WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE
Legislative Digest No. 28

SIXTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE
Thursday, February 19, 200939th Day - 2009 Regular Session

SENATE
SB 5262-SSB 5375-SSB 5417-SSB 5451-SSB 5513-SSB 5544-SSB 5574-S
SB 5610-SSB 6045SB 6046SB 6047SB 6048SB 6049SB 6050
SB 6051SB 6052SB 6053SB 6054SB 6055SB 6056SJM 8007-S
SCR 8406
HOUSE
HB 1011-SHB 1052-S2HB 1414-SHB 1481-SHB 1709-SHB 1730-SHB 1758-S
HB 1816-SHB 1819-SHB 1857-SHB 1903-SHB 2061-SHB 2245HB 2246
HB 2247HB 2248HB 2249HB 2250HB 2251HB 2252HB 2253
HB 2254HB 2255HB 2256HJM 4014

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=2009.


House Bills

HB 1011-S

by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Morris, Chase, Hasegawa, Kagi, Darneille, Upthegrove, Hudgins, and Moeller)


Regulating the use of identification devices by governmental and business entities.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Prohibits a governmental or business entity from remotely reading an identification device using radio frequency identification technology for commercial purposes, unless that governmental or business entity, or one of their affiliates, is the same governmental or business entity that issued the identification device.

Directs the office of the attorney general to annually make recommendations to the legislature on other personally invasive technologies that may warrant further legislative action.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 14Public hearing in the House Committee on Technology and Energy & Communications at 8:00 AM.
Feb 16TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; without recommendation.

HB 1052-S2

by House Committee on General Government Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Moeller, Williams, Blake, Chase, and Kretz)


Concerning firearm licenses for persons from other countries.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 2ND SUBSTITUTE)


Repeals the current alien firearm license statute and establishes new requirements and procedures governing possession of firearms by noncitizens.

Prescribes penalties.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 15Public hearing in the House Committee on Judiciary at 10:00 AM.
Jan 29Executive action taken in the House Committee on Judiciary at 10:00 AM.
Feb 10Public hearing in the House Committee on General Government Appropriations at 8:00 AM.
Feb 17APPG - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

HB 1414-S

by House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Driscoll, Moeller, Hinkle, Cody, Sullivan, Nelson, and Ormsby)


Concerning health care assistants.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Declares an intent to enhance the delivery of health care to the citizens of the state.

Encourages some minor expansions to the scope of practice of registered health care assistants, so long as there are clearly defined limitations to their scope expressly linked to education, training, and supervision.

Grants limited authority to a health care assistant to administer certain over-the-counter and prescribed medications by oral, topical, rectal, otic, ophthalmic, or inhaled routes pursuant to a written order.

Expires section 3 of the act on July 1, 2013.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 30Public hearing in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness at 1:30 PM.
Feb 13HCW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Executive session in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness at 1:30 PM.

HB 1481-S

by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Eddy, Crouse, McCoy, Haler, Carlyle, Armstrong, Hunt, White, Dunshee, Priest, Appleton, Orwall, Rolfes, Hudgins, Hinkle, Upthegrove, Clibborn, Morrell, Ormsby, Kenney, Maxwell, Dickerson, and Pedersen)


Regarding electric vehicles.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Encourages the transition to electric vehicle use and expedites the establishment of a convenient, cost-effective, electric vehicle infrastructure that such a transition necessitates.

Requires all state agencies, to the extent determined practicable by the department of community, trade, and economic development, to achieve forty percent fuel usage for operating publicly owned vessels, vehicles, and construction equipment from electricity or biofuel by June 1, 2013.

Requires the state, to the extent practicable, to: (1) Install electrical outlets capable of charging electric vehicles in each of the state's fleet parking and maintenance facilities;

(2) Install electrical outlets capable of charging electric vehicles in each state-operated highway rest stop; and

(3) Provide the opportunity to lease space for the limited purpose of installing and operating a battery exchange station or a battery charging station in appropriate state-owned highway rest stops.

