WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE
Legislative Digest No. 52
SIXTIETH LEGISLATURE
Thursday, March 22, 200774th Day - 2007 Regular Session
SENATE
SB 5037-SSB 5723SB 5726-SSB 5813-S2SB 5827-SSB 5841-S2SB 5843-S2
SB 5862-S2SB 5909-SSB 5915-SSB 5923-S2SB 5958-S2SB 6001-SSB 6150
HOUSE
HB 1035-S2

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.
House Bills
HB 1035-S2

by House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Morris, Hudgins, Eickmeyer, Linville, and B. Sullivan)


Regarding anaerobic digestion power.


(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 3/10/2007)


Finds that anaerobic digester projects in the state provide numerous environmental benefits; they reduce odors from organic waste, control pathogens, minimize sludge production, conserve nutrients, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to providing environmental benefits, anaerobic digestion produces power using a clean, renewable resource.

Finds that, despite the numerous environmental and energy-producing benefits that result from anaerobic digester projects, many potential anaerobic digester projects are not pursued in this state because of the high capital costs for construction of such projects. Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to establish a clean streams grant program to assist anaerobic digestion power producers by bringing down the cost of the initial capital investment.

Requires that, by September 1, 2007, the department shall survey all desktop computers owned by the state and identify which desktop computers are suitable for using power management software.

Provides that after conducting the review, the department shall purchase power management software for all desktop computers owned by the state that have been identified by the department as suitable for using power management software. The power management software must be purchased according to the terms of the master contract number T06-MST-002 effective July 7, 2006, or a subsequent contract entered into by the state for power management software that offers comparable or better energy efficiency savings.

Directs the department to install power management software on all desktop computers as expeditiously as possible.

Provides that, when acquiring new desktop computers, the department must purchase and install power management software at the time of acquisition, unless power management software is not suitable for a particular desktop computer's intended use.

Authorizes the department to retain any rebate moneys the state receives for energy conservation resulting from utilization of the power management software.

Requires that, by December 1st of each year, the department of information services shall report to the legislature on the number of licenses installed, the amount of estimated energy saved per computer per year, as well as the amount and number of rebates received by the state as a result of implementing the power management software.

Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 17Public hearing in committee.
Feb 20Executive session in committee.
Mar 1Public hearing in committee.
Mar 3Executive session in committee.
APP - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; without recommendation.
Mar 5Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Mar 8Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Mar 102nd substitute bill substituted.
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 3; absent, 0; excused, 1.
-- IN THE SENATE --
Mar 13First reading, referred to Water, Energy & Telecommunications.
Mar 28Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)

Senate Bills
SB 5037-S

by Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Eide, Weinstein, Murray, Berkey, Regala, Rockefeller, Kauffman, Keiser, Spanel, Jacobsen, and Kohl-Welles)


Restricting the use of a wireless communications device while operating a moving motor vehicle.


(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/8/2007)


Declares an intent to phase out the use of hand-held wireless communications devices by motorists while operating a vehicle.

Does not restrict the operation of an amateur radio station by a person who holds a valid amateur radio operator license issued by the federal communications commission.

Declares that enforcement of this act by law enforcement officers may be accomplished only as a secondary action when a driver of a motor vehicle has been detained for a suspected violation of Title 46 RCW or an equivalent local ordinance or some other offense.

Provides that infractions that result from the use of a wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle under this act shall not become part of the driver's record under RCW 46.52.101 and 46.52.120. Additionally, a finding that a person has committed a traffic infraction under this act shall not be made available to insurance companies or employers.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 15Public hearing in committee.
Feb 20Executive session in committee.
Feb 22TRAN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Mar 1Made eligible to be placed on second reading.
Mar 6Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Mar 81st substitute bill substituted.
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 29; nays, 18; absent, 0; excused, 2.
-- IN THE HOUSE --
Mar 10First reading, referred to Transportation.
Mar 21Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)

SB 5723

by Senators Rasmussen, Clements, Hatfield, Roach, Shin, Morton, Kline, Schoesler, Haugen, Sheldon, Hargrove, Kohl-Welles, Fairley, Honeyford, Franklin, Keiser, Berkey, Kauffman, Kilmer, Jacobsen, Kastama, Benton, Zarelli, and Parlette


Creating and funding the community agricultural worker safety grant program.


