SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6083
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections, February 23, 2009
Title: An act relating to consolidating the growth management hearings boards.
Brief Description: Consolidating the growth management hearings boards.
Sponsors: Senators Pridemore, Tom and Kline.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/23/09 [DP-WM].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; McDermott and Pridemore.
Staff: Aaron Gutierrez (786-7448)
Background: The Growth Management Hearings Boards (GMHBs) are charged with determining compliance with the Growth Management Act. There are three GMHBs for the three defined geographic areas of the state – Eastern Washington, Western Washington, and
Central Puget Sound. Each GMHB is composed of three members, which must reside within the territorial jurisdiction of the respective GMHB. One GMHB member on each board must be an attorney and one a former local elected official. No more than two members of a GMHB may be affiliated with the same political party.
Summary of Bill: The growth management hearings boards are consolidated into one board located in Olympia. The board consists of five members appointed by the Governor to six-year terms. Vacancies must be filled by appointment.
Board members must be qualified by experience or training in matters pertaining to land use planning. At least two members must be admitted to practice law in Washington, one of whom resides east of the crest of the Cascade Mountains. At least two must be former city or county elected officials, one of whom resides east of the crest of the Cascade Mountains. No more than three members may be members of the same political party, and no more than two may reside in the same county.
At least three of the initial members must have been members of the growth management hearing boards existing prior to consolidation.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: Yes.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on September 1, 2009.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.
Persons Testifying: No one.