Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Environment Committee

HB 1441

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.

Brief Description: Prohibiting purchases of land within urban growth areas by state agencies.

Sponsors: Representative Haler.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Prohibits state agencies, other than universities and public schools, from purchasing land lying within urban growth areas in eastern Washington counties.

Hearing Date: 2/14/17

Staff: Jacob Lipson (786-7196).

Background:

The Growth Management Act (GMA) is the comprehensive land-use planning framework for counties and cities in Washington. Originally enacted in 1990 and 1991, the GMA establishes land use designation and environmental protection requirements for all Washington counties and cities. The GMA also establishes a significantly wider array of planning duties for 28 counties, and the cities within those counties, that are obligated to satisfy all planning requirements of the GMA (planning jurisdictions). Counties that fully plan under the GMA must designate urban growth areas (UGAs), areas within which urban growth must be encouraged and outside of which growth can occur only if it is not urban in nature. Planning jurisdictions must include within their UGAs sufficient areas and densities to accommodate projected urban growth for the succeeding 20-year period.

Institutions of higher education established in state law include the University of Washington, Washington State University, Western Washington University, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, The Evergreen State College, community colleges, and technical colleges.

Summary of Bill:

In counties that are located east of the crest of the Cascade Mountains, state agencies may not purchase land wholly or partly within a UGA designated under the Growth Management Act. State agencies covered by these restrictions on land purchases within UGAs include agencies, departments, offices, boards, commissions, bureaus, divisions, and institutions. Excluded from these restrictions are public schools, charter schools, and institutions of higher education.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.