NOON SESSION

Senate Chamber, Olympia, Monday, March 21, 2011

The Senate was called to order at 12:00 noon by President Owen. No roll call was taken.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Eide, the reading of the Journal of the previous day was dispensed with and it was approved.

MOTION

There being no objection, the Senate advanced to the first order of business.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

March 18, 2011

SB 5868 Prime Sponsor, Senator Tom: Regarding tuition fees for students with excess credits or prior degrees. Reported by Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Tom, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Hill; Ericksen and Kastama.

MINORITY recommendation: That it be referred without recommendation. Signed by Senators Becker and White.

Passed to Committee on Ways & Means.

March 18, 2011

SHB 1089 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Higher Education: Regarding instructional materials provided in a specialized format. Reported by Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Tom, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Hill; Becker; Ericksen; Kastama; Kilmer and White.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 17, 2011

HB 1106 Prime Sponsor, Representative Takko: Authorizing disposal of property within the Seashore Conservation Area to resolve boundary disputes. Reported by Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Ranker, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Fraser; Hargrove and Swecker.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 18, 2011

HB 1176 Prime Sponsor, Representative Green: Providing licensed midwives online access to health care resources through the University of Washington health sciences library. Reported by Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Tom, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Hill; Becker; Ericksen; Kastama; Kilmer and White.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 18, 2011

HB 1221 Prime Sponsor, Representative Finn: Regarding the rights of certain higher education students involved in military service. Reported by Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Tom, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Hill; Becker; Ericksen; Kastama; Kilmer and White.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 17, 2011

HB 1231 Prime Sponsor, Representative Takko: Limiting liability for making certain land and water areas available for recreational use under a hydroelectric license. Reported by Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Ranker, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Fraser; Hargrove and Swecker.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 17, 2011

SHB 1254 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources: Regarding the institute of forest resources. Reported by Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Ranker, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Fraser; Hargrove and Swecker.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 17, 2011

SHB 1294 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Environment: Establishing the Puget Sound corps. Reported by Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Ranker, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Fraser; Hargrove and Swecker.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 17, 2011

HB 1395 Prime Sponsor, Representative Dunshee: Eliminating expiration dates for the derelict vessel and invasive species removal fee. Reported by Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Ranker, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Fraser; Hargrove and Swecker.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 17, 2011

HB 1413 Prime Sponsor, Representative Blake: Extending the expiration date of the invasive species council and the invasive species council account from December 31, 2011, to June 30, 2017. Reported by Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Ranker, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Fraser; Hargrove and Swecker.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 18, 2011

HB 1424 Prime Sponsor, Representative Jacks: Regarding administrative consistency in student financial aid programs. Reported by Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Tom, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Hill; Becker; Ericksen; Kastama; Kilmer and White.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 18, 2011

HB 1425 Prime Sponsor, Representative Haler: Concerning the higher education coordinating board's responsibilities with regard to health sciences and services authorities. Reported by Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Tom, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Hill; Becker; Ericksen; Kastama; Kilmer and White.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 17, 2011

SHB 1453 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources: Regarding commercial shellfish enforcement. Reported by Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Ranker, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Fraser; Hargrove and Swecker.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 18, 2011

HB 1477 Prime Sponsor, Representative Schmick: Authorizing the board of trustees at Eastern Washington University to offer educational specialist degrees. Reported by Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Tom, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Hill; Becker; Ericksen; Kastama; Kilmer and White.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 17, 2011

HB 1582 Prime Sponsor, Representative Lytton: Concerning forest practices applications leading to conversion of land for development purposes. Reported by Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Ranker, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Fraser; Hargrove and Swecker.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 18, 2011

HB 1586 Prime Sponsor, Representative Seaquist: Regarding the provision of doctorate programs at the research university branch campuses in Washington. Reported by Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Tom, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Hill; Becker; Kastama; Kilmer and White.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 18, 2011

HB 1631 Prime Sponsor, Representative Reykdal: Providing for academic employee salary increments for community and technical colleges. Reported by Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Tom, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Kastama; Kilmer and White.

MINORITY recommendation: Do not pass. Signed by Senators Hill; Becker and Ericksen.

Passed to Committee on Ways & Means.

March 18, 2011

SHB 1650 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Education Appropriations & Oversight: Changing state need grant eligibility provisions. Reported by Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Tom, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Hill; Becker; Ericksen; Kastama; Kilmer and White.

Passed to Committee on Ways & Means.

March 18, 2011

SHB 1663 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Higher Education: Removing the requirement that institutions of higher education purchase from correctional industries. Reported by Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Tom, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Hill; Becker; Ericksen; Kastama; Kilmer and White.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 17, 2011

HB 1698 Prime Sponsor, Representative Lytton: Improving recreational fishing opportunities in Puget Sound and Lake Washington. Reported by Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Ranker, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Fraser; Hargrove and Swecker.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 18, 2011

SHB 1822 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Higher Education: Establishing the first nonprofit online university. Reported by Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Tom, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Hill; Becker; Ericksen; Kastama and Kilmer.

