5262-S

AN ACT Relating to the creation of an ombudsman office for private property rights; adding a new chapter to Title 34 RCW; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature intends to establish an ombudsman for private property rights to advise private property owners of their rights and interests in proceedings involving governmental action. This chapter is not intended to effect the definitions and provisions of initiative to the legislature No. 164.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Constitutional taking" or "taking" means that due to a governmental action or proposed governmental action private property is or will be taken and compensation to the owner of that property is required by either:

(a) The fifth or fourteenth amendment of the Constitution of the United States; or

(b) Article 1, section 16 of the state Constitution.

(2)(a) "Governmental action" or "action" means action by a state agency consisting of:

(i) Proposed rules and emergency rules that if adopted and enforced may limit the use of private property;

(ii) Proposed or implemented licensing or permitting conditions, requirements, or limitations to the use of private property; or

(iii) Required dedications or exactions from owners of private property.

(b) "Governmental action" or "action" does not include:

(i) Activity in which the power of eminent domain is formally exercised;

(ii) Repealing rules to discontinue governmental programs or amending rules in a manner that lessens interference with the use of private property;

(iii) Law enforcement activity involving seizure or forfeiture of private property for violations of law or as evidence in criminal proceedings; or

(iv) Orders that are authorized by statute, that are issued by a state agency or a court of law and that are issued as the result of a violation of state law.

(3) "Private property" means any real or personal property in this state that is protected by either:

(a) The fifth or fourteenth amendment of the Constitution of the United States; or

(b) Article 1, section 16 of the state Constitution.

(4) "Small business" means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, sole proprietorship, or individual operating a business for profit with not more than one hundred employees, including employees employed in any subsidiary or affiliated corporation.

(5) "State agency" means an officer or unit of the executive branch of state government that is authorized by law to adopt rules. "State agency" does not include the legislative or judicial branches of state government.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1) An ombudsman office is established in the office of administrative hearings to represent the interests of private property owners in proceedings involving governmental action.

(2) The chief administrative law judge shall appoint the ombudsman who serves at the pleasure of the chief administrative law judge.

(3) To be appointed as county ombudsman, a person shall be a member of the Washington state bar association, in good standing, and be familiar with the structure and procedures of state government and administrative agencies.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. (1) The ombudsman may:

(a) Research, study, and analyze issues that involve or relate to or that may involve constitutional takings;

(b) Advise private property owners on issues involving or related to constitutional takings;

(c) Employ and terminate employees, or contract for special services, as necessary to implement this chapter, including legal counsel and other professional and administrative staff;

(d) Conduct investigations and inquiries and assemble evidence; and

(e) Decline jurisdiction over any matter that, at the time the complaint is received, is pending for investigation, review, hearing, or disposition before any review board, court, commission, or other body.

(2) The ombudsman shall:

(a) Receive complaints and inquiries from private property owners regarding constitutional takings;

(b) Advise record title owners of residential, noncommercial, small business, and agricultural properties concerning their complaints about alleged constitutional takings;

(d) If the ombudsman determines that a complaint does have merit, act as the complainant's representative in negotiating a settlement of the matter;

(e) If the ombudsman determines that further settlement negotiations would be fruitless, advise the complainant and advise him or her to seek legal counsel;

(f) Allow legal counsel retained by the complainant access to the settlement file compiled on the complainant's behalf; and

(g) Within thirty days after the end of each calendar quarter, submit a report to the governor, president of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives describing the activities and accomplishments of the office.

(3) The ombudsman's office shall record all contacts by private property owners with regard to alleged constitutional takings to determine general concerns of private property owners. The office may advise private property owners of the services available from other governmental and private agencies that may be of further assistance.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. Neither the ombudsman personally, nor the state of Washington has any liability to any person for any claim based on the ombudsman's decisions, actions, or failures to act in his or her official capacity.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. A charge of one dollar is imposed on each transaction filed with the county auditor, which transaction is subject to surcharge under RCW 36.22.170. The county may exempt or modify the charges imposed under this section for categories of instruments specified by ordinance. All moneys collected by a charge imposed under this section shall be dedicated exclusively to pay the costs of salary and operation of the office of the ombudsman.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. This act shall expire July 1, 2000.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. Sections 1 through 7 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 34 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.