SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6183

BYSenator McCaslin

Exempting annexation proceedings from the state environmental policy act.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 23, 1990

Majority Report:  Do Pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; Patrick, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Rod McAulay (786-7754); Eugene Green (786-7405)

                  January 23, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, JANUARY 23, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) requires that an environmental impact statement (EIS) be prepared in conjunction with any proposals for legislation and other major actions by state or local governments having a probable significant, adverse environmental impact.

Certain types and categories of legislation and governmental actions have been exempted by statute or regulation from the requirements of SEPA.  Incorporations and consolidations by cities and towns are expressly exempted.  The annexation of all of a city or town by another city or town is exempted.  On the other hand, annexations of unincorporated territory or of a portion of a city or town, actions which are generally of a more modest scope, are not exempt.  It is believed that this is not only an inconsistency in the law, but invites abuses of the SEPA requirements.

SUMMARY:

Annexation of unincorporated territory by a city or town and the annexation of a portion of a city or town by another city or town are exempted from compliance with the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA).

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: David Williams, Association of Washington Cities; Richard Kennedy, Councilman, City of Des Moines; Greg Prothman, City Manager, Des Moines; Ron Hough, Planning Manager, City of Bremerton