SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 678

BYRepresentatives Pruitt, D. Sommers and Wang; by request of Department of Labor and Industries

Revising provisions relating to the right-to-know advisory council.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 23, 1987

Majority Report:     Do pass.

     Signed by Senators Kreidler, Chairman; Rinehart, Vice Chairman; Hansen, Kiskaddon.

Senate Staff:Rick Anderson (786-7717)

                March 24, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON PARKS & ECOLOGY, MARCH 23, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Worker and Community Right to Know Act was established by the Legislature in 1984.  As part of this legislation, a 16- member advisory council was created to assist the Department of Labor and Industries on a wide range of issues.  The act was substantially vetoed by Governor Spellman, thereby reducing the scope of the council's activities.  In 1985, the council's duties were again reduced when the Department of Ecology was given responsibility for the community right-to-know program.

To facilitate administration of the council's activities, the Department of Labor and Industries proposed that the Director chair the council.  The council unanimously supported the Department's proposal.

SUMMARY:

The Director of the Department of Labor and Industries is the nonvoting chair of the worker right-to-know council.  The council shall meet at least semianually at the call of the the Director.

Fiscal Note:    requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Steve Cant, Department of Labor and Industries; Pam Crocker-Davis, Audubon Society