MINORITY recommendation: That it be referred without recommendation. Signed by Senator White.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 18, 2011

ESHB 1846 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Labor & Workforce Development: Creating the aerospace training student loan program. Reported by Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Tom, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Hill; Becker; Ericksen; Kastama; Kilmer and White.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

March 18, 2011

2SHB 1909 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Ways & Means: Promoting innovation at community and technology colleges. Reported by Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Tom, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Hill; Becker; Ericksen; Kastama; Kilmer and White.

Passed to Committee on Ways & Means.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Eide, all measures listed on the Standing Committee report were referred to the committees as designated.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate advanced to the fifth order of business.

INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING

SB 5879 by Senators Chase, King, Schoesler, Hargrove and Conway

AN ACT Relating to studying alternatives to the operation of residential habilitation centers; amending RCW 71A.20.020; and declaring an emergency.

Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Eide, the measure listed on the Introduction and First Reading report was referred to the committee as designated.

MOTION

On motion of Senator Eide, the Senate advanced to the eighth order of business.

MOTION

Senator Litzow moved adoption of the following resolution:

SENATE RESOLUTION

8634

By Senators Litzow, Kastama, Conway, Honeyford, Fain, Baumgartner, Hill, Becker, and Parlette

WHEREAS, Washington State's communities benefit from cultural diversity, cross-cultural dialogue, and the sharing of universal values of love, faith, respect, and equality; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of the State of Washington to welcome all who come to our state, especially those who come in the interest of friendship and commerce; and

WHEREAS, The Washington State and Turkish Constitutions are rooted in the shared principles of democracy, equality, and religious freedom; and

WHEREAS, The Republic of Turkey is the world's fifteenth largest economy and a valued trading partner with the State of Washington, with over three hundred fifty million dollars in products exported to that nation in 2009; and

WHEREAS, Immigrants from the Republic of Turkey and other Turkic nations have contributed to the cultural fabric and economic progress of Washington State, sharing successes in business, science, education, arts, and civic engagement; and

WHEREAS, Turkish citizens and Turkish-Americans take pride in their achievements, and cultural heritage;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize the unique and invaluable contributions made by Turkish people living in the State of Washington; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate celebrate the time honored friendships, cultural, educational, and economic relations between Washingtonians, Turkish-Americans, and the citizens of the Republic of Turkey; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the West America Turkic Council and the Acacia Foundation.

Senators Litzow and McAuliffe spoke in favor of adoption of the resolution.

The President declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 8634.

The motion by Senator Litzow carried and the resolution was adopted by voice vote.

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS

The President welcomed and introduced members of the Turkish-American Chamber of Commerce in Redmond, Aziz Kurt, President, Northwest and Huseyin Smithchi, President of Acacia Foundation in Kent who were seated in the gallery.

MOTION

Senator Fraser moved adoption of the following resolution:

SENATE RESOLUTION

8640

By Senator Fraser

WHEREAS, In this time of economic uncertainty, a safe and secure environment in which to live, work, and raise a family has become an even greater priority; and

WHEREAS, The Farmers Insurance Group of Companies annually ranks communities on the basis of which are the most secure places to live; and

WHEREAS, The rankings took into consideration crime statistics, extreme weather, risk of natural disasters, housing depreciation, foreclosures, air quality, terrorist threats, environmental hazards, life expectancy, and job loss numbers in 379 municipalities; and

WHEREAS, The Olympia area has claimed its distinction as the top city with a population between 150,000 and 500,000 for the third time in four years as the most secure midsize city in America; and

WHEREAS, Olympia's residents and businesses have established Washington's capital city as a major cultural center of the Puget Sound region and as a hub for artists and musicians, with a vibrant downtown, access to outdoor activities, and many employment opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Olympia's top ranking, joining nine other Washington areas with top secure rankings, helps establish Washington State as one of the most safe and secure states in the union for residents to live, raise families, find jobs, and lead long, interesting, and fulfilling lives;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate, on behalf of the people of the State of Washington, recognize the residents, businesses, local government, law enforcement, and public protection agencies of the greater Olympia area for the tremendous achievement of being named the Most Secure Midsize City in the United States of America; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the City of Olympia.

Senator Fraser spoke in favor of adoption of the resolution.

The President declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 8640.

The motion by Senator Fraser carried and the resolution was adopted by voice vote.

MOTION

At 12:09 p.m., on motion of Senator Eide, the Senate adjourned until 12:00 noon, Tuesday, March 22, 2011.

BRAD OWEN, President of the Senate

THOMAS HOEMANN, Secretary of the Senate