SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5524
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 7, 2019
Title: An act relating to agency obligations.
Brief Description: Concerning agency obligations.
Sponsors: Senators Short and Wilson, L..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Local Government: 2/05/19, 2/07/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT |
Staff: Bonnie Kim (786-7316)
Background: The Department of Commerce (Commerce) must offer technical and financial assistance to counties and cities implementing comprehensive plans and development regulations. Technical assistance may include model land use ordinances, regional education and training programs, and information for local and regional inventories. Commerce must also adopt guidelines to guide the classification of agricultural lands, forestlands, mineral resource lands and critical areas.
Summary of Bill: Any technical assistance or guidance provided by Commerce or any other state agency related to the Growth Management Act must include a section analyzing the effects of implementation. Implementation of agency guidance must not result in any net loss of current or future built environment.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: As we look to population growth and other factors when we plan, much of agency guidance has taken appropriate land off the table for development. As much as local governments are expected to look at the impact of their own regulations, there is no impetus for state agencies to look at the same impacts of their guidance. Commerce must give thought to how their actions impact the problems we face today. This bill addresses an issue that has been missing from the GMA.
CON: We agree with the provision requiring Commerce to look at the practical effect of their guidance. However, the provision related to the net loss of the built environment would preclude us from implementing new critical areas based on new science.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Shelly Short, Prime Sponsor; Jeanette McKague, Washington REALTORS. CON: Bryce Yadon, Futurewise.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.