(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/14/2007)


Finds that agricultural workers are challenged not only in finding full-time, year-round work, but also face difficulties in upgrading their agricultural skills. The legislature also finds that the agricultural industry's demand for skilled workers far outnumbers the current supply. In addition, the legislature finds that despite recent advances in the safety of agricultural production, additional training of agricultural workers should assist the agricultural sector in ongoing efforts to reduce occupational injuries.

Provides that, subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall administer the community agricultural worker safety grant program, to be implemented by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit opportunities industrialization center of Washington. As grant recipient, the center shall work with the agricultural industry to provide practical, hands-on training for the state's agricultural workers in tractor and farm machinery skills and safety, pesticide training, adult basic skills, civics, English as a second language, commercial drivers' licensing, and other related topics. The grant recipient may receive up to two hundred fifty thousand dollars per year.

Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 29First reading, referred to Agriculture & Rural Economic Development.
Feb 6Public hearing and executive action taken in committee.
Feb 7ARED - Majority; do pass.
And refer to Ways & Means.
Referred to Ways & Means.
Feb 19Public hearing and executive action taken in committee.
Feb 21WM - Majority; do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Mar 8Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Mar 14Floor amendment(s) adopted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.
-- IN THE HOUSE --
Mar 15First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor.
Mar 27Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)

SB 5726-S

by Senate Committee on Consumer Protection & Housing (originally sponsored by Senators Weinstein, Kline, and Franklin)


Creating the insurance fair conduct act.


(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/13/2007)


Provides that an insurer engaged in the business of insurance may not unreasonably deny a claim for coverage or payment of benefits to any first party claimant.

Provides that any first party claimant to a policy of insurance who is unreasonably denied a claim for coverage or payment of benefits by an insurer may bring an action in the superior court of this state to recover the actual damages sustained, together with the costs of the action, including reasonable attorneys' fees and litigation costs.

Provides that the superior court may, after finding that an insurer has acted unreasonably in denying a claim for coverage or payment of benefits or has violated rules under the Washington Administrative Code adopted by the commissioner under RCW 48.30.010(2), increase the total award of damages to an amount not to exceed three times the actual damages.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 8Public hearing in committee.
Feb 15Executive session in committee.
Feb 16CPH - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Mar 1Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Mar 131st substitute bill substituted.
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 30; nays, 17; absent, 0; excused, 2.
-- IN THE HOUSE --
Mar 15First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Services & Consumer Protection.
Mar 22Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)
Mar 27Scheduled for executive session in committee. (Subject to change)

SB 5813-S2

by Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Hobbs, Weinstein, Kauffman, Eide, Tom, Rasmussen, Kohl-Welles, Murray, Shin, Marr, Oemig, Kilmer, and Delvin)


Creating educational opportunities.


(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/9/2007)


Authorizes a mathematics and science instructional coach demonstration project to develop, pilot, and refine program elements as a first step in the creation of a new instructional staff professional development program. The mathematics and science instructional coach demonstration project coaching program shall consist of a coach development institute, coaching seminars, coaching activities in schools, and program evaluation.

Requires the office of the superintendent of public instruction to develop a mathematics and science instructional coach program that includes an initial coach development experience for new coaches provided through an institute setting, coaching support seminars, and additional coach development services. The office shall draw upon the experiences of coaches in federally supported elementary literacy programs and other successful programs, research and policy briefs on adult professional development, and research that specifically addresses the instructional environments of middle, junior high, and high schools as well as the unique aspects of the fields of mathematics and science.

Requires the institute for public policy to report its findings to the governor, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, and the education and fiscal committees of the legislature. An interim report is due November 1, 2008. The final report is due December 1, 2009.

Creates the retooling to teach mathematics, special education, English as a second language, and science conditional scholarship program. Participation is limited to current K-12 teachers and individuals having an elementary education certificate but who are not employed in positions requiring an elementary education certificate. It is anticipated that candidates enrolled in this program will complete the requirements for a mathematics, special education, English as a second language, or science endorsement, or any combination thereof, in two years or less.

Finds that knowledge, skills, and opportunities in mathematics, science, and technology should be increased for all students in Washington. The legislature intends to foster capacity between and among the educational sectors to enable continuous and sustainable growth of the learning and teaching of mathematics, science, and technologies. The legislature intends to foster high quality mathematics, science, and technology programs to increase the number of students in the kindergarten through twelfth grade pipeline who are prepared and aspire to continue in the areas of mathematics, science, and technology, whether it be at a college, university, or in the workforce.

