SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5133
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 of February 6, 2013
Title: An act relating to ensuring growth management hearings board members meet qualifications relating to land use experience.
Brief Description: Ensuring growth management hearings board members meet qualifications relating to land use experience.
Sponsors: Senator Honeyford.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Governmental Operations: 2/05/13.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS |
Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)
Background: The Growth Management Act (GMA) is the comprehensive land use planning framework for county and city governments in Washington. Enacted in 1990 and 1991, GMA establishes numerous planning requirements for counties and cities obligated by mandate or choice to fully plan under GMA. It also establishes a reduced number of directives for all other counties and cities. GMA establishes the Growth Management Hearings Board (GMHB).
GMHB is comprised of three panels for the purposes of hearing and deciding cases within the following regions: central Puget Sound; eastern Washington; and western Washington. GMHB consists of seven members who are appointed for six-year terms, with at least two each residing in the geographic regions of the panels. The requirements for GMHB members are that:
the members be qualified by experience or training in matters pertaining to land use law or land use planning;
three of the members be admitted to practice law;
at least three be a former city or county elected official;
no more than two members at the time of their appointment or during their term reside in the same county; and
no more than four members of GMHB be from the same political party.
Each regional panel selected to hear and decide cases must consist of three board members, at least a majority of whom must reside within the region. The presiding officer of each case must reside within the region in which the case arose, except under certain circumstances. Each regional panel must:
include one member admitted to practice law in this state;
include one member who has been a city or county elected official; and
reflect the political composition of the board.
These requirements may be waived under certain circumstances.
Summary of Bill: GMHB members who are admitted to practice law must be engaged in the legal profession with a focus on land use at the time of their appointment.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a common-sense bill to require the attorneys who are members of the GMHB to have experience with land use. Those in local government are already familiar with land use issues because those issues come before them quite often. Currently, an attorney that has no experience with land use can be appointed to the GMHB. This bill would add the qualification that an attorney have experience with land use.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Honeyford, prime sponsor.