Provides tax incentives for electric vehicle infrastructure.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Jan 29Public hearing in the House Committee on Technology and Energy & Communications at 10:00 AM.
Feb 16TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

HB 1709-S

by House Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance (originally sponsored by Representatives Nelson, White, Cody, Carlyle, Orwall, McCoy, Darneille, and Ormsby)


Providing fee and installment plan assistance for borrowers at risk of default on small loans.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Provides fee and installment plan assistance for borrowers at risk of default on small loans.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 10Public hearing in the House Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 8:00 AM.
Feb 17FII - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Executive session in the House Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 8:00 AM.

HB 1730-S

by House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Linville, Kretz, Ericks, Hunt, Armstrong, and Short)


Regarding the office of regulatory assistance.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Modifies provisions regarding the office of regulatory assistance.

Declares that chapter 43.42 RCW (office of regulatory assistance) shall not be construed to limit or abridge the powers and duties granted to a participating permit agency under the law that authorizes or requires the agency to issue a permit for a project. Each participating permit agency retains its authority to make all decisions on all nonprocedural matters with regard to the respective component permit that is within its scope of its responsibility including, but not limited to, the determination of permit application completeness, permit approval or approval with conditions, or permit denial. The office of regulatory assistance may not substitute its judgment for that of a participating permit agency on any such nonprocedural matters.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 13Public hearing in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs at 1:30 PM.
Feb 17SGTA - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Executive session in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs at 1:30 PM.

HB 1758-S

by House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Quall, Hope, Wallace, Sullivan, Goodman, Kagi, Santos, Morrell, Hasegawa, and Ormsby)


Expanding options for students to earn high school diplomas.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Expands students' options and choices for completing high school by awarding diplomas to students who complete certain postsecondary programs.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 11Public hearing in the House Committee on Education at 1:30 PM.
Feb 17ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

HB 1816-S

by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Morrell, Bailey, Eddy, Rodne, Crouse, and Hudgins)


Regarding wireless phone numbers used by directory providers.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Revises provisions regarding wireless phone numbers used by a directory provider or a radio communications service company.

Prescribes penalties.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 11Public hearing in the House Committee on Technology and Energy & Communications at 8:00 AM.
Feb 16TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Feb 18Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

HB 1819-S

by House Committee on Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives Upthegrove, Dunshee, Dickerson, McCoy, Rolfes, Eddy, Hunt, White, Appleton, Carlyle, Darneille, Kagi, Pedersen, Conway, Sells, Nelson, Chase, Ormsby, Kenney, and Williams; by request of Governor Gregoire)


Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Finds that Washington should maintain its leadership on climate change policy by implementing a cap on carbon emissions and developing strategies to achieve those reductions, including continuing Washington's participation in the design of a regional cap-and-trade program with the western climate initiative.

Requires the forecasting office of the office of financial management, in consultation with members of the governor's council of economic advisors, to initiate an independent economic analysis of the impact to Washington consumers, businesses, and citizens if Washington entered into a regional or federal cap-and-trade program.

Requires the director of the department of ecology to convene a market design work group.

Requires the department of ecology, in consultation with the forest practices board, the department of natural resources, and the forest carbon working group to: (1) Develop and deliver to the legislature by December 31, 2010, legislation to implement a financial incentives program for forestry and forest products that will recognize certain activities; and

(2) Develop recommendations for the state's policy for forestry offset projects within Washington.

Requires the department of ecology, in consultation with Washington State University and the Washington state department of agriculture to reestablish the agriculture carbon working group to develop recommendations for agricultural offset projects within Washington.

Requires the department of ecology to consult with tribal governments upon request on any elements of a cap-and-trade program that may impact tribal governments, such as their voluntary development of offset projects.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3Public hearing in the House Committee on Ecology & Parks at 10:00 AM.
Feb 17EPAR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Executive session in the House Committee on Ecology & Parks at 10:00 AM.

HB 1857-S

by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representative Chase)


Concerning solar water heating tax exemptions.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Modifies provisions regarding solar water heating tax exemptions.

Expires July 1, 2015.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 12Public hearing in the House Committee on Technology and Energy & Communications at 10:00 AM.
Feb 16TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Executive session in the House Committee on Technology and Energy & Communications at 1:30 PM.
Feb 18Referred to Finance.