Requires the superintendent of public instruction to provide support for statewide coordination for math, science, and technology, including employing a statewide director for math, science, and technology.

Provides that, within funds specifically appropriated therefor, by December 1, 2008, the superintendent of public instruction shall develop essential academic learning requirements and grade level expectations for educational technology literacy and technology fluency that identify the knowledge and skills that all public school students need to know and be able to do in the areas of technology and technology literacy. The development process shall include a review of current standards that have been developed or are used by other states and national and international technology associations.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 5Public hearing in committee.
Feb 21Executive session in committee.
Feb 26Public hearing in committee.
Mar 5Executive session in committee.
WM - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; without recommendation.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Mar 8Made eligible to be placed on second reading.
Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Mar 92nd substitute bill substituted.
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 47; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.
-- IN THE HOUSE --
Mar 12First reading, referred to Education.
Mar 20Public hearing in committee.

SB 5827-S

by Senate Committee on Consumer Protection & Housing (originally sponsored by Senators Hobbs, Weinstein, Oemig, Fairley, Pridemore, Keiser, Regala, Kohl-Welles, Prentice, Kline, and Rasmussen)


Regarding consumer privacy.


(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/12/2007)


Amends RCW 19.182.020 relating to consumer privacy.

Provides that a person may not procure a consumer report for employment purposes where any information contained in the report bears on the consumer's credit worthiness, credit standing, or credit capacity, unless the information is either: (1) Substantially job related and the employer's reasons for the use of such information are disclosed to the consumer in writing; or

(2) Required by law.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 8Public hearing in committee.
Feb 20Public hearing in committee.
Feb 23Executive session in committee.
Feb 26CPH - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Mar 8Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Mar 121st substitute bill substituted.
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 43; nays, 3; absent, 0; excused, 3.
-- IN THE HOUSE --
Mar 15First reading, referred to Insurance, Financial Services & Consumer Protection.
Mar 22Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)
Mar 27Scheduled for executive session in committee. (Subject to change)

SB 5841-S2

by Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Hobbs, McAuliffe, Rockefeller, Tom, Oemig, Kauffman, Regala, Kohl-Welles, and Rasmussen)


Enhancing student learning opportunities and achievement.


(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/9/2007)


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.

Provides that 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 four demonstration projects are authorized for schools serving kindergarten through third grade students to develop, implement, and document the effects of a comprehensive K-3 foundations program. At least two demonstration projects shall be in schools that are participating in the public-private early learning partnerships in the Highline and Yakima school districts. The third demonstration project shall be in the Spokane school district.

Requires the Washington state institute for public policy to conduct an evaluation of the demonstration projects under this act. Student, staff, program, and parent data shall be collected using various instruments including surveys, program and activity descriptions, student performance measures, observations, and other processes.

Provides that, within available funding, findings from the evaluation under this act shall include conclusions regarding the degree to which students thrive in the education environment; student progress in academic, social, and emotional areas; the program components that have been most important to student success; the degree to which educational staff feel accomplished in their work and satisfied with student progress; and recommendations for continued implementation and expansion of the program.

Requires the institute for public policy to report its findings to the governor, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, and the appropriate early learning, education, and fiscal committees of the legislature. An interim report is due November 1, 2008. The final report is due December 1, 2009.

Declares that the goals of the English as a second language demonstration project are to develop recommendations: (1) Identifying foundational competencies for developing academic English skills in English language learner students that all teachers should acquire in initial teacher preparation programs;

(2) Identifying components of a professional development program that builds classroom teacher competence for developing academic English skills in English language learner students; and

(3) Identifying job-embedded practices that connect the English language learner teacher and classroom teachers to coordinate instruction to support the work of the student.

Requires the institute for public policy to report its findings to the governor, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, and the appropriate early learning, education, and fiscal committees of the legislature. An interim report is due November 1, 2008. The final report is due December 1, 2009.

Requires the state auditor's office, in consultation with the office of financial management and the joint legislative audit and review committee, to conduct an audit and evaluation of the current process for determining student eligibility for free and reduced price lunch. The audit and review shall include, but is not limited to: (1) An assessment of the current error rate for determining eligibility for free or reduced price lunch;

(2) Recommendations on methods and procedures that would reduce the error rate; and

(3) An analysis of other poverty measures that could be used as a more accurate indicator of school district poverty. The audit and review shall be submitted to the office of financial management and the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the legislature by September 1, 2008.

