declares an intent to clarify the law on medical marijuana so that the lawful use of this substance is not impaired and medical practitioners are able to exercise their best professional judgment in the delivery of medical treatment, qualifying patients may fully participate in the medical use of marijuana, and designated providers may assist patients in the manner provided by this act without fear of state criminal prosecution. This act is also intended to provide clarification to law enforcement and to all participants in the judicial system.
| Feb 27 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | Executive session in committee. | |
| HEA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; without recommendation. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
| Mar 8 | Made eligible to be placed on second reading. | |
SB 6036-S
by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Fraser, Franklin, Weinstein, Kohl-Welles, and Hargrove)
Addressing construction liens.
Revises provisions relating to construction liens.
| Feb 26 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 27 | Executive session in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | |
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
| Mar 6 | Made eligible to be placed on second reading. | |
SB 6053-S
by Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Spanel, Jacobsen, Haugen, Hargrove, Hatfield, Morton, Murray, Fairley, and Kohl-Welles)
Creating a legislative task force on the structure of the department of fish and wildlife.
Establishes a legislative task force on the structure of the department of fish and wildlife, with members as provided in this act.Requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the governor, the fish and wildlife commission, the director of fish and wildlife, and the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2007. Final recommendations shall be officially adopted according to rules agreed to by a majority of the legislators or the task force.
| Feb 26 | Public hearing in committee. | |
| Feb 28 | Executive session in committee. | |
| NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. | ||
| Minority; do not pass. | ||
| Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. | ||
| Mar 8 | Made eligible to be placed on second reading. | |
SB 6148
by Senator Benton
Providing for life science learning centers.
Declares an intent to develop and fund the construction and operation of life science learning centers in strategic communities in Washington state. These centers, like current education skill centers, must be community-based and demonstrate multiple local partnerships, including local public school districts and community colleges, to assure community connectedness. These centers must also offer geographic and natural resource uniqueness to assure that the physical locations of these centers foster educational opportunities and stimulation. It is also necessary to provide an articulated education program at life science learning centers that will include the educational interaction between students of all ages with each other and with established life science professionals to assure the transfer of knowledge, the encouragement of younger people to enter life sciences fields, as well as networking and mentoring. Special consideration should be given to communities that also have a four-year public institution of higher education that has an emphasis on life sciences, natural sciences, or both.Declares that life science learning centers should receive unique and enriched capital and operational funds.Appropriates the sum of thirteen million two hundred ninety thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the biennium ending June 30, 2009, from the state building construction account to the office of the superintendent of public instruction for the construction of the Columbia Springs environmental education center located in Vancouver, Washington.Appropriates the sum of eighteen thousand seven hundred fifty dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the office of the superintendent of public instruction for operational expenses of the Columbia Springs environmental education center located in Vancouver, Washington. It is the intent of the legislature that enhanced operational funding will be made available upon completion of the project.
| Mar 8 | First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education. | |