NOON SESSION

Senate Chamber, Olympia, Tuesday, February 21, 2012

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

The Sergeant at Arms Color Guard consisting of Pages Joseph Rossi and Margaret Litzow, presented the Colors.

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

February 20, 2012

ESHB 1627 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Local Government: Limiting the authority of boundary review boards. Reported by Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Pridemore, Chair; Prentice, Vice Chair; Swecker and Nelson.

MINORITY recommendation: Do not pass. Signed by Senator Benton.

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

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

February 20, 2012

SHB 1700 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Transportation: Modifying the requirements related to designing various transportation projects. Reported by Committee on Transportation

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Eide, Vice Chair; Fain; Delvin; Ericksen; Frockt; Hobbs; Litzow; Prentice; Rolfes; Shin and Swecker.

MINORITY recommendation: That it be referred without recommendation. Signed by Senators King and Hill.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

February 20, 2012

HB 1833 Prime Sponsor, Representative Finn: Modifying the frequency of meetings of the motorcycle safety education advisory board. Reported by Committee on Transportation

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Eide, Vice Chair; King; Fain; Delvin; Ericksen; Frockt; Hill; Hobbs; Litzow; Prentice; Rolfes; Shin and Swecker.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

February 20, 2012

SHB 1852 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Local Government: Revising the lien for collection of sewer charges by counties. Reported by Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Pridemore, Chair; Prentice, Vice Chair; Swecker; Chase and Nelson.

MINORITY recommendation: Do not pass. Signed by Senators Benton and Roach.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

February 20, 2012

HB 2138 Prime Sponsor, Representative Ormsby: Establishing national Korean war veterans armistice day. Reported by Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Pridemore, Chair; Prentice, Vice Chair; Swecker; Benton; Chase; Nelson and Roach.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

February 20, 2012

SHB 2181 Prime Sponsor, Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs: Extending the age for service in the Washington state guard. Reported by Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Pridemore, Chair; Prentice, Vice Chair; Swecker; Benton; Chase; Nelson and Roach.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

February 20, 2012

HB 2274 Prime Sponsor, Representative Armstrong: Allowing registered tow truck operators to pass the costs of tolls and ferry fares to the impounded vehicle's registered owner. Reported by Committee on Transportation

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Eide, Vice Chair; King; Fain; Delvin; Ericksen; Frockt; Hill; Litzow; Prentice; Rolfes; Shin and Swecker.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

February 20, 2012

HB 2283 Prime Sponsor, Representative Hunt: Modifying the display requirement for certain parking placards. Reported by Committee on Transportation

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators King; Fain; Delvin; Ericksen; Frockt; Hill; Hobbs; Litzow; Prentice; Rolfes; Shin and Swecker.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

February 20, 2012

SHB 2299 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Transportation: Creating "4-H" special license plates. Reported by Committee on Transportation

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass as amended. Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Eide, Vice Chair; King; Fain; Delvin; Ericksen; Frockt; Hill; Hobbs; Litzow; Prentice; Rolfes and Swecker.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

February 20, 2012

HB 2305 Prime Sponsor, Representative Angel: Changing authority for contracts with community service organizations for public improvements. Reported by Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Pridemore, Chair; Prentice, Vice Chair; Swecker and Nelson.

MINORITY recommendation: Do not pass. Signed by Senator Roach.

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

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

February 20, 2012

ESHB 2330 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Health Care & Wellness: Concerning health plan coverage for the voluntary termination of a pregnancy. Reported by Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Conway, Vice Chair; Frockt; Kline and Pridemore.

MINORITY recommendation: Do not pass. Signed by Senators Becker; Carrell and Parlette.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

February 20, 2012

ESHB 2341 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Health Care & Wellness: Concerning community benefits provided by hospitals. Reported by Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Conway, Vice Chair; Frockt; Kline and Pridemore.

MINORITY recommendation: That it be referred without recommendation. Signed by Senators Becker; Carrell and Parlette.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

February 20, 2012

HB 2400 Prime Sponsor, Representative Hunt: Regarding cost savings and efficiencies in mailing notices of revocation to habitual traffic offenders. Reported by Committee on Transportation

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Fain; Delvin; Ericksen; Frockt; Hill; Hobbs; Litzow; Prentice; Rolfes; Shin and Swecker.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

February 20, 2012

ESHB 2502 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Ways & Means: Modifying exceptions to the compensating tax provisions for removal from forest land classification to more closely parallel open space property tax provisions. Reported by Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Pridemore, Chair; Prentice, Vice Chair; Swecker; Benton; Chase; Nelson and Roach.

Passed to Committee on Ways & Means.