Provides that, to the extent necessary, funds shall be made available for safety net awards for districts with demonstrated needs for special education funding beyond the amounts provided through the special education funding formula. If safety net awards exceed the amount appropriated, then the superintendent shall expend all available federal discretionary funds necessary to meet this need.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 8Public hearing in committee.
Feb 21Executive session in committee.
Feb 26Public hearing in committee.
Mar 5Executive session in committee.
WM - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; without recommendation.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Mar 8Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Mar 92nd substitute bill substituted.
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.
-- IN THE HOUSE --
Mar 12First reading, referred to Education.
Mar 22Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)

SB 5843-S2

by Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Oemig, Tom, Rockefeller, Zarelli, and Keiser)


Regarding educational data and data systems.


(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/9/2007)


Finds that: (1) Reliable data on student progress, characteristics of students and schools, and teacher qualifications and mobility is critical for accountability to the state and to the public;

(2) Educational data should be made available as widely as possible while appropriately protecting the privacy of individuals as provided by law;

(3) School districts and the office of the superintendent of public instruction need robust and compatible data systems and programs to reduce inefficiencies caused by the lack of connectivity and to minimize or eliminate multiple data entry; and

(4) Schools and districts should be supported in their management of educational data and should have access to user-friendly programs and reports that can be readily used by classroom teachers and building principals to improve instruction.

Requires the office of the superintendent of public instruction to, to the extent funds are appropriated for this purpose, conduct a feasibility study on establishing a statewide longitudinal student-teacher data system. The primary purpose of the data system is to better aid research into programs and interventions that are most effective in improving student performance and to provide information on areas within the educational system that need improvement.

Requires a preliminary set of data elements to be developed by the office of the superintendent of public instruction by December 2007. The feasibility study shall include conducting pilot studies on the collection of this preliminary set of identified data elements in two school districts, with one over twenty thousand in full-time equivalent enrollment and the other less than two thousand in full-time equivalent enrollment.

Requires that, by November 1, 2008, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall provide a final report on the results of the feasibility study, including the results from the pilot studies, to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the legislature.

Authorizes the office of superintendent of public instruction to establish a longitudinal student data system for and on behalf of school districts in the state. Personally identifiable student data will be safeguarded consistent with the requirements of the federal family educational rights privacy act and any relevant state laws. Consistent with privacy protections in the above-referenced laws, data may be disclosed for educational purposes and studies, including but are not limited to: (1) Educational studies authorized or mandated by the state legislature;

(2) Studies initiated by other state educational authorities and authorized by the office of superintendent of public instruction;

(3) Studies initiated by other state agencies and authorized by the office of superintendent of public instruction; and

(4) Studies initiated by private study groups authorized by the office of superintendent of public instruction.

Requires any group or agency that utilizes this data to adhere to federal and state laws protecting student data and safeguarding the confidentiality and privacy of student records.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 15Public hearing in committee.
Feb 26Executive session in committee.
Mar 2Public hearing in committee.
Mar 5Executive session in committee.
WM - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; without recommendation.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Mar 8Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Mar 92nd substitute bill substituted.
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 46; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 2.
-- IN THE HOUSE --
Mar 12First reading, referred to Education.
Mar 20Public hearing in committee.

SB 5862-S2

by Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Kilmer, Rockefeller, Poulsen, Kohl-Welles, and Kline)


Regarding passenger-only ferry service.


(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/12/2007)


Provides that a public transportation benefit area seeking grant funding as described in RCW 47.01.350 for a passenger-only ferry route between Kingston and Seattle shall first receive approval from the governor after submitting a complete business plan to the governor and the legislature by November 1, 2007.

Requires the department of transportation to make available for sale the Washington state ferries Snohomish and Chinook at market value by June 1, 2007. Proceeds from the sale must be deposited into the passenger ferry account created in RCW 47.60.645.

Requires the department to maintain the level of service existing on January 1, 2006, for the Vashon to Seattle passenger-only ferry route until such time as the route is assumed by another entity, providing a level of service at or exceeding the state level.