HB 1903-S

by House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Crouse, McCoy, Eddy, Armstrong, and McCune)


Regarding marine and aviation fuel.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Requires conventional unleaded gasoline to be: (1) Available for purchase at all distribution terminals located in Washington state for end-use in marine and aviation applications; and

(2) Limited to end-use in marine and aviation applications unless a sufficient supply of conventional unleaded gasoline is available for other applications.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 12Public hearing in the House Committee on Technology and Energy & Communications at 10:00 AM.
Feb 16TEC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Executive session in the House Committee on Technology and Energy & Communications at 1:30 PM.
Feb 18Referred to Transportation.

HB 2061-S

by House Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance (originally sponsored by Representative Kirby; by request of State Treasurer)


Concerning the powers of the public deposit protection commission in regard to banks, savings banks, and savings associations as public depositaries.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Modernizes and clarifies the powers of the public deposit protection commission in regard to banks, savings banks, and savings associations as public depositaries.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 12Public hearing in the House Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 1:30 PM.
Feb 17FII - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Executive session in the House Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance at 8:00 AM.

HB 2245

by Representative Cody; by request of Governor Gregoire


Clarifying public employees' benefits board eligibility.


Clarifies public employees' benefits board eligibility.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Ways & Means.

HB 2246

by Representatives Carlyle, Sells, Kenney, White, Hasegawa, Green, Hunt, Conway, and Maxwell


Establishing a University of Washington center for human rights.


Creates a University of Washington center for human rights to expand opportunities for Washington residents to receive a world-class education in human rights, generate research data and expert knowledge to enhance public and private policymaking, and become an academic center for human rights teaching and research in the nation.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Higher Education.

HB 2247

by Representative Miloscia


Requiring the submission of annual reports on the use of received revenues for certain housing assistance programs.


Requires each housing authority created under chapter 35.82 RCW (housing authorities law) and each county to provide an annual report on the use of received revenues for certain housing assistance programs to the department of community, trade, and economic development.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Local Government & Housing.

HB 2248

by Representatives Ericks and Armstrong


Concerning a sales and use tax exemption of the nonhighway use of propane by farmers.


Provides a tax exemption on the sale or use of propane fuel for a farm fuel user for nonhighway use.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Finance.

HB 2249

by Representative Hunter


Modifying local government revenue options in counties with a population of one million five hundred thousand or more.


Establishes new annexation mechanisms and related fiscal provisions that apply in counties with more than one million five hundred thousand residents.

Authorizes the legislative authority of a county with a population of one million five hundred thousand or more to impose an excise tax on the privilege of engaging in business as a utility. The tax only applies to the unincorporated areas of the county.

Authorizes a city or town located partially or wholly within a county with a population of one million five hundred thousand or more, subject to certain requirements, to impose a tax upon the gross income or gross receipts of a water-sewer district.

Directs the state auditor to conduct a performance audit of any county with a population of one million five hundred thousand or more to specifically determine whether policy changes and programs the county has adopted since January 1, 2009, will effectively reduce overhead and other costs, improve services, and streamline operations.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Finance.

HB 2250

by Representative Hunter


Modifying state and local lodging taxes used for convention and trade facilities.


Changes state and local lodging taxes used for convention and trade facilities.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Finance.

HB 2251

by Representatives Sullivan and Priest


Concerning leases of facilities by school districts.


Provides additional options and flexibility to school districts in the operation of their programs through the securing of necessary facilities by the use of leases and through additional funding options for school facility leases.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Capital Budget.

HB 2252

by Representatives Hunter and Goodman


Funding for arts and heritage programs, regional centers, human services, low-income housing, and community development in a county with a population of one million five hundred thousand or more.


Requires revenue deposited in a special county arts, regional center, low-income housing, and community development fund from sales and use taxes on car rentals, restaurants, and lodging, as provided in the act, to be used only for regional centers, art museums, cultural museums, heritage museums, heritage and preservation programs, the arts, the performing arts, low-income housing, community development, and human services.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Finance.

HB 2253

by Representative Hope


Concerning rights of consumers receiving in-home care services.


Requires notification to an individual receiving in-home care services or the individual's representative stating that the individual or representative is entitled to require, at the individual's expense, that any employee of the licensee providing care submit to a preemployment urine analysis drug screening test performed according to standards adopted by the department of health by rule.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.