February 20, 2012

HB 2524 Prime Sponsor, Representative Orwall: Concerning military spouses or registered domestic partners occupational licensing status during deployment or placement outside Washington state. Reported by Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Pridemore, Chair; Prentice, Vice Chair; Swecker; Benton; Chase; Nelson and Roach.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

February 20, 2012

HB 2705 Prime Sponsor, Representative Sullivan: Creating the office of legislative support services. Reported by Committee on Ways & Means

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Murray, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Zarelli; Parlette; Brown; Conway; Fraser; Harper; Hatfield; Hewitt; Keiser; Padden; Pridemore; Regala; Schoesler and Tom.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

February 20, 2012

ESHB 2747 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Capital Budget: Modifying the use of funds in the fire service training account. Reported by Committee on Ways & Means

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Murray, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Zarelli; Parlette; Brown; Conway; Fraser; Harper; Hatfield; Hewitt; Holmquist Newbry; Keiser; Padden; Pridemore; Regala; Schoesler and Tom.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

February 20, 2012

SHB 2757 Prime Sponsor, Committee on Ways & Means: Creating accounts for the center for childhood deafness and hearing loss and for the school for the blind. Reported by Committee on Ways & Means

MAJORITY recommendation: Do pass. Signed by Senators Murray, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Zarelli; Parlette; Brown; Conway; Fraser; Harper; Hatfield; Hewitt; Holmquist Newbry; Keiser; Padden; Pridemore; Regala; Schoesler and Tom.

Passed to Committee on Rules for second reading.

MOTION

On motion of Eide, all measures listed on the Standing Committee report were referred to the committees as designated with the exception of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2330 which was referred to the Committee on Ways & Means.

MOTION

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

MOTION

Senator Hargrove moved adoption of the following resolution:

SENATE RESOLUTION
8681

By Senator Hargrove

WHEREAS, Sequim, Washington, located in Clallam County, is the Lavender Capital of North America®; and

WHEREAS, The Sequim Lavender Festival® has been successfully sponsored by the Sequim Lavender Growers Association for the past 15 years; and

WHEREAS, The mission of Sequim Lavender Growers Association is to promote the Sequim-Dungeness Valley as the premier lavender growing region; and

WHEREAS, The Sequim Lavender Growers Association supports sustainable, profitable agriculture in the Sequim-Dungeness Valley by promoting research, education, and market development; and builds a sense of community through individual and collaborative actions; and

WHEREAS, The Sequim Lavender Growers Association is solely produced and managed by the member-growers; and

WHEREAS, The Sequim Lavender Festival will expand its production to include activities and regional attractions for the modern family and visitors of all ages; and

WHEREAS, The Sequim Lavender Festival has focused the attention of visitors to the fields of lavender, lavender farms, and the many lavender products produced in the Sequim Valley and neighboring community; and

WHEREAS, Lavender grown in Sequim, Washington has become an agriculture-focused tourism industry in and of itself, which contributes to both state and local economies by attracting tourists from around the globe;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate commend and support the Sequim Lavender Festival and the Sequim Lavender Growers Association for their work in enhancing the economy of the Sequim-Dungeness Valley and creating a vibrant tourist attraction on the Olympic Peninsula.

Senator Hargrove spoke in favor of adoption of the resolution.

The President declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 8681.

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

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS

The President welcomed and introduced representatives of the Sequim Lavender Festival who were seated in the gallery.

MOTION

Senator Ranker moved adoption of the following resolution:

SENATE RESOLUTION
8684

By Senator Ranker

WHEREAS, Kari Koski, the venerable Director of the Whale Museum's Soundwatch Boater Education Program, who for 18 years has served tirelessly in the support of ocean going residents and visitors of the Puget Sound; and

WHEREAS, The communities of San Juan County have prospered under the care, protection, and professionalism of a lifelong volunteer, resident, neighbor, and friend; and

WHEREAS, Director Koski has dedicated two decades to the promotion and education of safe boating practices on whale inhabited waters, while improving the safety of and respect paid to the endangered marine animals of the Pacific Northwest; and

WHEREAS, Director Koski served in her capacity of educator throughout her years of service to promote responsibility on the water, teaching boaters north and south of the border including recreational boaters, wildlife agencies, students, volunteers, and colleagues, and demonstrating the very ideals of self-sacrifice and environmental stewardship; and

WHEREAS, Being the esteemed recipient of the Master Steward Award, awarded by the San Juan Marine Resource Committee, who recognize the good fortune given them through the service of Director Koski; and

WHEREAS, Her receipt of the award marked only the second time a deserving and invaluable member of the San Juan community has been bestowed such an honor; and

WHEREAS, Her unmatched leadership developed and successfully implemented the Be Whale Wise Guidelines and the Kayakers Code of Conduct to grow a fledgling educational program into the proactive and respected entity it is today; and

WHEREAS, In collaboration with community partners, she facilitated fundraising campaigns to support the Whale Museum and its programs, including local monitoring projects through the San Juan County Marine Stewardship Area and National Wildlife Refuges; and

WHEREAS, Her years of dedicated service have won her the respect and admiration of colleagues and neighbors alike, who recognize the diplomacy, grace, and passion embodied by Kari Koski in her leadership as Program Director;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize and congratulate Kari Koski for her 18 years as Program Director and for her dedication to all inhabitants of the Puget Sound and the State of Washington; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution honoring Director Koski be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Kari Koski and the Whale Museum, the San Juan Islander, the Island Guardian, the Island Sounder, the Journal of the San Juan’s, and the Orcas Issues.