Provides a sales and use tax exemption if the fuel is purchased by a public transportation benefit area created under chapter 36.57A RCW or a county-owned ferry or county ferry district created under chapter 36.54 RCW for use in passenger-only ferry vessels.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 26Public hearing and executive action taken in committee.
Mar 5Public hearing, public hearing, and executive action taken in committee.
WM - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; without recommendation.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Mar 9Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Mar 122nd substitute bill substituted.
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 45; nays, 3; absent, 0; excused, 1.
-- IN THE HOUSE --
Mar 15First reading, referred to Transportation.
Mar 26Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)

SB 5909-S

by Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Rasmussen, Roach, Regala, Eide, McAuliffe, Kilmer, Hargrove, Kastama, Tom, Shin, Kohl-Welles, Stevens, Carrell, Franklin, and Kline)


Supporting the needs of children who have been in foster care.


(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/13/2007)


Requires that, in connection with its duties pursuant to RCW 70.190.110, the council shall review programs that provide services to adolescent foster children, and to youth who have reached the age of eighteen and are no longer required to live in the care of foster parents.

Provides that, after the family policy council has completed its review of programs that provide services to adolescent foster children and to youth who have reached the age of eighteen and are no longer required to live in the care of foster parents, pursuant to this act, the department shall create a pilot program to establish a foster youth community coordinator in three regional office locations within the state. The purpose of the pilot program is to provide assistance to foster youth who are reaching eighteen years of age to facilitate their ability to live independently upon leaving state care.

Requires the department to evaluate the program to determine whether the objectives of the program have been met and shall inform the legislature not later than January 1, 2009, of the results of the pilot program.

Provides that the department has the authority to allow up to fifty youth reaching age eighteen to continue in foster care or group care for up to six months following the youth's eighteenth birthday for the purpose of receiving independent living skills while residing in a foster care placement.

Provides that, within funds specifically appropriated therefor, the department shall work with foster children exiting from care at the age of eighteen to develop an independent living plan that may include assistance with first month's rent, security deposit, and incidental items necessary to live independently. The combined value of assistance shall not exceed two thousand dollars per youth. The rent, security deposit, and incidental items shall be provided through vouchers. No cash or check shall be directly provided to the youth.

Declares that nothing in this act shall be construed to create: (1) An entitlement to services;

(2) Judicial authority to extend the jurisdiction of juvenile court in a proceeding under chapter 13.34 RCW or to order the provision of services to a youth who has attained eighteen years of age; or

(3) A private right of action or claim on the part of any individual, entity, or agency against the department of social and health services or any contractor of the department.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 13Public hearing in committee.
Feb 23Executive session in committee.
Feb 26HSC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Mar 6Made eligible to be placed on second reading.
Mar 8Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Mar 131st substitute bill substituted.
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 47; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.
-- IN THE HOUSE --
Mar 15First reading, referred to Early Learning & Children's Services.
Mar 27Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)

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.


(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/10/2007)


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.

Provides that when the application required by this act is filed on behalf of the worker by the health services provider who attended the worker, the worker shall provide written notice of the claim to his or her employer within ten days after the date the worker received medical treatment. The department shall develop forms to assist the worker in expediently notifying his or her employer of a claim.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 26Public hearing in committee.
Feb 27Executive session in committee.
Feb 28LCRD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Mar 8Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Mar 101st substitute bill substituted.
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 46; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 3.
-- IN THE HOUSE --
Mar 13First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor.
Mar 22Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)

SB 5923-S2

by Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Swecker, Jacobsen, and Sheldon)


Regarding aquatic invasive species enforcement and control.


(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/14/2007)


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.

Provides that the department, in consultation with the ballast water work group, or similar collaborative forum, shall adopt by rule standards for the discharge of ballast water into the waters of the state and their implementation timelines. The standards are intended to ensure that the discharge of ballast water poses minimal risk of introducing nonindigenous species. In developing these standards, the department shall consider the extent to which the requirement is technologically and practically feasible. Where practical and appropriate, the standards must be compatible with standards set by the United States coast guard, the federal clean water act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251-1387), or the international maritime organization.

Repeals RCW 77.120.060, 77.120.080, and 77.120.090.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 19Public hearing in committee.
Feb 28Executive session in committee.
Mar 5Public 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 10Made eligible to be placed on second reading.
Mar 12Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Mar 142nd substitute bill substituted.
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.
-- IN THE HOUSE --
Mar 15First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources.
Mar 28Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)
Mar 29Scheduled for executive session in committee. (Subject to change)

SB 5958-S2

by Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Keiser, Parlette, Marr, and Kohl-Welles)


Creating innovative primary health care delivery.


(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/9/2007)


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.