HB 2254

by Representatives White, Dunshee, and Kenney; by request of Office of Financial Management


Concerning construction financing for colleges and universities.


Allows building fees deposited in capital projects accounts for certain institutions of higher education and community and technical colleges to be used for certificates of participation.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Capital Budget.

HB 2255

by Representatives Rolfes, Appleton, Seaquist, Smith, and Williams


Concerning ferry fuel tax exemptions.


Provides a tax exemption on the sale or use of motor vehicle and special fuel if the fuel is purchased by the Washington state ferries and the Washington state ferries is entitled to a refund or exemption under RCW 82.38.080.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Finance.

HB 2256

by Representatives Conway, Williams, Green, Wood, Simpson, Moeller, and Kenney


Concerning the handling of employee information for workers' compensation purposes.


Addresses the handling of employee information for workers' compensation purposes.

Requires a self-insurer to maintain an office within the state of Washington and a copy of all employee files.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Commerce & Labor.


House Joint Memorials

HJM 4014

by Representatives Kessler, DeBolt, and Orcutt


Requesting that House Resolution 6922 or substantially similar legislation be enacted to help stabilize the trucking industry.


Requests that House Resolution 6922 or substantially similar legislation be enacted to help stabilize the trucking industry.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Transportation.


Senate Bills

SB 5262-S

by Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Kline, Brandland, and Shin)


Allowing law enforcement access to driver's license photographs for the purposes of identity verification.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Allows law enforcement access to driver's license photographs for the purposes of verifying identity when a law enforcement officer is authorized by law to request identification from an individual.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 4Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Judiciary at 3:30 PM.
Feb 18JUD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

SB 5375-S

by Senate Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance (originally sponsored by Senator Fairley)


Adding questions about wood burning appliances to the seller's disclosure statement for residential real property transfers.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Amends the seller's disclosure statement for residential real property transfers by including wood burning appliances.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 10Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Housing & Insurance at 10:00 AM.
Feb 18FIHI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

SB 5417-S

by Senate Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance (originally sponsored by Senators Berkey, Franklin, Shin, and Roach; by request of Insurance Commissioner)


Requiring the disclosure of information on flood insurance coverage.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Requires every insurer issuing a homeowner, condominium unit owner, residential tenant, and residential fire insurance policy that does not cover damage caused by flood to notify the policyholder that the policy does not cover damage caused by flood.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Housing & Insurance at 10:00 AM.
Feb 18FIHI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

SB 5451-S

by Senate Committee on Environment, Water & Energy (originally sponsored by Senators Oemig, Ranker, Rockefeller, Honeyford, and Fraser; by request of Utilities & Transportation Commission)


Changing the date for setting the amount of pipeline safety fees.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Changes the date for setting the amount of pipeline safety fees to a date established by rule.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 13Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Environment and Water & Energy at 8:00 AM.
Feb 18EWE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

SB 5513-S

by Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Jarrett, Swecker, Delvin, Marr, Kilmer, and Tom)


Concerning law enforcement authority that relates to civil infractions and unlawful transit conduct.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Regulates conduct while on or in a transit vehicle.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 9Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Transportation at 3:30 PM.
Feb 18TRAN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

SB 5544-S

by Senate Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance (originally sponsored by Senators McDermott, Fairley, Kline, Kastama, Hobbs, Kilmer, Pridemore, and Kohl-Welles)


Concerning affordable housing incentive programs.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Revises affordable housing incentive program provisions.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 10Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Housing & Insurance at 10:00 AM.
Feb 18FIHI - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

SB 5574-S

by Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection (originally sponsored by Senators Kauffman, Kline, Tom, Hargrove, Oemig, Regala, Fairley, McAuliffe, McDermott, Fraser, Shin, Keiser, and Kohl-Welles)


Protecting consumer data in motor vehicles.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Requires a manufacturer of a motor vehicle sold or leased in this state, that is equipped with one or more recording devices, to disclose in the owner's manual: (1) That the motor vehicle is equipped with one or more recording devices;

(2) The type of data recorded; and

(3) Whether the recording device or devices have the ability to transmit information to a central communications system or other external device.