Senator Ranker spoke in favor of adoption of the resolution.

The President declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 8684.

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

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS

The President welcomed and introduced Director Kari Koski who was seated in the gallery.

MOTION

Senator McAuliffe moved adoption of the following resolution:

SENATE RESOLUTION
8689

By Senators McAuliffe, Kohl-Welles, Keiser, Conway, Pridemore, Tom, Kastama, Nelson, Hobbs, Shin, Regala, Fraser, Brown, Eide, Harper, Frockt, Ranker, Rolfes, Chase, Prentice, Kilmer, Litzow, Fain, and Hill

WHEREAS, The arts, including dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, are defined as a core content area in Washington state's definition of basic education, and considered an essential component of the complete education that should be provided for all students; and

WHEREAS, Learning in and through the arts enables students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, imagination and creativity, discipline, alternative ways to communicate and express feelings and ideas, and cross-cultural understanding, which supports academic success across the curriculum, as well as personal growth outside the classroom; and

WHEREAS, Imagination and creativity are increasingly understood as critical capacities needed for success in life in the 21st century and students learn these skills through meaningful learning in the arts; and

WHEREAS, The arts can bring other academic subject to life and that the integration of the arts within the broader academic curriculum, including reading, mathematics, science, and social studies, can enhance student engagement, extend student learning, and deepen student understanding of all the academic content areas; and

WHEREAS, The arts can transform our schools into havens of creativity and exploration, places where students want to learn, teachers want to teach, and all members of the learning community are more engaged and motivated; and

WHEREAS, We applaud the efforts and dedication of educators and advocates around the state, and we call for school and community leaders to continue to broaden and strengthen their arts education focus in order to ensure equity of access to arts learning for all students;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate reaffirm the importance of the arts as an essential part of a complete education for all students; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That May 2012 is recognized as arts education month in Washington state, and all communities are encouraged to celebrate and strengthen the arts in our schools through this special observance.

Senator 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. 8689.

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

MOTION

Senator Hatfield moved adoption of the following resolution:

SENATE RESOLUTION
8691

By Senators Hatfield, Honeyford, Haugen, Delvin, Schoesler, Shin, Becker, and Hobbs

WHEREAS, The 4-H Youth Development Program of Washington State University Extension has assisted the youth of Washington in developing skills that will serve them now and in their future lives; and

WHEREAS, Since 1902, the program has centered on teaching young people to become productive members of society by fostering citizenship, science, math and technology literacy, health and wellness, communication, and decision-making skills; and

WHEREAS, These programs have helped participants learn about a wide variety of subjects, including science, family living, applied arts, and government activism; and

WHEREAS, Nearly 90,000 youth and 6,500 adult volunteers in 1,490 groups make up the ranks of 4-H membership in Washington State; and

WHEREAS, These programs work with traditional community clubs and reach young people through urban groups, special interest groups, nutrition programs, after-school programs, camping, and interagency learning experiences; and

WHEREAS, Through 4-H, 600,000 youths in Washington learn about rural economic development and responsibility; and

WHEREAS, Through 4-H, more than 6.5 million American youths do the same each year; and

WHEREAS, 4-H will continue its dedication to empower young people to become active global citizens and realize the value of taking part in local, regional, state, national, and international community issues; and

WHEREAS, 300 4-H members are in Olympia today as part of the annual "4-H Know Your Government" conference, focusing on the state election process; and

WHEREAS, This conference empowers 4-H members to engage in leadership, citizenship, and life skill development and application; and

WHEREAS, As we face many challenges during the 2012 Legislative Session, we must recognize effective organizations like 4-H and look to their successes;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State Senate recognize the 4-H Youth Development Program for its many contributions to the State of Washington and to the betterment of our communities.

Senators Hatfield, Benton and Eide spoke in favor of adoption of the resolution.

The President declared the question before the Senate to be the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 8691.

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

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS

The President welcomed and introduced members and staff of 4-H who were seated in the gallery.

MOTION

At 12:24 p.m., on motion of Senator Eide, the Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 22, 2012.

BRAD OWEN, President of the Senate

THOMAS HOEMANN, Secretary of the Senate