Provides that a comprehensive disclosure statement shall be distributed to all direct patients with their enrollment forms. Such disclosure must inform the direct patients of their financial rights and responsibilities to the direct practice as provided for in this act, encourage that direct patients obtain and maintain insurance for services not provided by the direct practice, and state that the direct practice will not bill a carrier for services covered under the direct agreement. The disclosure statement shall include contact information for the office of the insurance commissioner.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 22Public hearing in committee.
Feb 26Public hearing in committee.
Feb 28Executive session in committee.
Mar 5Public 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 7Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Mar 92nd substitute bill substituted.
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 38; nays, 10; absent, 0; excused, 1.
-- IN THE HOUSE --
Mar 12First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.
Mar 19Public hearing in committee.
Mar 22Scheduled for executive session in committee. (Subject to change)

SB 6001-S

by Senate Committee on Water, Energy & Telecommunications (originally sponsored by Senators Pridemore, Poulsen, Rockefeller, Brown, Eide, Oemig, Hargrove, Marr, Fraser, Kohl-Welles, Keiser, Regala, Franklin, Fairley, Jacobsen, Shin, Haugen, Berkey, Spanel, Kline, and Weinstein)


Mitigating the impacts of climate change.


(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/10/2007)


Finds that: (1) Washington is especially vulnerable to climate change because of the state's dependence on snow pack for summer stream flows and because the expected rise in sea levels threatens our coastal communities;

(2) Washington's greenhouse gas emissions are continuing to increase;

(3) Washington has been a leader in actions to reduce the increase of emissions, including the adoption of clean car standards, stronger appliance energy efficiency standards, increased production and use of renewable liquid fuels, and increased renewable energy sources by electrical utilities;

(4) Washington has participated with other Western states in designing regional approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions;

(5) There is a need to assess the trend of emissions statewide over the next several decades, and to take sufficient actions so that Washington meets its responsibility to contribute to the global actions needed to reduce the impacts and the pace of global warming;

(6) Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will spur technology development and increase efficiency; and

(7) Numerous states and nations have adopted emission reduction goals to assist emission sources with planning for changes in practices and technologies.

Recognizes that companies that generate greenhouse gas emissions or manufacture products that generate such emissions are purchasing carbon credits from landowners and from other companies in order to provide carbon credits.

Intends to establish goals for the statewide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and reduction in petroleum use, and to adopt the governor's mechanism in Executive Order No. 07-02 to design and recommend a comprehensive set of measures to accomplish the goals.

Declares that immediate actions be authorized in the electric power generation sector for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and to accelerate efficiency in the transportation sector.

Provides that the office of Washington state climatologist has the following powers and duties: (1) To serve as a credible and expert source of climate and weather information for state and local decision makers and agencies working on drought, flooding, climate change, and other related issues;

(2) To gather and disseminate, and where practicable archive, in the most cost-effective manner possible, all climate and weather information that is or could be of value to policy and decision makers in the state;

(3) To act as the representative of the state in all climatological and meteorological matters, both within and outside of the state, when requested by the legislative or executive branches of the state government;

(4) To prepare, publish, and disseminate climate summaries for those individuals, agencies, and organizations whose activities are related to the welfare of the state and are affected by climate and weather;

(5) To supply critical information for drought preparedness and emergency response as needed to implement the state's drought contingency response plan maintained by the department of ecology under RCW 43.83B.410, and to serve as a member of the state's drought water supply and emergency response committees as may be formed in response to a drought event;

(6) To conduct and report on studies of climate and weather phenomena of significant socioeconomic importance to the state; and

(7) To evaluate the significance of natural and man-made changes in important features of the climate affecting the state, and to report this information to those agencies and organizations in the state who are likely to be affected by these changes.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 14Public hearing in committee.
Feb 28Executive session in committee.
WET - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Mar 6Made eligible to be placed on second reading.
Mar 8Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Mar 101st substitute bill substituted.
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 35; nays, 13; absent, 0; excused, 1.
-- IN THE HOUSE --
Mar 13First reading, referred to Technology, Energy & Communications.
Mar 27Scheduled for public hearing in committee. (Subject to change)

SB 6150

by Senator Jacobsen


Providing for a driver's license renewal exemption for active foreign service members.


Provides for a driver's license renewal exemption for active foreign service members.
-- 2007 REGULAR SESSION --
Mar 21First reading, referred to Transportation.