Provides that, if a motor vehicle is equipped with one or more recording devices and is involved in an accident in this state, the owner of the motor vehicle at the time the data is created owns and retains exclusive ownership rights to the data.

Prohibits an insurer from refusing to renew a motor vehicle insurance policy solely because a motor vehicle owner refuses to provide access to recorded data from a recording device.

Prohibits an insurer or agent from reducing coverage, increasing the insured's premium, applying a surcharge, refusing to apply a discount other than a discount that is based on data recorded by a recording device, or, when there are multiple insurers available, failing to place the motor vehicle owner with the most favorably priced insurer, solely because a motor vehicle owner refuses to allow an insurer access to data from a recording device.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 5Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Labor and Commerce & Consumer Protection at 3:30 PM.
Feb 18LCCP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

SB 5610-S

by Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Delvin, Sheldon, Berkey, Jarrett, and Shin)


Authorizing the release of driving record abstracts for employment purposes.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Requires a certified abstract of a driving record to be furnished to an employer or prospective employer or volunteer organization, or an agent acting on behalf of an employer or prospective employer or volunteer organization, for employment purposes.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 3Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Transportation at 3:30 PM.
Feb 18TRAN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Minority; do not pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

SB 6045

by Senator Zarelli


Requiring the submission of a proposal for developing a defined contribution retirement system for public employees, teachers, and school employees.


Declares an intent to design a defined contribution pension system for new public employees, teachers, and school employees that uses best practices of defined contribution plans to provide opportunity and flexibility to accrue a viable retirement benefit, while providing stable funding requirements for public employers and taxpayers.

Requires the office of the state actuary, with the assistance and support of the department of retirement systems, to develop a legislative proposal in bill draft form that would implement a mandatory defined contribution retirement system.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Ways & Means.

SB 6046

by Senator Zarelli


Preserving the fully funded status of certain closed plans within the state retirement systems.


Directs the state actuary, in actuarial valuation reports for certain retirement system plans, to report the funded status of each plan on market value basis, using the ratio of the market value of assets to the market value of liabilities.

Directs the state investment board, when any plan mentioned above becomes fully funded on a market value basis as determined by the state actuary, to establish investment policies and procedures designed to preserve the fully funded status of the plan and, subject to this purpose, to maximize return at a prudent level of risk.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Ways & Means.

SB 6047

by Senators Prentice and Swecker; by request of Department of Revenue


Authorizing a property tax levy to reimburse taxing districts for property taxes refunded under chapter 84.69 RCW and property taxes abated under RCW 84.70.010.


Authorizes taxing districts other than the state to levy a tax upon all the taxable property within the district for certain purposes.

Provides that the act applies retroactively to January 1, 2009, and applies to taxes levied under section 1 of the act for collection in 2010 and thereafter.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Ways & Means.

SB 6048

by Senators Oemig, Jarrett, McAuliffe, Hobbs, McDermott, Franklin, Kohl-Welles, and Haugen


Concerning the state's education system.


Finds ample evidence of a need for continuing to refine the program of basic education that is funded by the state and delivered by school districts.

Declares an intent to: (1) Continue to review, evaluate, and revise the definition and funding of basic education in order to continue to fulfill the state obligation under Article IX of the state Constitution to define and fund a program of basic education for children residing in the state and attending public schools;

(2) Fulfill the state's obligation under Article IX to establish a general and uniform system of public schools and build upon the actions previously taken by the legislature to address the inequities that exist in the current system; and

(3) Begin a schedule for implementation of a redefined program of basic education and the resources necessary to support it, beginning in the 2011-12 school year.

Declares that when the system has the capacity to fully implement these enhancements they will be included in a definition and funding of basic education.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.

SB 6049

by Senator McCaslin


Regarding vessel fees and surcharges.


Changes costs for vessel registration fees and derelict vessel removal surcharges.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Transportation.

SB 6050

by Senators Roach, Hobbs, Stevens, Delvin, Honeyford, and Benton


Exempting vehicles from the sales and use tax that are sold or used by qualifying disabled veterans or surviving spouses.


Provides a tax exemption on the sale or use of any vehicle to a qualifying disabled veteran or surviving spouse.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Government Operations & Elections.

