SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5630
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 12, 2019
Title: An act relating to the composition of the growth management hearings board.
Brief Description: Concerning the composition of the growth management hearings board.
Sponsors: Senators Brown, Wilson, L., Holy, Becker, Warnick and Zeiger.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Local Government: 2/12/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT |
Staff: Bonnie Kim (786-7316)
Background: Growth Management Act. The Growth Management Act (GMA) is the comprehensive land use planning framework for counties and cities in Washington. The GMA sets forth three broad planning obligations for those counties and cities who plan fully under the GMA:
the county legislative authority must adopt a countywide planning policy;
the county, and the cities within the county, must designate critical areas, agricultural lands, forestlands, and mineral resource lands, and adopt development regulations accordingly; and
the county must designate and take other actions related to urban growth areas.
Growth Management Hearings Board. A seven-member board established under the GMA is charged with hearing and determining petitions alleging noncompliance with the GMA by state agencies, counties, or cities. Board members are appointed by the Governor. Two members each must be from the three board regions: central Puget Sound, eastern Washington, and western Washington. The seventh member must reside in the state. At least one member from each region must be admitted to the Washington bar. In addition, at least one member from each region must have been a city or county elected official.
Summary of Bill: At least one board member from each board region must have experience as a city or county planner. All future appointments by the Governor must be with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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: The Board should have experience in the subject areas upon which they are making decisions. The Senate should have oversight over the membership of this quasi-judicial entity. The Senate rarely declines to confirm an appointee.
CON: We have had issues in recent years with the politics of Senate confirmation hearings. There are politics that play into what the Board should do. While there may be value in Board members with planning experience, there are already two other qualification requirements the seven members must meet.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Sharon Brown, Prime Sponsor; Jan Himebaugh, Building Industry Association of Washington. CON: Bryce Yadon, Futurewise.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.