SB 6051

by Senators Murray, Pflug, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, Jarrett, Eide, Kline, Fairley, Jacobsen, and McDermott


Removing an expiration date applicable to heritage and arts program funding.


Removes an expiration date applicable to heritage and arts program funding.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Ways & Means.

SB 6052

by Senator Pflug


Requiring health benefit plans to offer coverage for surgical treatment of morbid obesity.


Requires all health plans issued or renewed after December 31, 2009, to follow the evidence-based standard of care and coverage practices for treatment of morbid obesity.

Requires health carriers to develop a policy that allows a conditional waiver of contractual benefit exclusions for nonexperimental, medically necessary surgical treatment by a health care provider of morbid obesity under certain conditions.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.

SB 6053

by Senators Fraser and Keiser


Establishing a pilot program to provide access to personal hygiene and cleaning products.


Requires the department of community, trade, and economic development to conduct a pilot project to evaluate: (1) The costs and benefits of a personal hygiene and cleaning product program; and

(2) The feasibility of providing personal hygiene and cleaning products to people in need using volunteer-based organizations.

Makes appropriations.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.

SB 6054

by Senators Fraser, Fairley, and Tom


Concerning homeowners' associations.


Provides that an obligation of good faith is imposed in the performance and enforcement of all contracts and duties governed by chapter 64.38 RCW (homeowners' associations) and in all other transactions involving declarants, associations, and their members.

Modifies and implements provisions related to membership, powers, meetings, and governing documents of homeowners' associations.

Authorizes a homeowners' association to levy reasonable fines and to incorporate as a nonprofit organization.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance.

SB 6055

by Senator Fraser


Creating a state homeowner's association ombudsman office to help resolve disputes between homeowners' associations and their members.


Creates the office of the state homeowners' association ombudsman in the office of the attorney general for the purpose of resolving disputes between homeowners and homeowners' associations.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance.

SB 6056

by Senators Kauffman and Marr


Concerning the use of the local infrastructure financing tool for downtown development and redevelopment.


Limits the amount of tax distributions received from taxes imposed under the authority of RCW 82.14.475 by all sponsoring and cosponsoring local governments to not more than ten million five hundred thousand dollars annually.

Revises the definition of "annual state contribution limit" in chapter 39.102 RCW.

Directs sponsoring local governments, and any cosponsoring local governments: (1) Applying in calendar year 2010 for a competitive project award, to submit completed applications to the community economic revitalization board no later than June 1, 2010. By September 30, 2010, in consultation with the department of revenue and the department of community, trade, and economic development, the community economic revitalization board shall approve competitive project awards from competitive applications submitted by the 2010 deadline. No more than one million five hundred thousand dollars in competitive project awards shall be approved in 2010. For projects not approved by the community economic revitalization board in 2010, sponsoring and cosponsoring local governments may apply again to the board in 2011 for approval of a project; and

(2) Applying in calendar year 2011 for a competitive project award, to submit completed applications to the community economic revitalization board no later than June 1, 2011. By September 30, 2011, in consultation with the department of revenue and the department of community, trade, and economic development, the board shall approve competitive project awards from competitive applications submitted by the 2011 deadline.

Modifies the use of local infrastructure financing under chapter 39.102 RCW.

Expires RCW 82.14.475 on June 30, 2044.

Extends the expiration of chapter 39.102 RCW to June 30, 2044.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Economic Development, Trade & Innovation.


Senate Joint Memorials

SJM 8007-S

by Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Tom, Oemig, and Jarrett)


Naming the NE 116th Street overcrossing of Interstate 405 in Kirkland the Kollin Nielson Memorial Bridge.


(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)


Requests the Washington state transportation commission to commence proceedings to name the NE 116th Street overcrossing of Interstate 405 in Kirkland the Kollin Nielson Memorial Bridge.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 16Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Transportation at 3:30 PM.
Feb 18TRAN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.


Senate Concurrent Resolutions

SCR 8406

by Senators Kastama, Shin, Jarrett, and Kilmer


Resolving to adopt "The Washington Innovation Economy" as the state's economic development policy.


Accepts and approves the Washington innovation economy as the state's economic development policy.
-- 2009 REGULAR SESSION --
Feb 18First reading, referred to Economic Development, Trade & Innovation.